Exploring Japan one destination at a time
Cherry blossoms and drinking have been connected for over a thousand years. The 10th-century poet Ki no Tomonori famously wrote: “If there were no cherry blossoms in this world, the heart of spring would be at peace.“ But here we are, centuries later, still sitting under sakura trees with a cold drink in hand, watching … Read more
At first glance, hanami looks like glorious, beautiful chaos. Hundreds of people crammed under cherry blossom trees, food and drinks everywhere, kids running around, music playing, petals drifting onto everything. It feels like anything goes. But spend enough time at a hanami (cherry blossom party) and you’ll realise there’s a whole set of unspoken rules … Read more
Some of my favourite hanami memories have involved zero planning, a nearby konbini, and a patch of grass under a sakura tree. No fancy bento boxes. No Pinterest-worthy picnic spreads. Just cheap but good food, cold drinks, and cherry blossoms doing their thing overhead. Japan’s big three convenience stores; 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Lawson are genuinely … Read more
Cherry blossom season 2026 has swept through most of Japan faster than many expected. As of today, virtually everything from Tokyo south through Kansai and Tohoku has already peaked. The Mt Fuji area is the last spot at peak bloom right now, with Aomori, Hakodate, and Sapporo still to come later this month. Based on … Read more
Tonight at our place, we’ll be eating uncut sushi rolls without speaking, then throwing beans at whoever draws the short straw to wear the oni mask. Just another regular day in a house that celebrates Japanese traditions. Welcome to Setsubun – one of Japan’s quirkier festivals that perfectly combines ancient superstition with an excuse to … Read more
I was scrolling through Reddit the other day and saw someone asking if Tokyo’s restaurants, shops, and trains are “over-heated” in winter. Their mate had just come back from Tokyo in early January and reckoned he was walking around in just a shirt because everywhere indoors was absolutely roasting. As someone who’s currently spending winter … Read more
🌡️ UPDATE: February 27, 2026 – The Honest Reality Eleven days on from my last update, and I need to be straight with you: snow conditions have deteriorated significantly across Japan. The warm spell I warned about in mid-February? It arrived with a vengeance. We’ve had double-digit temperatures in Yuzawa, Hakuba, and Nozawa Onsen last … Read more
I’ll never forget the look on my son’s face when he touched snow for the first time in Hakuba. It was late March 2025, a beautiful sunny day as we stood outside our hotel. He reached out, felt the cold on his little hands, and his eyes went wide with pure wonder. That moment alone … Read more
Looking for the best places to see snow in Japan? You’re in for a treat. Japan gets absolutely hammered with snow – we’re talking 10-15 metres per season in many areas, creating some of the world’s best powder skiing and most stunning winter landscapes. From riding the lifts in Hakuba, to soaking in outdoor hot … Read more
Quick Answer Yes. Tourists should absolutely get a Suica or PASMO card because it makes trains, subways, and buses simple to use. It also works for vending machines, convenience stores, and lockers, which saves time every day. Either card works exactly the same way across Japan. Short on Time? Read This Quick summary for busy … Read more