Hello. I live in Tokyo, and I post as sakurasaku nippon. I studied Japanese culture at an art university in Kyoto, and I now write about the Tokyo my family and I visit today. This blog is my small love letter to Japan.
A tiny ramen shop down a side street, a moss-covered shrine between apartment buildings, a neighborhood that shows a completely different face after dark. Most Japan travel content shows the same few dozen famous spots — Senso-ji, Mount Fuji, Shibuya Crossing. They are beautiful, of course. But Japan holds far more than that.
Japan Hidden Gems SAKURA is written to share the wonderful art and culture of Japan that remains hidden — the parts that never quite reach the guidebooks.
What you will find here
This blog is written in English, for international travelers who wish to go beyond the guidebook. As a bilingual writer, I can reach local knowledge that does not appear in English-language searches, and I would like to share it with you honestly and practically.
- 🗺️ Neighborhood guides — the everyday Tokyo that tourists rarely see
- 🍜 Food and drink — the places where locals actually eat
- 🚄 Day trip plans — timed, budgeted, and tested by me
- ⛩️ Culture and festivals — how to enjoy them respectfully
- 📸 Photography tips — the best shots at every spot
A note on affiliate links
Some links on this site are affiliate links. If you book a hotel or an experience through them, I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you. I only recommend places and services that I truly believe in. Thank you very much for supporting this blog!
Privacy Policy
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Last updated: 29 August 2026. If you have a question about any of this, please write to me on Instagram or X — the links are on this page.