Chiba – Nokogiriyama
Nokogiriyama is a perfect destination even for a day trip. With both ocean and mountains, you can enjoy stunning views in just a few hours. If you decide to stay overnight, you can indulge in fresh seafood and the beauty of nature. At night, I could see the stars clearly, and the peaceful atmosphere without crowds made it the cherry on top of a wonderful trip.
Aomori – Nebuta Festival
One of my lifelong dreams came true—I finally experienced the Nebuta Festival, one of the three great festivals of Tohoku. It was such a fiery and soul-stirring event that I wondered if I could ever enjoy summer without Nebuta again.
The massive illuminated floats are crafted by only 16 master artisans, each of whom has gone through more than 10 years of strict training. Learning about this background gave me goosebumps and made the experience even more moving. I also enjoyed Aomori’s specialties like apples and scallops, and I promised myself I would return—because once you experience Nebuta, you’re hooked for life.
📅 The Nebuta Festival is held every year from August 2nd to 7th, so if you’re planning a trip, don’t miss the chance to feel the true soul of Japan. But one important tip: hotels fill up quickly, so make sure to book well in advance!
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Hakodate – Hokkaido
Hakodate is such a beautiful city that I thought to myself, “I want to live here.” Breathtaking views were everywhere, and thanks to Hokkaido’s vast open space, it didn’t feel as crowded as Tokyo, Kyoto, or Osaka. It was an absolutely perfect stay.
Highlights included the night view from Mt. Hakodate and Goryokaku, the star-shaped fort that was the stage of Japan’s last civil war. And the food was outstanding—especially the fresh sea urchin. For seafood lovers, it was truly to die for. Hakodate is definitely one of the must-visit cities in Japan.
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