Hello and welcome!
I’m a woman in my early 60s who recently retired from teaching—and jumped into a brand-new chapter of life as a blogger. I’ve always loved traveling and cycling, and now, I’m especially excited about sharing Japan’s hidden gems and local stories with visitors from around the world.
“Today is the youngest you’ll ever be.”
That’s why I keep trying new things, one step at a time.
🌎 Who I Am
For nearly 30 years, I worked as a geography teacher at a junior and senior high school. Education was more than a job to me—it was a calling.
I also coordinated various international programs, including homestay exchanges and study tours to the United States 🇺🇸, the Philippines 🇵🇭, Taiwan 🇹🇼, and New Zealand 🇳🇿.
Watching students grow through unfamiliar experiences inspired me to do the same—to step out of my own comfort zone and embrace the wider world.
🚲 What I Love
This blog is where I share the stories, discoveries, and practical tips that have enriched my life—through travel, cycling, and everyday adventures.
- Travel essentials that truly made a difference
- Hidden gems and must-see destinations
- Cycling adventures around Japan and abroad
- Tips for Expo 2025 and the Kansai region
I hope my experiences help you explore the world with a little more comfort, curiosity, and joy.
Why the name “+81geo”?
“+81” is Japan’s international calling code. It represents my desire to connect you directly to the real Japan.
“geo” stands for Geography. As a former geography teacher, I don’t just show you the sights—I explain the fascinating stories, terrain, and history behind them.
I look forward to sharing these discoveries with you.
💐 Why “Lupinus”?
My pen name “Lupinus” comes from a children’s book I read while raising my kids: “Miss Rumphius” by Barbara Cooney. The main character plants lupines everywhere she goes, making the world more beautiful.
Inspired by this, I dreamed of visiting Lake Tekapo in New Zealand, famous for its wild lupines. In 2017, I finally went—but when I arrived, the flowers had already faded.
Just when I was losing hope, our guide took me to a quiet field where the lupines were still blooming—a moment I’ll never forget. I was told it might have been the last season for those flowers, as the caretaker had passed away.
It felt like a small miracle. I was truly grateful to be there at just the right time.
Since then, “Lupinus” has become my pen name—a reminder to live like Miss Rumphius and spread beauty wherever I go.
🌸 A Final Note
Thank you so much for visiting my blog.
If something here inspires your next trip, helps solve a little problem, or simply makes you smile—then I’m happy.
Happy travels! 🌿
– Lupinus