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Northern Japan: Part 2

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Northern Japan in Spring – Part 2: Aomori, Where Cherry Blossoms Meet Snow-Capped Mountains As a nature lover, I found Aomori to be a delightful place to visit. Located at the northernmost tip of Japan’s main island, Honshu, Aomori is a land shaped by both mountains and sea. The prefecture is surrounded by water on three sides and divided by the volcanic Hakkoda Mountains, creating a landscape of dramatic contrasts. Throughout my visit, I enjoyed a wonderful blend of scenery, culture, and food. Being surrounded by the ocean, Aomori is known for its exceptionally fresh seafood. It is also famous as Japan’s apple capital, producing more apples than any other prefecture in the country. Unfortunately, I’m allergic to apples, so I had to admire the countless apple pies, pastries, and sweets from a distance. While I couldn’t sample Aomori’s signature fruit, I certainly didn’t go hungry. Later in the trip, we enjoyed an impressive buffet in Hirosaki featuring a variety of Japanese dishes and ...
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Northern Japan: Part 1

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Spring Journey Through Northern Japan: Hokkaido and Northern Honshu This spring, I traveled through Northern Japan, exploring both the northern reaches of Honshu and the island of Hokkaido. From spectacular cherry blossoms to snow-capped mountains, historic parks, and vibrant cities, the journey offered some of the most beautiful scenery I have experienced in Japan. Hakodate: Hokkaido’s Southern Gateway Located at the southern tip of Hokkaido, Hakodate serves as the main gateway connecting Japan’s northern island to the mainland of Honshu. Known for its stunning natural scenery, hot springs, and fresh seafood, Hakodate was a highlight of my trip. I visited in late April, during the peak of cherry blossom season. The city was awash in shades of pink, creating a magical spring atmosphere. One of the most memorable experiences was taking the ropeway up the mountains overlooking the city. From above, we enjoyed breathtaking views of Hakodate Bay, forests dotted with cherry blossoms, and di...
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Caribbean Series 3: Martinique

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Martinique: When the Sun Slows You Down, Culture Steps In By the time I reached Martinique, my pace had already been decided for me. A stubborn sunburn—earned from climbing hills and braving the steepest zipline in Sint Maarten, and long beach days in Antigua—forced me to rethink my usual rhythm. What felt like a setback turned out to be a quiet gift. Because Martinique is not just about beaches. It’s an island layered with culture, history, and soul—and slowing down allowed me to truly see it. A Cultural Welcome in Fort-de-France I began in Fort-de-France, a city that feels alive with history at every turn. My first stop was the Schoelcher Library. From the outside, its intricate architecture immediately draws you in—ornate, almost whimsical against the Caribbean sky. Inside, it transforms into a quiet sanctuary of creativity, where local art—especially vivid acrylic paintings—tells stories of island life, identity, and heritage. (I found myself lingering here longer than expec...
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