Letters from Japan

An Ode to the Snow Country: Hokkaido

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

Jan 12 • Burcu Basar

99

36

8

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

67

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

11

2

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

36

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

48

34

10

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

25

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

59

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

30

5

September 2025

Reading Japan: From Hokkaido to Okinawa

Letters from Japan, September 2025: selection of books to accompany your trip to Japan, categorized by city/region.

Sep 11, 2025 • Burcu Basar

125

32

11

August 2025

Blue Forests of Japan: Autumn Trip to Aomori

Travel diaries: itinerary suggestion for a fall colors trip to Aomori, Tohoku.

Aug 31, 2025 • Burcu Basar

23

2

2

Istanbul to Tokyo: Famously Connected, Proudly Isolated

Letters From Japan, August 2025: between my two homes, from Istanbul to Tokyo.

Aug 21, 2025 • Burcu Basar

51

14

3

July 2025

One Fine Day in Kanazawa

Travel diaries: a one-day Kanazawa itinerary inspired by a recent visit.

Jul 27, 2025 • Burcu Basar

11

4