Ikigai Travelers

Ikigai Travelers
Cherry tree in full bloom beside a path
I knew almost nothing about Yamaguchi before moving here. Now it's one of the most surprising places I've been in Japan. Here are 10 spots on my list.
Red and yellow paper lanterns glowing overhead at the Nagasaki Lantern Festival
We rode the bus from Yamaguchi to see Nagasaki's Lantern Festival in the snow. Here's what we saw, what we ate, and why warm clothes make all the difference.
Woman looking out from the wooden deck of the Kintai Bridge toward green hills in Iwakuni
Iwakuni, about an hour from Hiroshima, makes a wonderful day trip. Here's how to see the Kintai Bridge, ride the ropeway to Iwakuni Castle, and add a waterfall hike.

Update (September 2026): The Hiroshima Castle keep closed on 22 March 2026. The grounds and exterior remain open. The castle’s magnificent aperance is something you really have to see for

The ferry ride to the island! I was not expecting this to be such and enjoyable part of my experience but riding the ferry was actually really fun. There are

More modern than the other places in Japan I have visited so far. Which to date are Naha, Uruma, Ginowan, Hiroshima, Miyajima, and Iwakuni. I expect most buildings to be

Taking a train in Japan can be a daunting experience, especially if you’ve never done it before. However, with a little bit of preparation and knowledge, it can be a