When visiting Tokyo independently, don’t miss the chance to enjoy world-class contemporary art in addition to shopping and food. Located in the Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, the Mori Art Museum regularly hosts major exhibitions by internationally renowned artists and combines art with spectacular high-rise views, letting you enjoy both creativity and the city skyline in one visit.
Month: August 2026
[Hakone Shrine]Must-See Peace Torii on the Water! Over 1,000 Years of History, a Famous Power Spot, and Must-Buy Omamori Charms
Hakone Shrine is famous for its Peace Torii standing over the water, a photogenic landmark that has taken over Instagram feeds. The shrine enshrines the Hakone Okami deities and is one of the most popular power spots on a Hakone day trip.
13 Must-Buy Souvenirs from Aomori: Apple Pie, Garlic Rice Crackers, and Nebuta Goldfish Yokan
Here are 13 must-buy Aomori souvenirs! From popular apple pies and creative apple snacks to chocolate Nanbu crackers and garlic rice crackers, this list brings together some of Aomori’s best souvenirs. Discover must-buy local apples, scallops, and premium rice, and get ready to shop and snack to your heart’s content!
[2026 Hokkaido Food Guide]Must-Try Hokkaido Foods: Best Eats in Sapporo, Hakodate, and Otaru
When traveling in Hokkaido, there is much more to enjoy than its breathtaking natural scenery. The region is also packed with endless local delicacies. We even made special trips to highly rated popular restaurants and small local eateries. In this guide, I will share our recommended Hokkaido foods, including our genuine impressions and practical information from places we personally visited.
Goshikinuma Guide: Transportation, Urabandai Nature Trail Hiking Guide, and Seasonal Highlights
Hidden in Urabandai, Fukushima Prefecture, is the mysterious group of lakes and ponds known as “Goshikinuma.” Influenced by volcanic activity and minerals in the water, the surfaces of the ponds display ever-changing shades such as cobalt blue and emerald green, as if you had stepped into a natural color palette. Goshikinuma received one star in the Michelin Green Guide in 2016 and is one of the most iconic natural scenic spots in Japan’s Tohoku region.
Owakudani Guide: Explore a 3,000-Year-Old Volcanic Valley, Ride the Ropeway, Try the Famous Black Eggs, and Enjoy Stunning Views of Mount Fuji
Hakone Owakudani is a volcanic landscape where steam continues to rise from the earth to this day, making it one of Hakone’s most iconic natural attractions. Ride the Hakone Ropeway to look down over the volcanic terrain, then try the famous local “black eggs.” This guide covers transportation to Owakudani, the ropeway, and nearby attractions, helping you quickly understand the essential information before your visit.
[Senso-ji Temple]Worship Guide, Transportation, and Nakamise Shopping Street Food Map
For an independent trip to Tokyo, I highly recommend the conveniently located Senso-ji Temple! On this Asakusa day trip, we got up especially early and quickly managed to photograph the iconic giant lantern at Kaminarimon Gate while experiencing the atmosphere of the Edo period.
Mother Farm Guide: Sheep Shows, Ziplining, and Up-Close Animal Encounters
If you are planning an independent trip to Tokyo and want your children to interact closely with animals while enjoying nature, Mother Farm in neighboring Chiba Prefecture is highly recommended! This article summarizes the transportation options and main attractions at Mother Farm. Keep reading to find out more!
[2026 Sapporo Nijo Market Food Guide]Must-Try Foods and Souvenirs: King Crab, Seafood Bowls, Melons, Transportation, and Map
When traveling independently in Hokkaido, tasting fresh seafood is a must. The most famous markets include Sapporo Nijo Market, Hakodate Morning Market, and Otaru Sankaku Market. We visited Nijo Market in central Sapporo and put together this detailed food guide, including our dining experience, transportation information, and nearby attractions. Recommended foods at Nijo Market include the popular seafood bowls at Oiso, as well as must-try Hokkaido corn, melon soft-serve ice cream, and must-buy dried scallop products. Keep reading if you are ready to eat!
[Sendai Travel Guide]2026 Independent Travel Guide to Attractions, Transportation, Accommodation, and Food in Sendai, Japan
Sendai, located in Miyagi Prefecture in Japan’s Tohoku region, is one of the liveliest cities in northeastern Japan. Compared with other destinations in Tohoku, transportation in Sendai is relatively simple, making it an excellent destination for independent travel. Sendai has been the largest city in the Tohoku region since the era when the famous Sengoku-period warlord Date Masamune ruled the Sendai Domain. If you want to travel beyond Tokyo and explore another city while still enjoying plenty of shopping, Sendai is an excellent choice.