Letters from Japan

Walking Kumano Kodo: The Imperial Route

Letters from Japan, April 2026: back to Kumano Kodo, the Nakahechi Route, eight years later.

Apr 12 • Burcu Basar

63

13

5

March 2026

For the Love of Ritual: Onsen in Japan

Letters from Japan, March 2026: some of my favorite hot spring experiences in Japan.

Mar 13 • Burcu Basar

83

18

10

February 2026

Hiking Japan: From Okinawa to Hokkaido

Letters from Japan, February 2026: My favourite hikes in Japan, from Okinawa to Hokkaido, and a snowstorm in Tokyo.

Feb 13 • Burcu Basar

180

21

23

Shibu Onsen and the Snow Monkeys of Nagano

Travel diaries: weekend trip to Shibu Onsen, and first encounter with the snow monkeys of Nagano.

Feb 5 • Burcu Basar

23

3

January 2026

An Ode to the Snow Country: Hokkaido

Letters from Japan, January 2026: a return to Hokkaido.

Jan 12 • Burcu Basar

125

42

10

December 2025

A Year in Japan, in Four Seasons

Letters from Japan, December 2025: year in photos, favorite travel reads, and the results of the Travel Poll.

Dec 10, 2025 • Burcu Basar

72

15

12

Overview of the Extra Content

Periodically updated index listing the posts behind the paywall in a categorical manner.

Dec 10, 2025 • Burcu Basar

13

1

4

One Fine Autumn Day in Tokyo

Travel diaries: a one-day walk through (some of) Tokyo’s best fall foliage spots.

Dec 3, 2025 • Burcu Basar

41

6

November 2025

Tables Are Turned: The Nonsensical Travel Poll

Letters from Japan, November 2025: The Annual Travel Poll of Hypothetical Questions

Nov 12, 2025 • Burcu Basar

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34

9

Tohoku Onsen Hopping: Four Nights, Four Hot Springs

Travel diaries: five-day onsen hopping trip through Tohoku during the foliage season.

Nov 9, 2025 • Burcu Basar

27

3

October 2025

Seasons of Japan: The Good, the Lovely, and the Terribly Ugly

Letters from Japan, October 2025: When is the best time to visit Japan? (and what to wear - just kidding, or maybe not).

Oct 23, 2025 • Burcu Basar

63

15

12

Tokyo Eateries: The Non-Gourmet Version

Japan travel tips: a few Tokyo eatery suggestions, from an absolute non-foodie.

Oct 5, 2025 • Burcu Basar

36

5