New year, new you Reader! Hope you had a cozy holiday and some time to plan the year ahead. Me? I made a week-by-week task plan for my business 🙈 I know, it's very ambitious... let’s see how long I can actually stick to it 🤣 I’d love to know what you’re excited about in 2026! And if Hokkaido is on your list, I’m here to help 🧡 Here are 3 things you can expect from me this year ⬇️ #1: I’m finally starting Youtube! 🎥 Actually this was my resolution in 2025… but I didn’t! I have sooo many clips...
13 days ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, What’s your favorite holiday of the year? As a Japanese, mine is New Year. That’s when families get gathered, eat traditional New Year food together, and visit a shrine or temple to wish for a happy new year. But this winter, I’m staying cozy at home in Switzerland instead of flying back to Japan. Because we just went back last summer and will go back again next summer... 💸 (missing my grandma’s ozoni though… the warm soup with mochi we eat for the New Year 🥹) Mochi at the bottom....
20 days ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, It’s the holiday season, so I brought you a little gift🎁 Today, I’m taking you to Hokkaido… without leaving your couch 🙈 Here’s a watch & read list featuring Hokkaido! Get cozy with blankets and hot drinks, and enjoy ☕️ (Most of them are available on Netflix, but depending on your country.) 📣 A quick announcement Are you planning to visit Akan? I just published a full review of my favorite onsen hotel there! ✅ Mid-range onsen hotel $$ ✅ Best hot spring water in town ✅ Access to...
27 days ago • 1 min read
This week’s newsletter is supported by Doto Journey. Hi Reader, Last summer in Hokkaido, I went blueberry picking with my family. When we left the farm an hour later, somehow our hands were full of not just blueberries, but also fresh corn and potatoes… The farm owner had harvested a few corns just for us (so fresh and sooo sweet) And gave us some potatoes just because he had so much. The blueberry picking was really fun. But what stayed with me even more was his kindness. Have you ever had a...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, Not sure where you are, but it’s getting pretty cold on my side of the world... So just yesterday, I landed in Morocco seeking a warmer weather!☀️ It's an early-chrismas family vacation😉 Before this trip, I managed to do these two things I'm proud of: 1) I finally pulled out my winter outfits from storage (It always takes weeks since the moment I need them. Why!?) 2) and decided to finally write the blog post I get asked about every single year. >> What to wear in Hokkaido winter...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, As we get closer to 2026, I want to share this important news from Japan. It’s important for you to know if you’re planning a Hokkaido trip next year. “Traveling to Hokkaido will get more expensive in 2026 💸” But of course, there are reasons behind it😉 Let me explain where your money goes ⬇️ 1. Japan’s International Tourist Tax ✈️ The Japanese government is considering raising the current price 1,000 yen to 3,000 yen (6.5 USD → 19.5 USD) likely sometime in 2026. This tax is added...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, Can you believe we're almost the end of 2025?🤯 It's been a big year for me. I lost my dream job in July... And decided to go all-in on promoting Hokkaido. I spent the summer back home, went on my first sponsored trip (🎉), and met small local businesses I want to support. It was the happiest part of my year! Now I'm back in Switzerland, far away from home. Creating content remotely is not easy, to be honest. But what keeps me goin is you, Reader. Because I want you to have an...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, You could keep scrolling through Google and Instagram for the next weeks, still trying to piece together where to go and what to do in Eastern Hokkaido. Or… in one weekend, you could plan your perfect trip that feels like a local friend is showing you around. I’ve seen so many travelers fall into the same pattern. Done hours of research, but still feeling unsure until the day before their Hokkaido trip. I know that feeling, I’m a chronic researcher too 😅 But that’s exactly why I...
2 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, I can’t tell you how many times travelers have messaged me saying, “I wish I’d known about you before my trip to Hokkaido!” They visited the big tourist spots, had a nice time. But then they saw the hidden places and local experiences I share, and realized how much more there was to discover! I don't want you to miss the real side of Hokkaido that I grew up with. That's why I created my new travel guides and here's why you should grab them. 🤫 Why the Eastern Hokkaido Insider Guide?...
2 months ago • 1 min read