Hi Reader, Sooo… I finally launched a YouTube channel🎉 I’m super excited to share more of Hokkaido with you... this time in video! I’m starting with a summer road trip series. 4 episodes, all filmed on my own trip, no tourist traps 😉 2 episodes are live right now: ▶︎ Ep.1: Driving Sapporo to Asahikawa ▶︎ Ep.2: Solo Hiking Mount Kurodake This channel is a newborn baby🐣 So if you watch and enjoy… please please please Give me a like Say hi in the comment and subscribe🫶🏼 That would really help my...
7 days ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, How are you this week? I've been busy getting ready for my Hokkaido trip (9 days away 🤯). But before I go, I have something to share... I'm finally launching my YouTube channel! A summer road trip series dropping this weekend. 👀 Subscribe here so you don't miss it See you there! Best,Yuuka
10 days ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, This week, let me share with you my guide to 7 lesser-known flower parks in Hokkaido. Because every year around this time, I always get messages like this: “I’m going to Furano this summer. Any recommendations?” And I’m so tired of it! Not because they ask for recommendations. But because everyone wants to go to Furano. Yes, Furano is gorgeous, especially for flower fields. But in summer, it’s jam packed with tourists. I grew up in Eastern Hokkaido, and I know there are local...
18 days ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, Oops… I skipped emailing you last week! But I have a good excuse. Last week, I flew to Berlin to attend the world’s biggest trade show in the travel industry. And somehow… I got a media pass😳 I honestly didn’t think I’d qualify for, especially as someone who started blogging just as a hobby 6 years ago. It was an amazing experience and I got to meet tourism boards, travel agencies, and hotels. And I attended some keynote talks about the future of travel. One big takeaway I want to...
26 days ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, It’s been 4 years since I started helping travelers plan their trips to Hokkaido. And lately, I hear this more and more. “How can I meet locals?” “I’d love to support local businesses.” And that makes me sooo happy! Because connecting travelers and locals is my mission. So, my friends and I put together unique Hokkaido experiences you can do with locals. Here are my top picks for your trip in spring and summer👇 🚗 If you’re doing a road trip in Eastern Hokkaido… Stay at a kelp...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, I just turned 34 last Sunday! I celebrated with a weekend trip to a snowy mountain with my family. My 2-year-old son tried sledding for the first time…and he was terrified😂 To be honest, 34 sounds so mature to me. Mentally I still feel like I’m 24. But… 24-year-old Yuuka would never have imagined what I do now. 10 years ago, I was a grad student studying hard and chasing a dream job abroad. And now? I had that dream job, left it, and built my own business connecting international...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, Yayyy I just booked my flight to Hokkaido in April! I’m so excited 🎉🎉🎉 (In case you didn’t know, I live in Switzerland at the moment, so I only have one or two trips back home a year.) This time, I’m traveling solo so that I can fully focus on work and share more about Hokkaido with you. But to be honest, I’m feeling a little guilty as a mom… but also grateful for my family’s support🙏🏼 Anyways, March and April are going to be busy with trip prep and travel for me. So if you need...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, Can you believe January is already over? I can’t! My January highlight is that my baby son turned 2 🥹 How is that possible when it feels like he was just born two months ago?? And how was your January? Hit reply and tell me! Anywas, time is clearly flying, so today I want to share 2 timely Hokkaido news with you before it’s too late. #1: This breaks my heart 💔 I’ve been supporting this small, family-run hotel in Shiretoko for a while now. Because the owner, Souko-san is such a...
2 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, Hokkaido’s winter is peaking right now! and the most exciting news is… Drift ice has arrived in the coast of Eastern Hokkaido 🎉 We’re so glad it came 20 days earlier than last year 😭 If you’re visiting Hokkaido soon, it’s going to be so much fun. Here’s what just started & what’s coming next. ❄️ Sounkyo Ice Festival: Now until March 8 ❄️ Lake Shikaribetsu Ice Village: Now until March 15 ❄️ Lake Akan Ice Festival: Now until late March And next weekend (Feb 7&8), there’ll be local...
2 months ago • 1 min read