Planning a visit to Umaji, a tiny mountain village famous for its yuzu? Here’s what to know about getting there, where to stay, what to see and do, and when to visit, whether it’s your main destination or a stop on a wider Shikoku trip.
My Mini-Guide to Umaji Village, Japan’s Tiniest Yuzu Town Read More »
Thinking of adding rural Japan to your itinerary? Some destinations make easy day trips from major cities, while others require overnight stays or even a rental car. Here’s how to find the version of inaka that fits your travel style.
The 3 Levels of Rural Japan Travel (And Which One Fits You) Read More »
From early train cutoffs to cash-only buses and disappearing internet signals, these are the 15 travel lessons about traveling through the Japanese countryside I learned (so you don’t have to make my same mistakes.)
15 Rural Japan Travel Tips That Have Saved Me Stress, Time & Money Read More »
Internet in Tokyo is easy. Internet in rural Japan? Not always. Here’s an honest comparison of eSIM vs pocket Wi-Fi for rural Japan, plus what to expect when signal disappears in the countryside.
eSIM vs Pocket Wi-Fi for Rural Japan: Which Works in the Countryside? Read More »
If you’re dreaming of the Japan most tourists never see—quiet train stations, hidden onsen towns, and mountain roads that lead to nowhere (in the best way)—this guide is for you.
My Guide to Rural Japan Travel (Made by Someone Who Lives Here) Read More »
From mid-century modern furniture to salvaged traditional windows, these are the best antique shops to visit in Shikoku, Japan.
My Favorite Antique Shops on Shikoku, Japan Read More »
From cedar logging to organic yuzu, this is Umaji’s story of rural reinvention in Japan’s remote mountains.
How Umaji Became Japan’s Most Famous Organic Yuzu Village Read More »
Dive into the wonderfully kitschy and nostalgic world of Japan’s Showa-era theme parks and museums!
Retro Lover’s Ultimate Guide: The Showa-Era Museums in Japan You Need to See Read More »
Plus cherry blossoms, sake breweries, and other places to check out in this charming town.
Sakawa, the Perfect Day Trip from Kochi City Read More »
Catch a glimpse of that dramatic cedar roof, and it may easily inspire you to book your own traditional Japanese folk house.
We Rented a 150-year-old Traditional Japanese House on Airbnb in Japan Read More »
A spontaneous stop during our first trip to Japan turned into the most magical onsen experience we’ve ever had — and years later, it drew us back again, this time for Christmas.
Kurokawa Onsen, A Guide to Our Favorite Traditional Hot Spring Village in Japan Read More »
Plan your trip to Miyazaki Prefecture with this personal 3-day itinerary covering Aoshima Island, Udo-Jingu, Obi Castle Town, Cape Toi’s wild horses, and the divine Takachiho Gorge!
An Unforgettable 3-Day Itinerary through Miyazaki Read More »
Here is where I enjoyed a delightful vegan curry and coffee deep in the mountains of Oita Prefecture, Japan.
Into the Mountains of Nakatsu, Oita, for Vegan Curry and Coffee Read More »
Step into 1960s Japan at Showa no Machi in Oita. Explore preserved Showa-era streets, old businesses, lanterns, retro museums, and Showa Roman Gura.
Showa no Machi: A 1960s Street in Rural Japan Read More »
This tiny village has maintained a 300-year vow to reject modern machinery, letting water-powered hammers and family legacy to define its craft identity.
Ontayaki, One of Japan’s Most Charming Pottery Village Read More »
On a Saturday morning, we head to a cafe called Fukamido (深見堂) after being invited to their opening the previous night at an English conversation meet-up. Our ears perk up when they mention coffee, and we don’t want to miss the opportunity to try out good cafes. It’s pouring out, a
Fukamido: A Cafe & Restaurant in a 120-Year-Old Japanese House Read More »
… and a couple of very sweaty Canadians experiencing Japan’s summer heat.
Taking an Epic Summer Hike up Kunisaki’s Futago-ji Buddhist Temple Read More »