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Sarushima is the only uninhabited island in Tokyo Bay. The beautiful natural island is perhaps best known for this sight: A long wooden pathway wedged between brick walls that are covered with moss and tall trees stretching toward the sky. At the end of the path is a dark and mysterious-looking tunnel tucked surreptitiously away in the island's luxuriant forest.
While the scene is certainly photogenic enough for social media likes – and that's what many people go there for – you can also consider visiting the island simply to enjoy the sights of a bygone world and experience walking through historic buildings and artifacts that had been built for wartime use.
As exotic as the idea of exploring ruins surrounded by dense shrubbery sounds, the island is surprisingly accessible, being located quite near the bay coast. Taking a day trip here from Tokyo or Yokohama is very doable and highly recommended!
Does this island live up to its rumored mystique? This LIVE JAPAN writer from..

It isn’t a coincidence or surprise that humans always turn to forests when they need a peaceful atmosphere, stunning scenery and fresh air. I frequented forests and hiking trails throughout Japan’s state of emergency, and it turns out that forests have a tremendous impact on our mental health and overall wellbeing.

But if I could choose just one trail, it would be in Shiso is my all-time favorite city in Hyogo. Why would a solitude-loving introvert foreigner choose Shiso over other cities? The reason behind this baffling fact is simple. Shiso has something other cities in Hyogo Prefecture don’t have: therapy roads!

Trails surrounded by lush greenery, where you are healed mentally and physically by nature. While there are therapy roads spread all across Japan, these three in Shiso hold special meaning for me.

What is a therapy road?
Photo: Shiso Forest Kingdom Tourism AssociationInto the woods.
Shinrinyoku (forest bathing) was always a part of Japanese culture and has become a relaxa..

Kyoto is a popular tourist destination, but Japan often gets a reputation as being expensive – so is it hard to budget? One of the simple solutions to the budget problem is to sprinkle your itinerary with some free sightseeing spots!
So here are 10 places in Kyoto where you can do just that, and experience some history and tradition along the way.
1. Imadegawa: Rich Nature and Historic Buildings at the Kyoto Gyoen National Garden
pikappa51 / Shutterstock.com
Kyoto Gyoen is the location where the Emperor resided for over a thousand years after the Heian period. It is a vast national park spanning 0.7km from east to west and 1.3km north to south.
In addition to historic buildings, such as the Kyoto Imperial Palace and the Kyoto State Guest House, there are also many restaurants, souvenir shops, and areas where you can take a break for free.
In the spring, you can enjoy the plum and cherry blossoms. It is also a famous spot for the major festivals of Kyoto, including the Aoi Matsuri an..

Where are the top tourist spots near Tokyo? There are many bucket list-worthy tourist spots and attractions just around 1-2 hours outside Tokyo that are perfect for a day trip! Here we’ll introduce the TOP 10 tourist spots near Tokyo with historical architecture and the unique natural beauty of rolling mountains and gorgeous waterfalls.
First, we’ll start with Nikko, which houses an elaborate temple dedicated to Tokugawa’s first shogun, then Kawagoe which charmingly preserves old Tokyo. Plus, you can enjoy activities like skiing in Karuizawa, historical walks in Kamakura, Onsen hot springs in Hakone, and breathtaking displays of nature in Hitachi-naka. Finally, sightseeing aside, Yokohama, Makuhari, and Narita are prime dining and shopping opportunities.
Main image: PIXTA
1. Nikko: Toshogu Shrine, Beautiful World Heritage Site
©JNTO
Nikko, home to the world-renowned Nikko Toshogu Shrine, is located just north of Tokyo in Tochigi Prefecture. It is an area full of beautiful natural scen..

Hi there! My name is Atsumi, and one of my favorite things to do is introduce railways throughout Japan.
This time I combined a trip along the Enoshima Electric Railway with some walking tours recommended by a consultant, Mr. Toshiyuki, who joined me along with photographer Yoichi Yoshinaga, who is famous for taking aerial photographs of railways.
Enjoying a leisurely rest before our trip!
Today we will be visiting the following:
1. A Japanese style ice fruit café next to the railroad tracks
2. Enjoy seeing the trains from a European style cafe
3. Try Enoshima Island’s famous Enoden Monaka
4. Be thrilled by the sight of trains passing through the streets
1. Mushinan: Japanese style ice fruit café next to the railroad tracks
I was hoping to see something special, like a train on the street
Do you look for special sights using social media? I often go to social networks like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc., to see beautiful scenery, delicious food, interesting scenery and more. And I..

In Japan, Otaru is also called “the museum without a roof.” This is a fitting appellation as Otaru today is lined with many historical structures. The area around the Otaru Canal is especially recommended, as a popular photo spot in itself, with its collection of historical buildings making picture-perfect scenery from whatever angle you snap.
The Otaru Canal Cruise is a great way to enjoy this area. This is a 40-minute boat ride visiting many unique spots that can only be seen from a boat. During this time, the captain explains the history of Otaru and its historic structures. It's guaranteed to leave you with many beautiful memories.
What exactly is the Otaru Canal Cruise?
It is a sightseeing activity that takes you by boat down the Otaru Canal and around the port to which it is connected. The Day Cruise provides good views of the buildings and their settings in the daytime. The lights from the buildings at night and 63 gas lamplights on the pathway running alongside the Otaru ..

If any one city epitomizes the culture of Japan, then it has to be Kyoto, the old capital of Japan. This city, located in central Japan, offers plenty of diversions for culture and nature buffs alike. Kyoto is a lovely place to visit in any season, home to the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Nijo Castle, the Kyoto Imperial Palace, and literally hundreds of beautiful shrines and temples. This city of beauty retains the soul of Japan, so it’s no wonder that Kyoto is one of the leading destinations for visitors to Japan. And with a population of around 1.45 million, it’s also far larger than many might realize.
This guide provides an overview of the best places to stay in Kyoto while exploring its heritage and culture. It also shares some of the best hotels, ryokans, and other accommodations in Kyoto that will be perfect for your next trip. Pick your favorite and book with LIVE JAPAN!
Main image: PIXTA
1. How to select where to stay in Kyoto City
Kyoto is a city of around 1.46 million (2020 cen..

Kichijoji is a scenic, atmospheric neighborhood in Tokyo’s west, a mere 25-minute train ride away from the large Shinjuku Station. It’s a wonderful fusion of urban culture and suburban relaxation, home to fashionable department stores and large electronic shops, but also a plethora of small boutiques, cafes, and amazingly delicious restaurants.On top of that, Inokashira Park is the figurative heart of Kichijoji and provides urbanites with plenty of lush nature and fresh air. Let’s talk a walk around the neighborhood and visit Kichijoji’s must-see spots!
Majerca: The Cutest Handmade Goods in all of Kichijoji
Majerca should be one of your first stops when visiting Kichijoji. The neighborhood follows a rather slow pace, so the best time to arrive at the station is around 11:00 a.m. That leaves you plenty of time to leisurely stroll through Kichijoji’s alleys, and you’ll happen upon Majerca almost naturally. The cozy shop will catch your eye with the many colorful goods in front of the sto..

Fushimi Inari Shrine is one of the most famous shrines visited by foreign and domestic tourists alike. But after checking out the famous torii gates, many people wonder what to do next: what other great places are there to visit near Fushimi Inari Taisha!
Fushimi Ward is famous for sake and there is a multitude of other things to see and do there. From temples to shopping streets, here are some of the best places to visit in the area. Information on coronavirus prevention measures is also provided.
1. Fushimi-Inari Shrine: Home of the Mysterious Senbon Torii
Tower Gate
Fushimi Inari Shrine is located about 5 minutes from JR Kyoto Station and about 5 minutes on foot from Keihan Fushimi Inari Station.
This shrine is the most important of nearly 30,000 shrines dedicated to Inari throughout Japan. Senbon Torii, a line made up of thousands of vermillion torii gates, is a super popular tourist attraction, as well!
Main Shrine
The deity, Inari Okami, was enshrined here during the Nara Period..

“Van life.” The term is all the rage these days, with social media platforms pumping out posts of people who have opted to sell all their belongings to live life on the road and explore the world. I have always been intrigued by this idea but never felt confident to take the full plunge into the van life. So when the opportunity to test the waters presented itself, I jumped at the chance to dip my toes into exploring the Kansai region using a motorhome.

The pickup
Photo: Robert KodamaThe pick-up process was seamless and convenient.
I used a motorhome from Around Japan RV Rental in Osaka. The process of picking up the vehicle was convenient, both in flow and location. I opted to pick it up at the Umeda location, one of the main districts of Osaka with easy transport access to Kansai and Itami airports and nearby cities within the region.

Once the motorhome arrived at the meeting point, I was greeted by a representative eager to show me the ropes and provide me with a safety briefing. ..