Letters from Japan

The Mighty Autumn Colors

Letters from Japan, August 2026: some of my favorite foliage-viewing destinations in Japan, in chronological order from September to December.

Aug 30 • Burcu Basar

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Planning a Trip to Japan: Guides, Ideas & Resources

A collection of posts from the newsletter and website to help with planning a trip to Japan.

Aug 23 • Burcu Basar

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Summer in Japan: The Hokkaido Edition

Letters from Japan, July 2026: A summer trip to Daisetsuzan National Park in Hokkaido, and an ode to timeless landscapes.

Aug 2 • Burcu Basar

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June 2026

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

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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

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May 2026

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

Letters from Japan, May 2026: a trip through Nagasaki, and the islands of Hidden Christianity.

May 17 • Burcu Basar

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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

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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

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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

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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

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January 2026

An Ode to the Snow Country: Hokkaido

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

Jan 12 • Burcu Basar

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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

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