The full Japan’s Next Top 100 Castles list, sorted by prefecture and visit progress. See which castles I’ve visited and access related blog posts.

A complete Japan’s Top 100 Castles list, organized by prefecture and visit status. Track my progress and find links to blog posts for each castle I’ve visited.

A complete 6-day Kumano Kodo Nakahechi route guide, detailing each stage with distances, elevation, accommodation, and an interactive map for pilgrims.

A complete 10-day Camino Portugués Coastal route overview, including daily distances, elevation, accommodation, and an interactive map of each stage.

A complete Camino Finisterre & Muxía route guide, including daily distances, elevation, accommodation, and interactive maps for each stage from Santiago to Finisterre, plus the optional Muxía extension.

A complete 33-day Camino Francés route overview, covering each day’s distances, elevation, accommodation, and an interactive stage map to guide pilgrims along the way.

Track my journey through all 88 temples of the Shikoku Henro pilgrimage. Explore temple details, locations, and insights from my personal visits.

Explore the historic Yamanobe no Michi Trail in Nara, Japan — said to be the country’s oldest recorded road. This 16 km hike takes you through peaceful countryside, ancient temples, Shinto shrines, and quiet villages, offering a unique glimpse into Japan’s history and rural life.

Experience the annual Wakakusa Yamayaki Festival in Nara, Japan, where Mount Wakakusa is set ablaze in a breathtaking fire ritual. Explore temple grounds, local streets, and witness one of Japan’s most spectacular winter events.

A demanding day on the Shikoku Pilgrimage—starting from Konzoji and ending at Iyadaniji. From quiet temples and rabbit statues to steep climbs and cliffside legends, this route through Kagawa captures the heart of both nature and faith in Shikoku.

A peaceful yet rugged section of the Shikoku Henro Pilgrimage through Kagawa, visiting Negoroji, Shiromine, and Tennoji Temples. From forested mountain paths to local legends and quiet moments of reflection, this route blends history, faith, and the kindness of strangers along the trail.

A scenic and spiritual start to my Shikoku Henro journey—climbing Mt. Yashima from Takamatsu to visit Yashima Temple. With its mountain legends, Genpei War history, and views over the Seto Inland Sea, this short pilgrimage walk was both challenging and unforgettable.

Ritsurin Koen in Takamatsu is a stunning Edo-period garden known for its ponds, teahouses, and views of Mt. Shiun. Even in winter, its calm beauty shines through. I explored its vast grounds, collected stamps, watched koi and ducks by the pond, and ended the visit with a small souvenir and a peaceful meal nearby.

Just behind Tokushima Station, the Tokushima Castle Ruins offer panoramic city views and a peaceful walk through historic grounds. I followed an unmarked trail to the hilltop, explored the ruins, and visited the Omotegoten Garden below — a National Historic Site since 1957 — before catching my train.

Mt. Sengen in Hakone offers a mix of nature and history, from cedar-lined trails and small waterfalls to castle ruins and the Old Hakone Path. I explored multiple trails, including Chisuji and Hiryu Falls, before descending to Motohakone with views of Lake Ashi. A perfect day hike for nature lovers and history enthusiasts.

Mount Oyama is one of Kanagawa’s most sacred peaks, blending hiking and history. I started from Kawasaki, climbing via the Women’s Trail to the summit and descending toward Hinata Yakushi. The route offered a mix of crowded shrines, quiet forest paths, and panoramic views—an ideal blend of culture and nature.

A relaxing day trip from Hanno to Nagatoro, blending cultural stops at Chichibu and Hodosan Shrines with a scenic hike up Mount Hodo and the Nagatoro Alps Trail.

What began as a quick visit to the Michinoku Coastal Trail Center turned into a reflective winter walk through Natori’s quiet farmlands and coastline. This stretch of the trail, shaped by the 2011 tsunami, offers a humbling glimpse into nature’s recovery and the strength of the communities that rebuilt along its path.

This stretch of the Michinoku Coastal Trail follows the breathtaking Goishi Coast, where rugged cliffs and black “go” stones meet quiet fishing villages. Beyond its beauty, the trail tells a deeper story of resilience—walking here is both a scenic journey and a reminder of nature and community healing after the 2011 tsunami.

To kick off the new year, I hiked from Kesennuma to Oshima Island along the Michinoku Coastal Trail. The walk followed quiet coastal roads and crossed the impressive Kesennuma–Oshima Ohashi Bridge—a powerful symbol of the region’s recovery after the 2011 tsunami. Despite strong winds and a limited New Year’s schedule, it was a memorable start to the year surrounded by sea views and quiet resilience.