A scenic coastal hike along the San’in Kaigan Geopark Trail, from Uradome Coast to Otani Beach, showcasing dramatic cliffs, turquoise waters, ancient rock formations, and quiet seaside towns along Tottori’s Sea of Japan coastline.

Japan isn’t known for deserts, but the Tottori Sand Dunes offer a surprisingly vast and otherworldly landscape. From camel rides to sweeping coastal views, this visit felt unlike anywhere else I’ve been in the country.

Located beside the famous Tottori Sand Dunes, the Sand Museum showcases massive, highly detailed sand sculptures that change every year. This visit offered a fascinating look at the craftsmanship behind an art form that’s far more intricate—and temporary—than it first appears.

Hakuto Shrine in Tottori blends coastal scenery with ancient Japanese mythology, telling the timeless love story of the White Rabbit of Inaba in a serene seaside setting.

An unexpected stop led me to Fukuchiyama Castle, where quiet grounds and lingering stone walls tell the story of one of Japan’s most controversial samurai.

A walkable port city rich in history, Tsuruga offers towering shrine gates, scenic viewpoints, and reminders of its role as Japan’s gateway to the world—all within an easy day trip from Kanazawa.

Towering volcanic cliffs, crashing winter waves, and a peaceful island shrine—exploring Tojinbo and Oshima reveals one of Japan’s most dramatic coastal landscapes.

Maruoka Castle in Fukui is one of Japan’s twelve original castles, known as the “Mist Castle” for its legendary natural defences. Compact, atmospheric, and rich in history, it offers steep staircases, framed views, and a quieter alternative to larger castle sites.

Dining inside a snow hut at Iiyama’s Kamakura Village, enjoying a piping hot noroshi nabe as snow falls outside—one of Nagano’s most memorable winter experiences.

Witness the Yokote Bonden Festival, where intricately decorated staves are judged for design and craftsmanship before being offered to Shinto deities—an engaging and colourful winter tradition in Akita.

An evening walk through the Yokote Kamakura Festival, where candle-lit snow huts, centuries-old traditions, and warm amazake create one of Japan’s most atmospheric winter celebrations.

A rare star-shaped fort in Japan, Goryokaku blends Western military design with a pivotal moment in Japanese history. Visiting in winter offered a quiet, snow-covered perspective of this former battlefield turned public park.

Mount Hakodate’s night view lives up to its reputation—city lights shimmer between sea and sky, creating one of Japan’s most spectacular panoramas. A short ropeway ride, a chill winter breeze, and a “Ten Million Dollar View” make it an unforgettable stop in Hokkaido.

Ride the SL Fuyu-no-Shitsugen steam train through Hokkaido’s snowy wilderness. From spotting red-crowned cranes to tasting Shibecha’s famous dairy, this scenic winter journey is a must for train and nature lovers alike.

A quiet winter journey on the Abashiri–Shiretoko-Shari sightseeing train offers stunning coastal views of Hokkaido’s Sea of Okhotsk and Shiretoko mountains—a serene alternative to drift-ice cruises.

Abashiri is home to the southernmost drift ice in the world. I travelled here to see the famous ice on the Sea of Okhotsk. Sailing through the floating ice at sunset was an unforgettable moment — the orange glow over the frozen sea made it a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

A winter visit to the Asahikawa Winter Festival, featuring massive snow sculptures, ice carvings, giant snow slides, and playful snowmen—an immersive and family-friendly winter experience in Hokkaido.

A winter walk through the 2023 Sapporo Snow Festival, exploring towering snow sculptures in Odori Park and intricately carved ice displays in Susukino, capped off with a warming bowl of ramen in Hokkaido’s winter capital.

Hiroshima Castle offers a quiet, park-like setting in the city centre, providing a reflective pause after visiting Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial sites.

A late afternoon ascent up Mount Misen combines scenic ropeway views, sacred temple sites, and panoramic vistas over Miyajima and the Seto Inland Sea.