Travel Diaries

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

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

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

Tokyo Eateries: The Non-Gourmet Version

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

Oct 5, 2025 • Burcu Basar

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

One Fine Day in Kanazawa

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

Jul 27, 2025 • Burcu Basar

Cycling the Shimanami Kaido in Two Days

Two-day cycling trip in the Setouchi region – planning tips.

Jun 5, 2025 • Burcu Basar

Hokkaido Travel Diaries: Day 4 and the End — the Mighty Asahidake

Travel diaries: December 24th, Day 4 - a visit to Hokkaido`s highest mountain, quick stop at Asahikawa City and wrapping up the series.

Jan 6, 2025 • Burcu Basar

Hokkaido Travel Diaries: Day 3 — Merry Christmas

Travel diaries: December 23rd, Day 3 - a visit to the Christmas tree.

Jan 4, 2025 • Burcu Basar

Hokkaido Travel Diaries: Day 2 — The Day of the Ghost Trees

Travel diaries: December 22nd, Day 2 - country roads, ghost trees, and deer tracks.

Jan 3, 2025 • Burcu Basar

Hokkaido Travel Diaries: Day 1 — Bringing out the Rainbow

Travel diaries: December 21st, Day 1 - arrival at Biei, waterfall visits, soup curry and a yakitori dinner (and Rosebud Motel).

Jan 2, 2025 • Burcu Basar

Hokkaido Travel Diaries: Impossibly Blue Skies of Hokkaido

Hokkaido Travel Diaries: announcement of the new series and look back at 2024.

Dec 29, 2024 • Burcu Basar

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