February 22, 2021 When you think you of Japanese flowers, sakura (cherry blossoms) are probably what comes to mind. However, after living in Japan for nearly 2 years we’ve come to learn that Japan has different famous flowers for every season and winter is no different. The plum blossoms are famous for blooming at the end of … More Yushima Tenjin Shrine – Plum Blossoms

8th November, 2020 As winter drew nearer, we were running out of hiking weekends, so for Georgia’s birthday weekend she decided she wanted to do a hike we’d been meaning to do for a while, Lake Chuzenji. We’d been to Lake Chuzenji twice already and done a few short walking trails but we wanted to … More Hiking Lake Chuzenji, Japan

There is something distinct to look forward to in every season in Japan. As a country with such defined seasons (and sub-seasons – rainy season we’re looking at you) there are events in every part of the year to eagerly anticipate, and winter is no exception. As an antidote to the long nights and cold … More Visiting Tokyo’s Amusement Park Winter Illuminations

The air is salty and fresh and the breeze ruffles your hair; sure signs that you’re in Yokohama. Yokohama is Japan’s second largest city and was one of Japan’s first foreign trade ports. Today, Yokohama is a thriving, modern city with a beautiful seaside port and is a perfect day trip escape from the busy … More Guide: A Day in Yokohama

As the cooler weather has begun to roll in we were keen to fit in a few more hikes before it starts to snow on the mountains. In searching for new hikes close to Tokyo we came across a few in Gunma Prefecture that we were keen to do so we booked a hotel, a … More Hiking Mt. Shibutsu 至仏山 in Oze National Park 尾瀬

20th – 22nd August Day 1 After getting back from Hokkaido we were keen to fit in one more little trip before Maddy had to return to work on Sunday. We decided on Nikko as it’s only 2 hours drive from Tokyo and is a must-visit historical spot in Japan. Maddy had visited Nikko in … More Shrines, Kayaks and Edo in Nikko 日光

At 8:15am, August 6th, 1945, a US B-29 Bomber dropped the world’s first atomic bomb on Hiroshima, killing an estimated 80,000 people on impact and completely devastating the city. A further estimated 50,000 people would die over the days, weeks and years to come due to radiation exposure. When you arrive in Hiroshima, the first … More Hiroshima: A city recovered from war

After having our international driver’s licences for over a year, they have now expired and in Japan that means that you either apply for a Japanese licence or you don’t drive. In most countries you can’t renew your international licence after one year and have to get your local licence instead. As we had summer … More Getting our Japanese Driver’s Licences

With the state of emergency being lifted countrywide, it was time to finally leave the city and head out hiking again for the first time in 6 months. Thankfully, Tokyo prefecture has a number of mountains to visit that are only a day trip away. Having visited Mt. Mitake (mee-tar-kay) before in rather unfavourable weather, … More Mt. Mitake 御岳山 – Mt. Hinode 日の出山