A day trip to Kawagoe, where its Warehouse District still retains the look of the Edo Period.

CBD is growing in popularity in Japan, and a few cafes have opened up.

A photogenic, old shopping town, Ningyocho has buildings with a lot of history as well as an over 250 year old restaurant serving the original oyakodon.

A unique city in Aomori prefecture, Hirosaki is known for its apples and western architecture.

A winter escape in Aomori at the Hoshino Resorts KAI Tsugaru, an amazing boutique ryokan full of local culture.

Stopping at Honshu Island’s northern-most capital.

A beautiful and relaxing winter retreat surrounded by Aomori’s nature.

A nice Kanazawa getaway at the Hoshino Resorts KAI Kaga, an upscale boutique ryokan that lets guest dive into local culture.

A first trip to the city that is often compared to Kyoto to explore the sights and good food.

Ranked as one of the top onsen areas in Japan, Kusatsu Onsen is a quaint town to relax in with only hot springs on your mind.

A manga, anime and electronics hub, Akihabara is known for otaku culture. But there are other things to see and do here - here’s some that I recommend.

Thought of as Tokyo’s Brooklyn, Daikanyama is a posh and stylish neighborhood near Shibuya with a laid back vibe that attracts trendy locals.

A premium Starbucks experience with a unique, Japanese twist at their second largest location in the world.

Most famous for its cherry blossoms, Nakameguro is a hip, artsy neighborhood home to some great food, including "the best pizza in Tokyo,” and Starbucks Reserve Roastery Tokyo.

Karuizawa is a smaller resort area in Nagano prefecture. It’s abundant with nature, including Shiraito Falls. Here’s my 3-day trip there.

A small, residential area near Shinjuku, Nakai puts on an annual festival in recognition of its fabric-dyeing heritage.

Thought of as the second Akihabara, Nakano is an otaku haven as well as a photogenic, retro Tokyo playground.

Some of the gorgeous winter illumination spots around Tokyo.

Considered one of Tokyo’s stylish areas, Jiyūgaoka is known for its cafes, patisseries, and boutique shopping with a little European ambience.

A residential area in the Setagaya Ward, it has some nice kissaten coffee shops, cherry blossoms, and is where I first lived in Tokyo.