Tag: saitama
Higanbana Flower Viewing at Kinchakuda in Saitama
While most people associate spring with flowers, there are plenty of lovely blossoms blooming throughout autumn in Japan as well. My favorite of these are the mysterious, melancholy higanbana, also called red spider lilies. This flower, of the amaryllis family, is the...
Nagatoro: An Outdoorsy Day Trip From Tokyo
When the neon of Tokyo no longer energises you, it’s a sure sign that you’re in need of a nature escape. And what better place than the riverside village of Nagatoro. Located in the mountains of western Saitama, just two hours from...
Exploring the Iwadatami Rocks and Boating on the Arakawa River
The Arakawa River begins on Mount Kobushi and snakes through Saitama Prefecture on its way to Tokyo Bay. It flows for 173km through scenic landscapes and urban sprawls, but it’s the 6km stretch known as the Nagatoro Valley that has truly captured...
Natural Ice Kakigori in Saitama: Asami Reizou
One of the best ways to cool down in the Japanese summer is with Kakigori, or shaved ice. When temperatures soar, these snow cone-esque desserts start appearing at festivals and sporting events all over Japan—unmissable thanks to their saturation in vibrant, flavoured...
A Family-Friendly Hike (And More!) on Hodosan
Tokyo is home to an impressive array of parks, gardens and green spaces, but sometimes, only an uphill trek can truly focus the mind. Thanks to Japan's supremely mountainous terrain, there are plenty of hiking day-trips possible from the capital. For those...
Visiting Hidaka (Japan’s Secret Korea) and Hiking the Mt. Hiwada, Mt. Takasashi, and Mt. Monomi Trail
It was time to get my hike on. A whirlwind of days in Tokyo had left me with a string of treasured memories, as well as a very full stomach. However, it had also left me with an urge to fling myself...
