Please recommend domestic travel destinations.
I live in Hokkaido, so please suggest places outside of Hokkaido.
Oh, I love this question! Living in Hokkaido is amazing—don’t get me wrong—but sometimes you just need to escape the snow and explore somewhere
new, right? Let me tell you about a trip I took last year that completely stole my heart. I decided to head to Kyoto during the cherry blossom season. Now, I know Kyoto is a classic choice, but hear me out—it’s popular for a reason! I arrived way too early for my Airbnb check-in (classic me), so I wandered around the neighborhood with my oversized suitcase, looking like a lost tourist. But you know what? That’s when I stumbled upon this tiny, family-run tea shop. The owner, an elderly woman with the warmest smile, invited me in for a cup of matcha. We ended up chatting for an hour, and she even taught me how to whisk matcha properly. I left feeling like I’d made a new friend, and my trip hadn’t even officially started yet! One of the funniest moments happened at Fushimi Inari Taisha. You know, the famous shrine with the thousands of red torii gates? Well, I was so excited that I accidentally photobombed at least five couples’ Instagram shots. I mean, whoops! But honestly, the atmosphere there is magical. Walking through those gates feels like stepping into another world. I even got a little emotional when I reached the top and saw the view of Kyoto spread out below. Another highlight was Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. I went super early in the morning to avoid the crowds, and it was worth it. The sunlight filtering through the bamboo was surreal, and the sound of the wind rustling through the stalks was so calming. Of course, I couldn’t resist buying way too many bamboo-themed souvenirs. My suitcase was basically bursting by the end of the trip. Oh, and let’s not forget the food! I may or may not have eaten my weight in yatsuhashi (a Kyoto sweet) and matcha-flavored everything. I even tried kaiseki cuisine for the first time, and it was an experience I’ll never forget. Each dish was like a tiny work of art—almost too pretty to eat. Almost. Reflecting on that trip, I realized how much I needed that change of scenery. Kyoto reminded me to slow down, appreciate the little things, and connect with people and places in a deeper way. It’s not just about the sights; it’s about the stories you collect along the way. So, if you’re looking for a destination outside of Hokkaido, I can’t recommend Kyoto enough. But I’d love to hear from you too! Where’s your favorite place to visit in Japan? Any hidden gems or funny travel stories to share? Let’s swap tips in the comments! 🌸
