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.

Iwakuni Castle pairs a scenic hike up Mt. Shiroyama with sweeping town views, anchored by the iconic five-arched Kintaikyo Bridge below.

Fukuyama Castle sits steps from the train station, offering city views, interactive exhibits, and a rare iron-plated façade that sets it apart from other Japanese castles.

Exploring Okayama Castle, the striking Crow Castle, offers a blend of history, interactive exhibits, and stunning views over the city and Korakuen Garden—perfect for a brief yet enriching stop in Okayama.

Walking through Himeji Castle with a volunteer guide brought centuries of history to life, turning Japan’s most iconic white castle into a deeply personal and unforgettable experience.

Osaka Castle is one of Japan’s most iconic landmarks, but visiting it during peak hours can be overwhelming. While the modern interior struggled under heavy crowds, stepping just outside the main keep revealed quieter viewpoints, scenic moat rides, and expansive park grounds that made the visit worthwhile.

Visiting Nijo Castle after fresh snowfall offered a rare glimpse into the refined world of the Tokugawa shoguns, where nightingale floors, gilded gates, and serene gardens reveal the elegance of Japan’s feudal past.