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A Walk in Setagaya: Plum Blossoms and Lucky Cat Temple
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A Walk in Setagaya: Plum Blossoms and Lucky Cat Temple

This walk features two must-visit spots of Setagaya in Tokyo, especially during the plum blossom season from February to March: Hanegi Park, celebrated for its stunning plum blossoms, and Gotokuji Temple, famous as the birthplace of the iconic lucky cat. If you like flowers, fun temples, and lesser-known places, this walk itinerary might be perfect for you!

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Autumn Walk Around Jindai-ji: Discover Tokyoā€™s Hidden Gem for Fall Foliage
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Autumn Walk Around Jindai-ji: Discover Tokyoā€™s Hidden Gem for Fall Foliage

Located in the quiet suburb of Chofu, the area around Jindai-ji is one of my favorite places to visit in autumn in Tokyo. With its ancient temple, small-town charm and beautiful nature, this underrated but wonderful district in western Tokyo is a must-see destination for nature and temple lovers looking for a quiet stroll, especially in autumn. I spent half a day exploring this area and am happy to share with you this guide to Jindai-ji, as well as the route I took to do some momijigari (or leaf hunting).

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A Guide to Goshuin: the Perfect Souvenir for Temple and Shrine Lovers in Japan
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A Guide to Goshuin: the Perfect Souvenir for Temple and Shrine Lovers in Japan

For those who love exploring Japanā€™s temples and shrines, some of the most meaningful souvenirs you can take home are goshuin. Embarking on a goshuin collection as you explore Japanā€™s sacred sites is a fun and rewarding activity, that will give you a beautiful and unique physical memento of your journey in Japan. In this guide, Iā€™ll introduce what goshuin are, where to get them, and why they are the perfect souvenir for Japanese shrine and temple lovers!

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Hidden Tokyo: An Autumn Walk from Todoroki Valley to Futako-Tamagawa
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Hidden Tokyo: An Autumn Walk from Todoroki Valley to Futako-Tamagawa

If you're looking for hidden autumn spots in Tokyo and an off-the-beaten-path walk to admire autumn colors without the crowds in a peaceful, lesser-known neighborhood, this Todoroki walking route might just be for you! This itinerary is more suited to Tokyo residents looking for off-the-beaten-track walks, or to travelers keen to visit Todoroki during the fall season and looking for other things to see in the area.

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Day Trip to Uji from Kyoto: Perfect Itinerary for Temple and Matcha Lovers
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Day Trip to Uji from Kyoto: Perfect Itinerary for Temple and Matcha Lovers

Just a short 30-minute train ride from Kyoto, Uji offers a perfect escape for those looking to immerse themselves in Japanā€™s cultural heritage and indulge in its most iconic teaā€”matcha! Famous for its ancient temples, serene river views, and rich tea culture, Uji is an underrated day out for Japanese history and culture enthusiasts, and should definitely be on the travel bucket list of matcha lovers.

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Nikko Travel Guide: Top Things to Do, Best Itinerary, and Must-See Attractions
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Nikko Travel Guide: Top Things to Do, Best Itinerary, and Must-See Attractions

Nikko is an easily accessible destination from Tokyo, ideal for a weekend or three-day getaway. As well as being home to a major temple complex, Nikko offers many natural wonders. Having visited Nikko four times, I have prepared the following guide to share with you detailed information that I hope will help you make the most of your trip to Nikko!

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Tsurugi, Hakusan ā€“ A Secret Gem and Fun Day Trip From Kanazawa
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Tsurugi, Hakusan ā€“ A Secret Gem and Fun Day Trip From Kanazawa

This Tsurugi area walking itinerary in Hakusan is the ideal day trip from Kanazawa if you are looking for a lesser-known destination during your stay in Ishikawa prefecture. The area around Tsurugi station has a lot to offer: beautiful shrines, sake breweries, an insect museum, mountain gondolas where you can admire the Sea of Japan on sunny days...

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Mitaki-dera, a Hidden Gem in Hiroshima for Temple Lovers
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Mitaki-dera, a Hidden Gem in Hiroshima for Temple Lovers

Having been to Hiroshima three times, I was keen to discover some lesser-known places around Hiroshima and decided to visit Mitaki-dera. Particularly beautiful in autumn and spring, this atmospheric temple nestling on the forested slopes of Mount Mitaki is an ideal nature getaway from Hiroshima. I spent a couple of hours exploring Mitaki-dera and was deeply touched by the serenity and beauty of this place.

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Nokogiriyama: a Unique Hike Near Tokyo
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Nokogiriyama: a Unique Hike Near Tokyo

Another day trip from Tokyo that should be of particular interest to hiking enthusiasts is Nokogiriyama in Chiba Prefecture. It concentrates many things to see and do: a ferry crossing of Tokyo Bay, a nature hike, beautiful views, a dose of culture and history, the largest Buddha statue in Japan and a ropeway.

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Hi, Iā€™m Sarah! I hope you enjoy reading my blog.