Japanese Landscapes

Cloudy Forecast? Reserve an E Seat Anyway — Mount Fuji Appeared Above the Clouds

Can you see Mount Fuji from the Shinkansen on a cloudy day? I thought the answer was no, but Mount Fuji appeared above the clouds and stayed in view for quite a while. Here's why I always recommend reserving an E seat.
Japan Travel

58 DINER Kyoto Review: Best Burger in Higashiyama?

Discovered by accident near Miyakomesse, 58 Diner in Kyoto's Higashiyama serves seriously good burgers. A retired Japanese teacher shares her honest review.
Japan Travel

Daiwa Roynet Hotel Osaka Kitahama Review — Perfect Base for Osaka Sightseeing

Station-direct access, an amazing breakfast buffet, and a hidden underground supermarket — here's why Daiwa Roynet Hotel Osaka Kitahama is my top pick for an Osaka base hotel.
Cycling Japan

Ise-Shima Cycling: Izawanomiya Shrine and Matoya Bay by Electric Bicycle

Ride the 25 km Izawanomiya and Matoya Bay cycling course in Ise-Shima by electric bicycle. A practical winter cycling guide covering Izawanomiya Shrine, Matoya Bay Bridge, and route tips from Ugata Station — one of the most rewarding cycling routes in Mie Prefecture.
Cycling Japan

Ise-Shima Cycling: The Hamajima Course — Along the Pacific Coast by Electric Bicycle

Explore Ise-Shima's stunning Pacific coastline by e-bike on the Hamajima Course — a scenic ride through fishing villages, sea views, and fresh seafood stops.
Japan Travel

Shima Kanko Hotel: 75 Years of History on Ago Bay, Kashikojima

Japan's first Western-style resort hotel opened in 1951. Discover the history, architecture, and timeless views of Shima Kanko Hotel — still welcoming guests 75 years on.
Japan Travel

Stayed at Kyukamura NANKI-KATSUURA and Visited Kumano Sanzan (2) – Daimon-zaka, NACHI-SAN

Walk the ancient Kumano Kodo trail at Daimon-zaka, visit Kumano Nachi Taisha shrine, and experience the breathtaking Nachi Falls — a World Heritage route accessible to all ages.
Japan Travel

Stayed at Kyukamura NANKI-KATSUURA and Visited Kumano Sanzan (3) – Kumano Hongu Taisha

If you're planning to visit Kumano Hongu Taisha, one of Japan's most sacred shrines and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, th...
Cycling Japan

Cycling in Japan: New ‘Blue Ticket’ Fines from April 2026 (Rules & Safety Guide)

IMPORTANT 2026 UPDATE: Japan introduces the "Blue Ticket" system for cyclists in April. Learn about the new on-the-spot fines and the 8 core rules every tourist m
World Travel

Seine View vs City View in Paris: My Stay at Novotel Paris Centre Tour Eiffel

Seine River view or city view in Paris? A real stay at Novotel Paris Centre Tour Eiffel, with unexpected discoveries, location tips, and what to choose.