Plum blossoms bloom earlier than cherry blossoms, from the end of winter into early spring, releasing an elegant, sweet fragrance. Their petite white or pink flowers grace gardens and parks, evoking poetic sentiment as they bravely unfurl amid the chill.

I prefer meals savored in the countryside over those in Tokyo.

Here, allow me to introduce a wonderful restaurant I discovered in Hakodate. I would love to return to the place that served unforgettable squid ink pasta and venison dish.

It takes just over an hour by plane from Haneda to Hakodate. The snow-covered city offered a breathtaking winter scene that seemed to clear my mind and soothe my heart.

The trip from Tokyo to Shin-Osaka Station on the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen takes approximately 2.5 hours. Osaka shines brightest when balancing food, sights, and experiences.
Iconic photo spots abound, and above all, the cuisine offers authentic flavors at more affordable prices than Tokyo.
Come on, let's head to Japan's Latin Quarter—Osaka!

This time, I drove to Odawara Fishing Port, about an hour from Tokyo by a car, to enjoy some fresh seafood. While Tsukiji and Toyosu have now taken on more of a “touristy flavor,” Odawara feels like the most accessible place for Tokyo residents to experience truly local tastes. The port is especially famous for its horse mackerel, but all the other fish there are incredibly fresh and absolutely delicious.

December in Tokyo brings a crisp chill that signals the arrival of winter. The city glows with stunning illuminations, creating a festive Christmas atmosphere that attracts both locals and visitors.

Hagi City flourished as a castle town during the Edo period, with landmarks such as the ruins of Hagi Castle, samurai residences, and merchant districts that have been beautifully preserved. The city is also renowned for sites associated with Yoshida Shoin and other prominent samurai from the late Tokugawa period, such as the Shoka Sonjuku Academy and Shoin Shrine. These spots offer visitors a deep sense of the history surrounding the Meiji Restoration. Furthermore, Hagi is well known for its delicious local cuisine, providing visitors with a rich cultural and culinary experience combined

Hagi City in Yamaguchi Prefecture in Japan is a historic castle town abundant in natural beauty. It is a renowned tourist destination where visitors can experience the rich heritage of Meiji Japan's industrial revolution sites, stroll through preserved Edo-period streets, admire traditional Hagi-yaki pottery, and savor fresh seafood.

On the second day of my stay in Kagawa Prefecture, I visited Zentsū-ji, the birthplace of the Buddhist monk Kūkai, also known posthumously as Kōbō Daishi. Revered as a religious leader, educator, cultural figure, and engineer, he has had a profound and lasting influence on Japanese history, and his character and achievements continue to be admired by countless people today.

Kagawa Prefecture is known as the “Udon Prefecture,” with more than 700 udon shops lining its streets. Authentic Sanuki udon ranges from simple bowls like kake udon or bukkake udon to hearty variations such as niku bukkake (beef udon) and seasonal specialties like shippoku udon, each showcasing unique touches in the broth and toppings. From long‑established local favorites cherished by residents to bustling shops with endless lines, the tradition of udon meguri—going from shop to shop in search of the best flavors—has become a cultural hallmark of Kagawa itself.

Seeking relief from the heat, I visited Tateshina. Nagano is a place I love deeply, filled with various charms throughout the seasons. This year, Japan has experienced unprecedentedly severe heat, with record-breaking high temperatures one after another. Especially in Tokyo, where I live, there were 23 days of extreme heat (with temperatures over 35°C) by late August, marking the longest consecutive streak of heatwave days on record.

Leaving behind the heat of Tokyo, a three to four hour journey through the embrace of mountains leads to Nagano. The moment you set foot here, your heart is quietly refreshed and a deep sense of peace washes over you. From here, allow me to introduce you to the Nagano I hold so dear.

Hakuba in summer is a popular tourist destination where you can enjoy the rich nature and cool highland environment of Hakuba Village in Nagano Prefecture. With an elevation of about 800 meters, the area remains comfortable even in summer, attracting many visitors seeking to escape the heat.

Morning rice porridge in Kyoto. The tradition of asagayu (morning rice porridge) began in the late Edo period when regular customers who spent the night in Gion would visit the restaurant to enjoy it in the morning. It became an official menu item in 1868. The seasonal asagayu served at Hyotei’s main restaurant offers an especially unique and special experience.The dishes served alongside the porridge include simmered seasonal vegetables and hassun—an assorted platter—which allow you to fully enjoy the atmosphere and the feeling of Kyoto’s summer season with all your five senses.