Okay, so I have not been to all prefectures but I have been to around 30 and out of all of them, Wakayama is the one I consistently return to cause it feels like there is so many more things to explore. Whether it is mountains, beaches or onsens…Wakayama has everything! What is your favorite underrated prefecture?
I have visited Fujiyoshida several times over the years. Last time I was there, I was shocked to see the crowds. The steps to the top were filled with people. It made me remember my first time visiting, which was over 6 years ago when it was only me and one grandpa climbing the stairs and the top only had two photographers there taking pics of Mt. Fuji. I don’t know if I was just lucky and came on a day with no tourists but having the place to myself was honestly a bliss. Even the viral konbini Fuji place nearby had no one there haha.
Hi there, I have a weekend in Eastbourne planned with my family (they are visiting for the first time) and was hoping to spend it by the beach and possibly swimming in the sea but from what I have seen on the internet, the water temperature is still super cold. So my question is, is a weekend in Eastbourne still worth it or should I choose another place maybe like Oxford or Cambridge to show them?
A few years ago, I really really wanted to experience an island holiday in Japan but didn’t have time to travel all the way to the south, so I visited Niijima Island instead. Took about 3 hours by jet ferry. The island seemed super empty and there isn’t “much to do” but omg this was a paradise. The beach, the sea, the sunsets were so unreal! And food? Omg the food, I am still chasing the taste of the mackerel I tried at a local restaurant. Would you visit?
I know summer gets a bad rep in Japan as it is so hot and humid but it is my absolute favorite season! Just thinking of all the summer festivals to enjoy, the fireworks, river and the seaside. Every season has sth interesting but summer definitely takes the first spot for me!
A few years back, I spent a weekend at a lovely farm in Akita’s countryside. It was such a great experience because I got to spend time with locals and explored areas where most people don’t even think of going. I am a fan of off the beaten path locations in Japan but it always makes me sad when I see genuinely nice places kind of withering away from undertourism. I often wonder what Japan could do to attract more visitors and spread tourism more evenly. I always felt not enough of marketing efforts are being put into promoting the countryside and transportation were the biggest challenges. What do you all think?
Now don’t get me wrong, there are amazing places in the area but just the whole Torii on the lake with an hour long wait just for the pic, the pirate ships are just not it! Also, why is it so hard to find a good restaurant there?! I end up eating at the konbini each time I visit. One place I do LOVE though is this cute tea house called Amazake Chaya. They make amazake based on a 400 year old family recipe. The owner is the 13th in line and unfortunately has no successor. If you go to Hakone, skip the picture line at the lake and come here!
Gujo Hachiman in Gifu prefecture is the most beautiful town I have ever seen! Was a pain to get there but so worth it!!!