47 prefectures

Try hands-on Japanese crafts near Tokyo, Kamakura and Yokohama — hanko carving, silver jewelry making, koto music and more, with English support.

Escape Tokyo for a day in Mitake Valley — riverside trails, forest shrines and a hike up Mount Mitake, all within easy reach of the city.

Discover Hinohara, Chihaya Akasaka and Asuka — three quiet countryside villages near Tokyo, Osaka and Nara, far from the usual tourist trail.

Izu Oshima is the closest island to Tokyo — volcanic landscapes, turquoise beaches, snorkeling and scenic hikes, all a short ferry ride away.

A peaceful day trip from Tokyo — cherry blossoms and shibazakura in season, plus hidden temples, limestone caves and a scenic river in Nagatoro.

Plan a 2-day car-free escape from Tokyo to Izu in Shizuoka Prefecture. Stay at SANU 2nd Home Izu 1st with private ocean-view onsen, pet-friendly rooms, and easy train access.

Try hands-on Japanese crafts near Tokyo, Kamakura and Yokohama — hanko carving, silver jewelry making, koto music and more, with English support.

This park in Nagano Prefecture provides a serene introduction to Japan’s natural beauty. It's ideal for hiking enthusiasts and those seeking breathtaking autumn scenery.

Escape from Tokyo to Nagano’s mountains for an easy day hike with wide-open views — ideal for beginners looking for a true alpine experience.

Okunoshima is famous for hundreds of rabbits, but behind the peaceful sea views is a wartime history many visitors miss. Here’s how to visit with curiosity, care, and a little more time.

A travel guide to Hiroshima and Nagasaki — memorials, museums and historic sites that tell the story of Japan's peace cities today.

My 3 favorite, lesser-known places around Hiroshima Prefecture: the historic port town of Tomonoura, scenic Bandai-ji Temple, and the charming cycling town of Onomichi.

In Hiroshima Prefecture there is a historic inn designed by Hayao Miyazaki. Discover this unique 220-year-old ryokan overlooking the Seto Inland Sea.

A travel guide to Hiroshima and Nagasaki — memorials, museums and historic sites that tell the story of Japan's peace cities today.

Discover Hinohara, Chihaya Akasaka and Asuka — three quiet countryside villages near Tokyo, Osaka and Nara, far from the usual tourist trail.

This guide introduces five quieter day trips and overnight escapes from Osaka, including craft towns, historic streets, folklore spots, cycling routes, and a retro onsen town.

In this travel guide I show you Oku Yamato in Nara Prefecture — a region of quiet towns like Asuka, Yoshino and Dorogawa where history, hot springs and mountain culture reveal rural Japan.

Discover Hinohara, Chihaya Akasaka and Asuka — three quiet countryside villages near Tokyo, Osaka and Nara, far from the usual tourist trail.

This quirky amusement park in Ibaraki Prefecture is easily accessible from Tokyo. It’s known for its giant toad statues and nostalgic atmosphere.

Follow my steps into an ancient center of mountain worship, Buddhist devotion, and pilgrimage routes that have remained largely unchanged for over a millennium.

Explore Oita Prefecture's legendary onsen towns — Beppu, Yufuin and Hita — for hot springs, Edo-period streets and a slower side of Kyushu.

Visit a 100-hectare sanctuary for retired racehorses in the Kirishima highlands, combining conservation, ethical tourism, and unforgettable countryside experiences.

Swim in the Shimanto River, browse retro cafés and cruise the water on a trip to Shimanto, Kochi — one of Japan's most unspoiled regions.

A 2-day Fukui itinerary using the Have Fun in FUKUI Pass — local soba, relaxing onsen, traditional crafts and hidden scenic spots.

SANU’s eco-friendly cabin retreat by Lake Yamanaka is just a direct bus ride from Tokyo. Mt. Fuji views, forest walks, local food, and lakeside sauna, all without needing a car.

This guide introduces five quieter day trips and overnight escapes from Osaka, including craft towns, historic streets, folklore spots, cycling routes, and a retro onsen town.

Try hands-on Japanese crafts near Kyoto and Osaka — pottery, washi paper making, kawara tiles and blacksmithing, all an easy day trip away.

Step inside tamaki niime — a working textile studio in Nishiwaki. Meet local artisans, and create your own one-of-a-kind piece using traditional weaving craft.

This 2-day Ube and Sanyo-Onoda itinerary from Shin-Yamaguchi covers public art, retro cafés, glassmaking, and one of Japan’s most beautiful seaside sunsets.

From Edo-era streets to castle ruins and unique coffee spots, Tsuyama offers a slower, more authentic side of Okayama with one of the region’s most beautiful cherry blossom spots.

Plan a 1-day walking route in Ehime Prefecture, from historic temples and quiet neighborhoods to Dogo Onsen and a sunset by the Seto Inland Sea.

Discover hidden gems nestled along the Hijikawa River in Ehime, including a rebuilt sake brewery, Bunraku puppet theatre, ukiyo-e printing, and historic wagashi shops.

A scenic 3-day train journey through Ehime Prefecture, featuring historic towns, local traditions, and stunning rural landscapes — all without a car or strict schedule.

Discover quiet cycling routes with stunning coastal views, and off-the-beaten-path adventures — it’s the perfect escape for cyclists seeking culture, nature, and local flavors.

Embark on an enchanting journey to Ozu City in Ehime Prefecture with its rich history, centuries-old samurai residences, and historic lodgings transformed into accessible hotels.