Hi Reader, “I don’t know where to go in Hokkaido!” I hear this all the time… and I totally get it. There are just too many places that look amazing, right? If we were sitting together over coffee with a Hokkaido map ☕️🗺️, I’d help you figure it out. I’d listen to your trip ideas, then point and say… “Okay, this is the place for you. You’ll love it!” …But I can’t fly over to you for coffee (I really wish I could!). So instead, I made something fun that’s almost as good. ✨ Find Your Perfect...
9 days ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, Popping into your inbox a little later than usual today! My son was sick yesterday, so I couldn’t get this scheduled in time… Hope you’re staying healthy and warm as we slowly move toward winter❄️ Speaking of which… Around this time of year, I always get the same question. “Can I drive in Hokkaido in winter?” And my answer is always the same (word for word): 👉 “I don’t recommend it, unless you’re already a pro driver on snowy, icy roads.” I now driving lets you see more, and...
16 days ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, Last week, I talked about why I’m passionate about sharing my home region, Eastern Hokkaido. But let me be honest… I used to hate living in Hokkaido when I was younger. Me and my younger sister with Lake Kussharo - probably like 1999? I grew up in a small city in the countryside. As I became a teenager, I found it so boring. Too rural, too quiet. My dream was to escape to a big city… So, I did! I studied hard, got into a university in Tokyo, and worked in different countries around...
23 days ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, I went to Sapporo last month. And many things didn’t feel right to me. The trains were packed with tourists’ suitcases. At a famous seafood market, I looked at the prices and couldn’t believe it. Nearly double what I pay in my hometown for the same (or better) quality. And people were lining up for it. Japan’s tourism is booming. Last year, international visitors hit a record high. This year will likely go even higher. That’s great for the economy. But on the ground, locals are...
about 1 month ago • 2 min read
Hi Reader, How’s your week going? I’ve been in a focused-creation mode these days… and I’m excited to share 3 fresh things I made last week to help your Hokkaido trip planning! Festival schedule 2025 (Sep & Oct): Many people liked the schedule I shared last week, so I made a proper list with almost 80 events! This is gold if you want to time your trip perfectly🏅 Local ice cream review: Camembert, watermelon, even onsen egg ice cream... I taste-tested 10 unique flavors this summer🍦 My first...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, I don’t usually shop up in your inbox on a Thursday, but today’s special because… Hokkaido's autumn foliage forecast is finally out! 🍁✨ Here’s the fresh update announced just today: Source: WeatherNews I’ve broken it down in English in my updated Autumn Itinerary post. Take a look if you’re planning a trip! And if you want to catch the leaves at their peak, I’ve also made a big list of 40+ foliage spots across Hokkaido. It's searchable by city and timing🍁 As a thank-you for being a...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, I know you're coming to Hokkaido for its beautiful nature. Then, imagine you’re waking up in the middle of nature, in a cozy tent just a few steps from a quiet lake… Without carrying all the gear by yourself. Does this sound like your dream? I just did it myself😏 I was invited to stay at Lake House Toyako Glamping right by Lake Toya, a couple of weeks ago and totally loved my stay experience. Here’s why you’ll love it too: 🧡 It’s a family-run property. The hosts were so kind and...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, I just landed back in Switzerland after 4 weeks in Hokkaido. I almost skipped today’s email because I'm super jet-lagged and exausted (my toddler thinks 2 am is playtime now...) But I didn’t want to miss chatting with you!💛 So today, instead of a long story, I’ll just give you a sneak peek of what’s coming in the next few weeks. Hope it gets you excited! 🌾 A surprising hidden gemA place I never thought I’d love. It’s packed with tourists in winter, but in summer it felt so local...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, I just came back from a 1-week solo road trip around Hokkaido. It was my first long solo trip in almost 3 years after having a baby. I had so much fun!! I went to Asahikawa, Sounkyo, Obihiro, Lake Toya and Niseko. I'll write more about each place for you, but in the meantime... I want to share with you 5 things I’m really glad I packed on this trip! 1. Cash 💴 In rural areas, some small shops still don’t take cards. I saw plenty of them on this trip. Local buses also only accept...
2 months ago • 1 min read