Kanto

At Kurihara Shiitake Garden in Tokorozawa, Saitama, I picked up some super plump and juicy log-grown shiitake mushrooms! You can also try shiitake picking if you book in advance. This time I just bought some... but after tasting them, I’m already thinking: Next time, I’m going picking! 😋

Introducing Tokorozawa Shinmeisha Shrine in Saitama! Surrounded by sacred trees, this peaceful shrine features a beautiful cherry blossom-lined path, seasonal flower-filled chozuya, and blessings for travel safety. A perfect healing spot for your spring getaway!

Hebikubojinja Shrine is a popular Tokyo spot for boosting wealth and financial fortune. With highlights like the sacred white snake, a colorful purification basin, and a fortune slip focused on prosperity, it’s packed with attractions! Why is it a must-visit during the Year of the Snake?

Enjoy the stunning autumn foliage at Lake Okutama and indulge in delicious local gourmet! Cross the floating bridge and encounter a lively troupe of monkeys on this fun-filled trip. A day packed with nature and tasty delights awaits you!

Experience a mini-pilgrimage and Yakuyoke blessing at Kawasaki Daishi! Enjoy the feeling of a Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage while easily refreshing your mind and body at this recommended spot.

Tourist Guide for First-Time Visitors to Mount Oyama Afuri Shrine Enjoy a luxurious moment at the scenic café that has earned two Michelin stars. Indulge in breathtaking views while sipping your drink, surrounded by nature's beauty. Take the cable car on your way up to enjoy stunning panoramic views of the area. The journey up the mountain offers a magnificent opportunity to immerse yourself in the surrounding landscapes. On the way down, explore the women's slope and discover the Seven Wonders of the area. This mysterious walk will introduce you to the historical and mystical legends tied to the shrine. Experience the perfect blend of nature, history, and breathtaking views at Mount Oyama Afuri Shrine!

At the National Institute of Polar Research’s Antarctic and Arctic Museum, you can touch real Antarctic ice and experience the Aurora in the Aurora Theater! Learn about the differences between the Antarctic and the Arctic, and don't miss the bronze statue of the Sakhalin dogs, companions of the explorers. It's a spot that will spark your intellectual curiosity.

Enjoy Cherry Blossoms and Airplanes at Tokorozawa Aviation Memorial Park! A vast park where you can admire beautiful sakura trees and get up close to a powerful C-46 transport aircraft. With interactive exhibits and a spacious layout, this “sky-themed park” is a must-visit in spring!

Visited Shichikokusan Yakuoji Temple in Ome City, Tokyo. Enjoyed the early-blooming azaleas and the peaceful mini Shikoku 88-temple pilgrimage. It felt like a scene from a Ghibli film—calm, quiet, and deeply healing in the heart of the forest.

I headed to the “Tsutsuji Festival” at Shiofune Kannon-ji in Ome City, Tokyo. The azaleas hadn’t started blooming yet, but there was still so much to enjoy—cherry blossoms in full bloom, elegant weeping sakura, ringing the temple bell, and their famous dango treats!