Introduction  Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, is home to many native animals such as the Hokkaido red fox, Hokkaido sika deer, Japanese cranes, and whooper swans.   However, in this article, we will specifically focus on some cute land, air, and seabound creatures of Hokkaido that are sure to get you cooing while making anime-worthy heart eyes.   Pika  One very, very cute animal that can be found in Hokkaido is the …

It probably comes as no surprise that Japan is currently seeing a huge surge of tourists due to the attractiveness of the weak yen. Having greeted around 17.7 million international visitors in the first half of 2024, the country has managed to surpass its pre-pandemic tourist numbers and these numbers don’t seem to be dropping anytime soon.   So, what comes with huge swathes of tourists? Crowds. Many, many crowds, …

Kyushu is the southernmost of Japan’s main islands and is the 3rd biggest of the country’s 4 islands. In Japanese, “Kyushu” means “nine provinces”, a historical reference to the 9 original prefectures that once divided the island.  Some of the islands’ most popular and well-known cities include Nagasaki, Fukuoka, and Beppu. Kyushu is known for its active volcanoes, natural hot springs, crystalline beaches, and a more relaxed, slower pace …

Japan’s summer season spans from June to August (coinciding with the off-peak season for house hunting according to Village House bloggers). During this period, residents and tourists are treated to a horde of festivals and events known collectively as natsu matsuri or summer festivals. The tradition of natsu matsuri stems from when harvests were planted in the summer – farmers and villages would hold festivals to pay tribute to …