Hey there, fellow travelers!
I'm MIKA, a Japanese, born and raised in Japan and Tokyo-based traveler who frequently explores various shrines and temples across Japan!
Living here in Japan, my mission is to provide you with the most up-to-date and useful information to enhance your travels, particularly to local areas across Japan!
By the way, don't you think this ☝️MANGA "dialogue box" style above is such a Japanese?
In Japan, especially on websites such as personal blogs, this kind of design is quite common!
The reason many Japanese blog site operators and readers prefer this kind of design is I think it's because rooted in Japan's MANGA culture.
Isn't that fascinating how website design varies from country to country around the world?!
Now, let me share a bit more DEEP Japan Travel Tips with you on this site!
Let's make your trip to Japan even more fulfilling together!
What You Find on My Site?
Main Contents Posted on This Website
- Useful Information and Things To Be Aware Of when traveling across Japan, especially travel to rural areas.
- Recommendations for Hotels, Onsen Ryokans, Eateries, and Places to Visit, etc.
- Introduction to Shrines, Temples, and Sacred Places in Japan.
- Interesting Stories/Episodes about Japanese Gods and Goddesses, including information channeled by a psychic friend of mine.
I travel not only in Japan but also around the world, and I also share travel tips based on my global experiences.
Mainly contents not categorized above, such as my thoughts, observations, and interesting episodes from traveling and daily life.
Here, I also share the latest information about Japanese Anime Programs on Streaming Sites.
Although I like watching anime, I'm not hardcore enough to call myself an 'OTAKU'🤔. Still, if the information I share can be helpful to anime fans around the world, I'd be glad!
The information you'll find on this site is based on my real-life experiences!
Everything I introduce on this site comes from my personal travels, providing you with candid reviews based on my firsthand experiences.
What I most want to share with you on this site is the local information that I couldn't find on the internet but learned through traveling! Not a few times, when I travel to regional areas of Japan, I struggle to find the exact information I want to know on the internet😩.
For example, whether there is a coin locker, or whether I can get a taxi...
I think this kind of information will help make your travels across Japan smoother!
My site provides information not only for readers interested in traveling to Japan but also for those intrigued by Japan's spiritual aspects, such as shrines and temples.
I share spiritual insights into Japanese gods and goddesses, including through channeling by a close friend of mine.
It's important to note that the channeling information shared on this site is not the official stance or opinions of each shrine or temple. At times, it may differ from their official ones.
I want to emphasize that I have absolutely no intention of demeaning anyone by sharing these insights. I share with the utmost respect for all parties involved!!
Please use them as personal references for exploring Japanese gods and goddesses in shrines and temples, hoping you'll add colors to enjoying your journeys!
First-Time in Japan? Your Go-To Guide for Essential Travel Tips!
For those who are thinking of visiting Japan for the first time and looking for general travel information, I think the information I provide on this site is a bit more detailed than general Japanese travel information.
For those readers interested in general travel information, I have a recommended list of websites! Please check out the following post!
Why I Started This Site?
Long story short! (Yes! We are so busy!)
I run and share the same travel tips website in Japanese for Japanese readers interested in exploring Japan's regions or visiting shrines and temples.
One day right after visiting one of my favorite shrines, I had an inspiration.
If the information I provide is helpful for Japanese travelers, why wouldn't it be for foreign travelers too?!
So, I've started this site!
Now, are you interested in the long version of my story? Here it goes!
It All Started With a Dream
A dream which has been a part of me for so long that its origins blur into memory.
It would be fabulous if I could travel the world, capture every moment, and weaving the enchantment of travel as a travel essayist and photographer!
As my main career, I've been involved in writing and creating entertainment content for over 10 years now (wow, time goes fast!).
And from time to time, I’ve shared this dream with others.
Ever since I was a child, my love for traveling both domestically and internationally has never stopped.
Why Travel Fascinate Me So Much?
Travel like Living, Live like Traveling.
- This is a theme of my life.
I've traveled to over 22 countries and visited more than 100 cities so far.
I've experienced many types of trip styles all over the world.
Group Tours, Private Tours, Solo Trips, Trips on Luxury Cruise Ships, Train Trips, Bus Trips, and Car Trips.
In 2019, I walked "Camino de Santiago" (The Pilgrimage Way to Santiago de Compostela, Spain), carrying a backpack weighing about 13kg (28lbs), for 35 days.
Actually, my next travel in this summer of 2024 will be "Camino" again!
From short trips to several months of stays. Also lived as a nomad across various regions of Japan for a year.
I love traveling as if I'm actually living there!
What do you like about traveling?
It's one of the questions I often get asked.
The opportunity for extraordinary experiences.
The chance to invigorate myself with new encounters.
Or because traveling expands my perception and consciousness.
All of these resonate with me, but...
To be honest, I don't really know why I'm so passionate about traveling!
Or perhaps I was born to travel?
My first overseas trip was at the age of 6 during summer vacation.
I participated in a Youth Ship Voyage Program (like a Summer Camp Program) and traveled to Guam and Saipan, marking my first experience of traveling abroad.
Among the participants, I didn't know anyone, and it was the first time I had been away from my family for such a long period, several weeks.
As a child who didn't yet understand Japanese well, traveling abroad presented many surprises and challenges for me.
But moreover,
It was overwhelmingly exciting!
I still remember so many vivid scenes and experiences from that trip.
Probably it was when traveling became one of the highest excitement in my life.
Visiting Shrines and Temples
In my 20s, I've been drawn to spiritual places across the world and became a more passionate traveler.
At the end of 2015, I met a woman who had great channeling abilities that allowed her to communicate with gods and goddesses.
With our shared interests, we embarked on a journey together, visiting various shrines and temples all over Japan, and asking for guidance from the divine.
Through our travels, I've learned many interesting stories about the Japanese gods and goddesses, as well as useful information for traveling across Japan.
Is It Divine Guidance?
Now, back to the grind!
Fortunately, at an early stage in my career, I received offers for writing jobs related to entertainment. However, despite sharing my dream with many people over the years, I have never received any requests to write about travels.
Why haven't I received any job offers related to travel...?
I wondered for years until I finally realized something important.
Oops! I haven't written or posted anything about travel yet!
No wonder I haven't received any job offers. Because no one knows that I am the kind of writer who writes about travel at all!
After realizing this important secret, I started a website that provides travel information in Japanese for Japanese.
Then, on the other day, right after visiting one of my favorite shrines, Fuji Hongu Sengen Taisha, I encountered a foreign couple at the station.
They were wandering around in front of the coin locker and vending machine, with a yen bill in hand.
I immediately realized what was going on.
They probably want to exchange their bill for coins to use the coin locker.
But, I guess they found out that the vending machine next to the locker only accepts coins and 1,000 yen bills and nothing else...
How did I know?
Just about a month ago, I found myself in the same situation!
Having been through the same situation, I knew they could exchange money at the tourist information center, so I guided them there!
And that's where inspiration struck.
If the information I provide is helpful for Japanese travelers, why wouldn't it be for foreign travelers too?!
Perhaps this is God's guidance?
And so, here I write. I'm sharing information in English as well!
My Mission on This Site
The KANJI "縁 (En)" in the logo used on this site has the meaning of "connection", and "bond", and sometimes it implicates "destiny."
I design with the wish to foster the best connections between people, people and places, and people and deities.
I wish for both travelers and residents to be happy. This is one reason that I write travel tips in English too.
Tourism is a vital aspect of our economy. Naturally, there's a desire for increased tourist activity.
However, sadly, I feel some residents view tourists, particularly foreigners, as potential troublemakers, and are not welcoming them warmly in rural regions.
As a traveler myself, I've encountered such unhappiness both abroad and in Japan...
Yes, we are all different from each other. We all possess unique cultural backgrounds and personal values, which sometimes result in misunderstandings and unhappiness.
Yet, I firmly believe that through collaborative efforts, we can bridge these divides!
During the Pandemic, we experienced isolation.
And now, we unite again!
I deeply cherish this FACE-TO-FACE RECONNECTION!!
While I've encountered challenges during my travels, I've also been fortunate to receive immense kindness and support from people worldwide.
As a Japanese resident with international experience, I aim to share insights that foster greater understanding between travelers and locals!
Let's work together to make travel experiences in Japan fulfilling, joyful, and enriching!
Travel Japan Like You Are Living!
I hope this platform enhances your travels in Japan, making them even more lovely and joyful!
Have an Ultimate Life Journey!
