Ryo Arashima - Japan Travel Specialist

19/02/2026

🌊 Okinawa — Japan’s Tropical Finale 🌴

After exploring Hiroshima, you’re just 2 hours by plane away from the subtropical beauty of Okinawa. But don’t mistake it for just a beach escape — Okinawa offers both deep history and breathtaking island scenery.

🌿 A Blue Zone — The Secret to Longevity
Okinawa is one of the world’s five recognised Blue Zones, where people live exceptionally long lives. A plant-forward diet, strong community ties, daily movement, and a slower pace of life all contribute to its remarkable longevity culture.

📖 A Rich & Complex History
Once the independent Ryukyu Kingdom, Okinawa developed its own distinct culture, language and traditions. It is also the only place in Japan where a major ground battle of World War II took place — the Battle of Okinawa — making sites such as the Peace Memorial Park deeply moving places to visit.

🏝 Relax on Stunning Beaches & Outer Islands
When you’re ready to unwind, Okinawa’s turquoise waters deliver.

• Tokashiki Island – Reachable by ferry from Naha (approx. 35–40 minutes). Famous for “Kerama Blue” waters and snorkelling.
• Zamami Island – Ideal for diving and seasonal whale watching.
• Ishigaki Island – Known for dramatic coastal scenery and elevated resort stays.

✈️ Seamless Journey Home
From Okinawa, you can connect internationally — for example flying with Cathay Pacific via Hong Kong back to your home city.

Okinawa isn’t just a beach add-on — it’s a destination with soul, history, and some of Japan’s most beautiful waters.

04/02/2026

🏺 Arita (Saga) — Japan’s Pottery Mecca

Located in Saga Prefecture, Kyushu, Arita is the birthplace of Japanese porcelain. Its story began in the early 1600s when high-quality porcelain stone was discovered nearby, giving rise to Arita-yaki and over 400 years of ceramic craftsmanship that shaped pottery traditions across Japan and even Europe.

✨ Why Arita matters
From refined blue-and-white designs to vibrant enamelled works, Arita has long been at the heart of Japanese ceramic art — a true pilgrimage site for pottery lovers.

🏺 Three iconic studios to know
• Kakiemon Kiln – Famous for the elegant Kakiemon style, prized worldwide for its refined motifs and milky white porcelain
• Inoue Manji Kiln – Showcasing the work of Living National Treasure Inoue Manji and deeply traditional techniques
• Arita Porcelain Lab / Imamura Seito – Where heritage craftsmanship meets contemporary design

📅 Arita Ceramic Fair
Held annually from late April for one week (Golden Week), the Arita Ceramic Fair is Japan’s largest pottery event. The town fills with thousands of stalls selling everything from affordable everyday ware to museum-worthy pieces.

👉 If you love art or pottery, this is an absolute must.

🚆✈️ How to get there

From Tokyo
• Flight: Haneda Airport → Saga Airport
⏱ approx. 1 hr 50 min
💴 approx. ¥15,000–¥30,000 one way (varies by season and airline)

• Airport bus: Saga Airport → Arita (via Saga Station)
⏱ approx. 1.5–2 hours total | 💴 approx. ¥1,500–¥2,000

From Osaka
• Sanyo Shinkansen: Shin-Osaka → Hakata
⏱ approx. 2.5 hours | 💴 approx. ¥15,000 one way
• JR Kagoshima Main Line: Hakata → Arita
⏱ approx. 1.5 hours | 💴 approx. ¥2,000

🏺 Tip: Flying from Tokyo is often the fastest and most comfortable way to reach Saga, especially if you’re short on time or visiting during Golden Week for the Arita Ceramic Fair.

20/01/2026

Hirosaki Park — One of Japan’s Best Cherry Blossom Spots

Set in Aomori Prefecture, Hirosaki Park is often ranked among the top cherry blossom destinations in Japan. With around 2,600 sakura trees surrounding the historic Hirosaki Castle, the combination of petals, moats, and mountain backdrops is simply unforgettable. Peak bloom here is usually late April to early May, making it perfect if you’re travelling north.

✨ Why Hirosaki Park is special
• Sakura-lined moats with mirror-like reflections
• Stunning castle views framed by cherry blossoms
• Night-time illuminations during the Cherry Blossom Festival

🚆 How to get there

From Tokyo
• Take the Tohoku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station → Shin-Aomori Station
⏱ approx. 3 hours
💴 approx. ¥17,500–¥18,000 one way (covered by the Japan Rail Pass)

• Transfer to the JR Ou Line from Shin-Aomori → Hirosaki Station
⏱ 40–50 minutes | 💴 approx. ¥680

From Hirosaki Station → Hirosaki Park
• Bus: 15 minutes | 💴 approx. ¥100, get off at Shiyakusho-mae
• Taxi: 10 minutes
• Walk: Around 30 minutes through town

🎟 Entry fees (festival period)
• Park grounds: Free
• Castle / paid areas: approx. ¥320–¥520 for adults

🌸 Tip: Visit early in the morning or stay for the evening illuminations for the most magical views.

📌 Planning a cherry blossom trip to Japan? I can help design the perfect sakura itinerary.

14/01/2026

Naoshima: Japan’s Art Island

Tucked away in the Seto Inland Sea, Naoshima is where contemporary art, architecture, and nature come together. Once a quiet fishing island, it’s now one of Japan’s most iconic cultural destinations — perfect for art lovers and slow travellers alike.

✨ Top 3 things to see in Naoshima

1️⃣ Chichu Art Museum
Built mostly underground by Tadao Ando, this world-class museum houses works by Monet, James Turrell and Walter De Maria, designed to interact with natural light.

2️⃣ Benesse House Museum
A unique space where art, architecture and accommodation blend seamlessly — even if you’re not staying overnight, the museum itself is a must-visit.

3️⃣ Yayoi Kusama’s Pumpkin
Naoshima’s most recognisable symbol. The colourful pumpkin sculptures by the waterfront are perfect for photos and a true island icon.

🚆⛴ How to get there (from Okayama Station)

• Okayama Station → Uno Station
Take the JR Uno Line. Some trains are direct; others require a quick, easy cross-platform transfer at Chayamachi Station.
⏱ 45–60 minutes | 💴 approx. ¥590 (covered by the Japan Rail Pass)

• Uno Station → Uno Port Ferry Terminal
A short 5-minute walk straight across the street.

• Uno Port → Naoshima (Miyanoura Port)
Ferries run roughly every 30 minutes.
⏱ 20 minutes | 💴 ¥300 one way

🌿 Tip: Arrive early to make the most of the museums — and don’t forget to book Chichu Art Museum tickets in advance.

Would you add Naoshima to your Japan itinerary?

10/12/2025

Japan Travel Tip: Avoid Rush Hour!!

If you can help it, do NOT take the train between 7:30am and 9:00am. This is peak rush hour in Japan and it’s absolute chaos—trains are packed, platforms are crowded, and you’ll spend more time squeezed than sightseeing.

Plan your day smart: start a little earlier, leave a little later, or enjoy a slow breakfast before heading out. Your trip will feel much smoother. 🇯🇵✨

04/12/2025

💡 Japan Travel Tip: Don’t forget your Suica!

If you’re heading to Japan, one of the handiest things you can do before you even land is add a Suica card to your phone wallet. It’s Japan’s everyday digital money—locals use it for almost everything: convenience stores, trains, taxis, vending machines, even some restaurants.

It saves you time, avoids fumbling with cash, and makes getting around so much smoother.
A must-have for any Japan trip. 🇯🇵✨

If you need help planning your Japan adventure, I’m here to help!

21/10/2025

Japan has announced plans to launch a digital travel authorisation system called JESTA (Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) — similar to the USA’s ESTA 🇺🇸 and the UK’s ETA 🇬🇧.

Here’s what you need to know 👇
🗓️ Launching in 2028
💰 Cost: ¥1,500–¥4,000 (AU$15–$40)
🌏 Applies to 74 countries, including Australia 🇦🇺
✈️ Covers multiple trips over 1–2 years

Travellers from visa-waiver countries will need to complete their JESTA online before boarding.
The aim? Faster, smoother arrivals at Japanese airports ✈️

So if Japan is part of your future travel plans — whether for business or leisure — keep this one on your radar!

27/05/2025

Centered on tradition. Committed to the future.

Surrounded by peaks and perfumed pines, Banff is embracing a new era of travel, centered on long-term sustainability, culture, and respect for Indigenous traditions.🌿

Read more about how the iconic Banff National Park proves that meaningful experiences and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.

📷: Scott Osborn

An evolving approach to travel in the Canadian Rockies centers Indigenous tradition and long-term sustainability.

18/04/2025

Beppu : Japan’s Steamy Secret in Kyushu 🌋

If you’re dreaming of a restorative escape in Japan, Beppu should be on your radar. Nestled on the southern island of Kyushu, this laid-back coastal town is one of the country’s most famous hot spring destinations.

🗺️ Getting there
From Tokyo, hop on a flight to Oita Airport (just 1.5 hours) or ride the Shinkansen to Hakata, then connect by train to Beppu. Either way, the journey is scenic and worth it.

♨️ Why go?
Beppu boasts over 2,000 hot springs, from traditional onsen baths to quirky sand and mud baths. Don’t miss the Hells of Beppu (Jigoku Meguri) – vividly coloured geothermal pools that are more for viewing than dipping.

💡 Insider tip: Pair your stay with a luxury ryokan for the full experience – think private outdoor baths, kaiseki dining, and Japanese hospitality at its finest.

Looking for a slower, soulful side of Japan? Beppu is your answer.

Book your next Japan trip with me today!

11/04/2025

Dreaming of a ski holiday in Japan that’s rich in culture and charm? ❄️🎿

While Hakuba and Niseko often steal the spotlight, Nozawa Onsen offers a more authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience.

Located in the Nagano region—just under 2 hours from Tokyo by bullet train and local transfer—this traditional village combines world-class skiing with old-world atmosphere. Think cobblestone streets, steaming hot springs, wooden ryokans, and a deep sense of local culture. 🏔️🍶

After a day on the slopes, soak in a centuries-old onsen, enjoy local cuisine, and feel completely immersed in the rhythm of the mountains.

If you're after powder and personality, Nozawa Onsen might just be your perfect winter escape. 🇯🇵✨