Browsed by
Author: Taylor Ikemiya

Places for Autumn Leaves in Japan

Places for Autumn Leaves in Japan

Looking for some amazing fall colors while visiting Japan? Depending on what part of the country you’re in, the leaves will change color during different times of the season. This can make it tricky to plan some foliage spotting, but it is definitely worth the time and planning. Northern Japan is probably the best part of the country to witness the autumn leaves’ vibrant colors due to its numerous locations. Yet, there are other well-known places scattered throughout Japan to…

Read More Read More

Things to Experience in Gifu City, Japan

Things to Experience in Gifu City, Japan

What is there to do in Gifu City? Although not a major tourist destination, Gifu City is a nice place to relax and take a break from Japan’s bustling city centers. Located only twenty minutes by train from Nagoya, it’s an easily accessible destination. Here are three things you should experience while in Gifu City: 1. Kawaramachi Street This quaint street embodies Japan’s traditional charm through wooden shophouses, stores, and restaurants. Learn about Gifu’s art of paper making, as well…

Read More Read More

Mount Fuji from Nihondaira in Shizuoka

Mount Fuji from Nihondaira in Shizuoka

Nihondaira is a gorgeous location in Shizuoka Prefecture and has some laidback activities to appreciate the region’s natural scenery and mild year-around climate. It is known as being one of the best places to get a panoramic view of majestic Mount Fuji, complete with the Pacific Ocean for a backdrop. I had been patiently waiting for a clear, cloud-free day to journey up the hilltop to Nihondaira. The day finally came at the end of October! Travel tip: Late spring…

Read More Read More

owakudani_taylorikemiya
Owakudani: Exploring Japan’s Active Volcanic Valley

Owakudani: Exploring Japan’s Active Volcanic Valley

Japan is full of geothermal activity; the country’s numerous onsen (hot springs) perfectly exemplify this. Specifically, Hakone is a hotbed for geothermal activity due to its proximity to Mount Fuji. For this reason, it’s aptly known as an onsen-town where local and international visitors frequent to soak in the piping hot water. However, Hakone is also famous for Owakudani, called “the valley of hell” by some. Owakudani is an open crater which formed 3,000 years ago from a volcanic eruption. To this…

Read More Read More

Product Review: KKday SIM Card in Taiwan

Product Review: KKday SIM Card in Taiwan

Hello, all! I wanted to share my experience with KKday, as I ordered a SIM card through them for my solo summer trip to Taipei, Taiwan. Having a SIM card with unlimited data allowed for effective public transportation and street navigation, saving precious time during my short stay in the city. Please note that this product review for the KKday SIM Card is not sponsored and is limited to my experiences. About KK Day KKday is a travel platform that connects…

Read More Read More

Visiting Shirakawa-go in Japan

Visiting Shirakawa-go in Japan

One of the best places to experience a piece of Japan’s unique cultural history is in northern Gifu Prefecture. Tucked away in the mountainous area of northern Gifu is a small village called Shirakawa-go, lined with special gassho-zukuri houses. Shirakawa-go was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995, preserving the village’s integrity and value as a cultural asset. If you’re into history and are interested in seeing a lesser known part of Japan, Shirakawa-go should definitely be on your…

Read More Read More

How I Paid Off My Student Debt

How I Paid Off My Student Debt

I graduated university in June of 2015 with approximately $32,000 USD in student loans (for reference, I’m American). Compared to some, the amount of debt I accrued during my four years of undergrad was not too high, but it was still a hefty number for being 21 years young. Before moving abroad to teach English, I wanted to pay off all of my student debt so I would be financially free and could use that money for travel. I worked…

Read More Read More

A 10-Hour Train Ride Across Japan

A 10-Hour Train Ride Across Japan

In early September, I traveled across Japan for a weekend in Niigata to experience the Echigo Tsumari Art Festival. For this long journey, I decided to use one of the final days of my summer Seishun 18 Kippu to take local trains from Niigata to Shizuoka. The route took me through the mountainous regions of Japan, passing through Gunma, Saitama, Tokyo, and Kanagawa Prefectures before reaching my home in Shizuoka. In total, the train ride was approximately 10 hours. This…

Read More Read More