Travel guides and hidden gems in the Kanto region of Japan
Embark on one of Japan’s most iconic drives, the Irohazaka, as it transforms into a serene, snow-covered passage during winter. This guide is for travelers planning an Irohazaka winter drive in Nikko, offering essential tips for a safe and spectacular…
When winter blankets Japan in a layer of pristine snow, the historic town of Nikko in Tochigi Prefecture transforms into a breathtaking wonderland. While many tourists flock here for the autumn colors, a winter visit offers a serene, almost magical…
As evening settles over Ogikubo, a bustling neighborhood in Tokyo’s Suginami ward, a bright yellow awning casts a warm, inviting glow onto the street. This is the home of Temomi Ramen Juhachiban Ogikubo, a beloved local institution that has been…
As the cherry blossom season approaches in Tokyo, many travelers dream of iconic but often crowded spots like Ueno or Yoyogi Park. But what if you could experience breathtaking sakura in a more relaxed, local atmosphere? This guide introduces you…
Kamakura, a coastal city just south of Tokyo, is a treasure trove of temples, shrines, and historical landmarks. Yet, few are as iconic or instantly recognizable as the Great Buddha (鎌倉大仏, Kamakura Daibutsu). Housed at Kotoku-in Temple, this colossal bronze…
As the sun casts long, golden shadows down the main approach, a quiet sense of reverence settles over Tsurugaoka Hachimangu. I made a point to visit early in the morning, a trick I’ve learned to appreciate the scale and serenity…
In the heart of Kawagoe, a town affectionately known as “Little Edo,” lies a Starbucks unlike any other. Steps away from the iconic Toki no Kane (Bell of Time) tower, the Starbucks Coffee Kawagoe Kanetsuki-dori store masterfully blends the world’s…
While Nikko’s Toshogu Shrine is famously known as the grand mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu, a quieter but equally significant shrine lies hidden in the historic city of Kawagoe. The Senba Toshogu Shrine, counted as one of Japan’s three great Toshogu…
Step back in time in Kawagoe, a city affectionately known as “Little Edo,” and discover one of its most precious historical treasures: the Kawagoe Castle Honmaru Goten. As the only surviving palace building of its kind in eastern Japan, this…
Just 30 minutes from the bustle of central Tokyo, the city of Kawagoe in Saitama Prefecture offers a journey back in time. Known affectionately as “Little Edo” (Koedo), its streets preserve the atmosphere of Japan’s feudal past, alongside architectural treasures…