Maple Zen gardens in the Northwest

Maple Zen gardens in the Northwest

After exploring parts of the East (Higashiyama) and the South (Toji, Inari, Uji) of Kyoto, I chose to pay the Northwestern area a visit next.

Japan 2020 #14: Osaka Shopping

Japan 2020 #14: Osaka Shopping

Like yesterday I spent most of the day with shopping. In the evening I went to my fourth concert – with Aimer.

Japan 2020 #13: Shopping in Osaka

Japan 2020 #13: Shopping in Osaka

As my vacation slowly came to an end, I reduced my travel activities and focused on shopping in Osaka.

Japan 2020 #12: Sendai to Osaka

Japan 2020 #12: Sendai to Osaka

The day in Sendai started more relaxed than the one before. First, I had a quick soak in the common sento of the hotel which was 10 times more spacious than yesterday’s in Ginzan, even a rotenburo was there. Then, at the breakfast buffet I tanked energy for the day before leaving Sendai for good.

Japan 2020 #11: Ginzan Onsen & Sendai

Japan 2020 #11: Ginzan Onsen & Sendai

Today I woke up extra early, because I had ambitious travel plans for the day. Starting from Hiroskai in Aomori prefecture I wanted to make my way all the way down to Fukushima and then up another valley to Ginzan Onsen in Yamagata prefecture.

Japan 2020 #10: Hirosaki

Japan 2020 #10: Hirosaki

Today I left Tokyo for Hirosaki at the northern end of the Honshu main island. Finally I found the snow I was looking

Japan 2020 #09: Tokyo

Japan 2020 #09: Tokyo

Planning what to do this Sunday was hard. With that I don’t mean that it was hard to come up with ideas for what to do. On the contrary, there were so many events taking place simultaneously around the country, it was hard to decide what to do.

Japan 2020 #08: Kawaguchiko / Fuji

Japan 2020 #08: Kawaguchiko / Fuji

Today I traveled to Lake Kawaguchi near Mt. Fuji with two friends who are currently living in Tokyo. When travelling to see Mt. Fuji, most I assume will think of going to the Hakone area. Indeed, I also was there before since it is often mentioned as worth a visit (it is). This time I wanted to explore another side of the mountain (literally) which is also well accessible from Tokyo. Today we were going to Kawaguchiko in Yamanashi prefecture.

Japan 2020 #07: Tokyo

Japan 2020 #07: Tokyo

After touring Ginza, Toyosu and Odaiba yesterday, I planned to see central western districts, including Shinjuku and Shibuya. Of course it came all different again.

Japan 2020 #06: Tokyo

Japan 2020 #06: Tokyo

Tokyo – there are so many things to do in this enormous city. Everytime I plan a journey, I am thinking not to stay too long in the capital so I do not miss out on the many other places in Japan. But when I stop by in Tokyo, it always feels rushed and there is not enough time to do all the things I would like to do.