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.

Kawadoko dining in Kibune, Kyoto, is a unique culinary experience where guests enjoy traditional Kyoto cuisine while seated on platforms set above the clear waters of the Kibune River. This setting allows diners to savor the refreshing sounds of the flowing river and the surrounding natural scenery. Many long-established inns and restaurants offer exquisite kaiseki and kaiseki-style meals featuring fresh local river fish and seasonal Kyoto ingredients.

Founded in 1894, Mampei Hotel is one of Japan’s premier classic hotels, renowned for its historic Alps Wing featuring a unique fusion of Western and Japanese architectural styles. Surrounded by beautiful natural scenery, the hotel offers a luxurious and tranquil environment. It is famously known as a favored retreat for notable guests such as John Lennon. The dining rooms, bars, and café terrace within the hotel are highly regarded for their retro ambiance and traditional hospitality, which have garnered widespread acclaim over the years.