Hi Reader, I just got back from a 10-day road trip in Hokkaido! And I have to be honest with you… the timing was not the “best”. I traveled in early April, which is low season for Hokkaido. Drift ice is gone. Snow is still melting. Nothing is green yet. Many people I met asked me the same thing… “Why are you here right now?” My honest answer is, I had extra support with child care, and it was the only time I could make the trip work as a mom with a business to run😝 But it turned out to be one...
11 days ago • 2 min read
(This week’s email is sponsored.) Okay let me explain… I’m not crazy! Last summer, my husband took our son to his hometown for 9 days. And instead of using that time to catch up on work or sleep, I packed my car and hit the road. I hadn’t done a solo trip in almost 2 years. Before becoming a mom, that was how I recharged and how I felt like myself. But with pregnancy and a newborn, that part of me had quietly disappeared. So I took the chance to get back to who I was. It turned out to be one...
22 days ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, I’m flying to Hokkaido tomorrow!! So excited 🎉 (In case you didn’t know, I’m currently based in Switzerland, so going home is always a big deal for me.) Before I share my itinerary, a quick housekeeping note… While I’m away, I’m taking a break from my 1:1 trip planning service. If you’ve been thinking about booking a consultation with me, I’ll reopen spots when I’m back in late April. In the meantime, if you’re deep in planning mode and don’t want to wait…. My Eastern Hokkaido...
27 days ago • 1 min read
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...
about 1 month 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
about 1 month 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...
about 1 month 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...
about 2 months 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...
2 months 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...
2 months ago • 1 min read