Letters from Japan

Books About Japan (From the Archive)

Letters from Japan, June 2026: Rainy season notes and an archive edition of a literary journey across Japan.

Jun 25 • Burcu Basar

50

2

4

One Fine Day in Nagasaki

Travel Diaries: Three walking routes exploring Nagasaki's Atomic Bomb history, Western heritage, and the Chinese legacy.

Jun 8 • Burcu Basar

14

4

May 2026

A Not-So-Pale View of the Hills: Nagasaki and Beyond

Letters from Japan, May 2026: a trip through Nagasaki, Amakusa, Goto Islands and Shimabara Peninsula.

May 17 • Burcu Basar

79

12

13

April 2026

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

90

13

6

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

89

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

217

22

24

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

25

3

January 2026

An Ode to the Snow Country: Hokkaido

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

Jan 12 • Burcu Basar

127

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

73

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

16

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

44

8

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

48

34

9