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...
11 days 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...
21 days 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...
27 days 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...
about 1 month ago • 2 min read
Hi Reader, I’m writing this email in a car… because I’m on a week-long road trip around Hokkaido right now! Yesterday, I did something incredible. I hiked Mount Kurodake in Daisetsuzan National Park. And wow, it was amazing!! Onigiri at the summit is the best. It was one of the most breathtaking hikes I’ve ever done in Hokkaido. If you love hiking, I highly recommend this hike. You start in Sounkyo, a small onsen town surrounded by cliffs and waterfalls. It’s about 1 hour from Asahikawa or...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, Hello from Hokkaido! My 1st week back home has been wonderful, despite a jet-lagged toddler not sleeping until 1 am🤣 If you are following me on Instagram, you know how much I’m enjoying it. (If you haven’t yet, you’re missing out. Look at this👇🏼) I’m eating so well in my hometown Kitami. Every time I come back, Hokkaido amazes me all over again with its great nature, delicious food, and kind people. No wonder so many people tell me: “I’ve already been to Hokkaido, but I’m planning...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, Hey hey, what are you up to right now? Me? I’m a few hours away from flying to Hokkaido… and yes, still packing 😅 My view right now But I wanted to pop in real quick and tell you this: ✨ My website just got a big upgrade! ✨ I've been heads down the past weeks updating blog posts and improving the whole site. (I literally spent 8 hours a day just doing that, even when I'm free from my 9-5 job 😂) Why did I do that? Because I wanted to make it more useful and helpful for you! So...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, Imagine your trip is just one week away… You’re googling restaurants, saving spots on Google Maps, checking the weather every day. Isn’t it the most exciting part of the trip? (And the day before is packing chaos!) Well, that’s where I'm at right now… one week away from heading home to Hokkaido! So today, I want to share 3 things I’m personally excited to do, and that you can try too if you want to experience Hokkaido like a local. 1. Don’t miss this stop: A summer hidden gem by...
2 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, Back in February, I sent a newsletter titled “I’m about to lose my job”. And here’s update. Yup, I lost my job. (I talked about it in detail on Instagram and I’m surprised it’s going viral.) My last day of work was a couple weeks ago. Was I sad? Yes, because it was my dream job that I worked hard for. But to be honest… a big part of me is feeling relieved. Because finally I can focus on what I’m truly passionate about: helping travelers like you to discover rural Hokkaido. And...
2 months ago • 2 min read