Travel guides and hidden gems in the Kanto region of Japan
Every March, the historic Jindaiji Temple in Chofu, Tokyo, comes alive with a vibrant sea of red for the Jindaiji Daruma Ichi 2026. As one of Japan’s three largest daruma markets, this bustling festival attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors…
Shichirigahama, a coastal neighborhood in Kamakura, is not just for beach strolls and anime pilgrimages. For photographers, it offers some of the most breathtaking and distinctly Japanese views of Mt. Fuji. When the air is clear, especially during the cooler…
For fans of the iconic 90s anime Slam Dunk, the image is instantly recognizable: a small railway crossing, the green and yellow Enoden train gliding past, and the sparkling Shonan coast in the background. This is the Kamakura Koko-mae crossing,…
As the first golden light spills over Sagami Bay, the silhouette of Enoshima Island sharpens against an orange sky. Early morning surfers are already carving lines into the gentle waves, and the air is crisp with the scent of the…
Published: February 8, 2026 Dreaming of seeing cherry blossoms in Japan but visiting before the main season in April? You’re in luck. Just an hour south of Tokyo, the Miura Kaigan Cherry Blossom Festival offers a spectacular preview of spring,…
A tranquil escape for soba lovers and their furry friends, Suzume no Oyado offers a taste of tradition in the heart of Jindaiji, Tokyo. Nestled beside the historic Jindaiji Temple in Chofu, Tokyo, lies a charming soba restaurant that feels…
Escape the crowds and discover one of Japan’s most breathtaking spring scenes. The Matsuda Cherry Blossom Festival in Kanagawa offers a rare combination: the nation’s earliest blooming Kawazu cherry trees set against the iconic backdrop of a snow-capped Mount Fuji.…
In the chic district of Minami-Aoyama, where high fashion meets sophisticated design, lies a unique destination that blends nature and Nordic aesthetics: Nicolai Bergmann NOMU. This stunning flower cafe, produced by the world-renowned Danish floral artist Nicolai Bergmann, is more…
Quick Facts: 2026 Cherry Blossom Season Here are the key takeaways from the first 2026 forecast. FeatureDetailsFirst Expected BloomTokyo, around March 21, 2026Peak Season (Honshu)Late March to Early AprilHokkaido ArrivalLate April (Hakodate: April 23)Overall TrendAverage to slightly early bloom in…
If you’re a seafood lover looking for an authentic Japanese market experience near Tokyo, the Nakaminato Fish Market in Ibaraki Prefecture is an absolute must-visit. Especially vibrant in winter, this bustling portside market offers some of the freshest seafood you…