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🛋️ Relaxing Spots in Hokkaido — A Soothing Journey Across Japan’s Northern Land

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Wide open skies. Time that flows gently. Hokkaido is filled with places where your heart can truly take a deep breath. This article is for those who aren’t just looking to sightsee , but to slow down and heal . Let us introduce five of the most peaceful, heart-soothing “mattari” (relaxing) spots in Hokkaido—loved by locals and travelers alike.✨ ① Biei — Rebalancing Your Soul in the Patchwork Hills When you think of idyllic Hokkaido scenery, Biei immediately comes to mind. Its gently rolling hills and colorful fields look like something out of a painting. From spring through autumn, the landscape transforms into a living patchwork quilt.🎨 🧭 Best way to enjoy it? Take a slow drive, stop at scenic viewpoints, and don’t rush . Breathe deeply, let the breeze brush your face. That’s all you need in this place.🍃 ② Lake Toya — Soak in Onsen and Let the Everyday Fade Surrounded by crystal-clear waters and quiet mountains, Lake Toya is made for deep relaxation. Hot spring inns ...
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🍵 Japan and the Art of “Mattari”: The Gentle Beauty of Doing Nothing

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When we speak of Japan, certain images often come to mind— the beauty of the four seasons, a refined culture, and a unique sensitivity to “ma” (the space between things). Among these, one of my favorite aspects of Japan is the quiet, unhurried moments of "mattari." This isn’t about rushing from one sightseeing spot to another. It’s not about posting every moment on social media. It’s simply about being still, being present, and letting yourself be gently held by the soft air of Japan. 🧘 What Is “Mattari”? The word “mattari” doesn’t have a perfect English translation, but it evokes a warm, gentle sense of calm—a kind of cozy stillness. It’s when you sit in a café with a steaming cup of coffee, chatting quietly with a friend. It’s when you watch a cat sunbathing in a tatami room, doing absolutely nothing. It’s a culture that values not doing —without guilt. No rush, no pressure. Just a quiet appreciation of the moment. It’s a feeling closely tied to the spirit ...
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⚔️ The Legend of Loto Lives On – Visiting the "Monument of Loto" on Awaji Island

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 For fans of video games—especially Dragon Quest lovers —there’s a sacred place you must visit: the “Monument of Loto” on Awaji Island. Standing quietly by the sea, swaying in the ocean breeze, this stone monument carries a powerful message: The beginning of adventure, the end of a journey, and the simple truth that it’s okay to chase your dreams. 🗺️ Where Is It? How Do You Get There? You’ll find the Monument of Loto in the northern part of Awaji Island , in Awaji City, Kusumoto. It’s close to other attractions like Awaji Yumebutai and Nijigen no Mori —and easily accessible by car 🚗🌉 The monument stands on a quiet beach overlooking the Seto Inland Sea. With the sound of waves and the sea breeze surrounding you, it’s a legendary landmark nestled deep within nature’s embrace. 🧙‍♂️ What Is the Monument of Loto? The stone is engraved with the following words: “This stone monument rising in this land bears the mark of Loto. You who have come here, forget ...
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⛩️ Why Shrines Soothe the Soul – A Gentle Place to Return to Yourself

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 On days when you feel a little tired, when things don’t go quite right, for some reason, your feet take you to a shrine . You walk the path, pass through the torii gate, and quietly put your hands together. And then—your heart begins to feel lighter. But why is it that shrines have this calming effect on us? 🌳 1. A Place Where You Become One with Nature Shrines were originally places where nature itself was worshipped as sacred. That’s why within the shrine grounds, you’ll find towering trees, clear water, moss-covered stones, and the gentle rustle of wind. It’s as if the breath of nature flows through the entire space. Without realizing it, we’re healed by the rustling of leaves, birdsong, the scent of the earth. When you say, “I feel calm at a shrine,” it might be because your heart is synchronizing with the rhythm of nature 🍃 🧘‍♀️ 2. Silence and Stillness That Realign the Heart Unlike our noisy daily lives, shrines are quiet places. Voices are hushed, cars ...
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🇯🇵 47 Prefectures, 47 Personal Impressions – A Colorful Map of Japan

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 I’ve traveled to all 47 prefectures in Japan. Each place has its own colors, flavors, and emotions— and here, I’ve captured one unique impression for every single one. From the great north to the tropical south, let’s explore the rich diversity of Japan together 🗾🍱🍃 🟧 Hokkaido Region Hokkaido : Everything here is on a different scale—nature and food that will leave you speechless! 🍣⛰️ 🟥 Tohoku Region Aomori : Nebuta festivals and apples—fiery and sweet at heart 🍎🔥 Iwate : Grand nature and deep history, quietly touching your soul 🍃 Miyagi : Where beef tongue and samurai elegance coexist beautifully 🥩🌊 Akita : Namahage demons surprise you, but hot springs heal you ♨️👹 Yamagata : Cherries and Zao mountains turn your heart a lovely shade of pink 🍒⛄ Fukushima : The pride of Aizu and heartwarming people leave a deep impression 🏯💕 🟨 Kanto Region Ibaraki : Hitachi Seaside Park—where sea and sky stretch endlessly 🌊☁️ Tochigi : The grandeur of Nikko paire...
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🗾 I’ve Visited All 47 Prefectures in Japan – Here Are My Top 5 Picks!

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 Yes, I’ve been to all 47 prefectures in Japan. People often ask, "Why so many?" or "Was it for work?" But the truth is simple: I just wanted to go. I wanted to see, feel, and understand Japan with my own eyes. And while every place had something truly special— today I’m sharing my personal Top 5 that deeply moved me as a travel lover. ※Please note: These rankings are just based on my emotional experience 😊 🥇 1st Place: Hokkaido Paradise of Nature & Food If I had to choose just one, it would be Hokkaido—hands down. The freedom to explore, the overwhelming nature, and the incredible food scene… it has it all. 🌲 Breathtaking Natural Scenery Lavender fields in Furano, primeval forests of Shiretoko, patchwork hills in Biei Each season brings a different magic: snowy drift ice in winter, cool retreats in summer 🍽 A Treasure Trove of Deliciousness Seafood bowls in Otaru & Hakodate: Uni (sea urchin) from the morning market = heaven ...
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🇯🇵 I Visited All 47 Prefectures in Japan – And It Changed My Life

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 When I say, "I’ve been to all 47 prefectures in Japan," people often react with surprise. Some ask, “Was it for work?” or “Why go to so many places?” But the answer is simple: I just wanted to go. I wanted to see with my own eyes what kind of country Japan really is. 🌟 The Joy of Having 47 Places I'm Glad I Visited Life has its ups and downs, but with every trip I’ve taken, one thing becomes clear: Every place in Japan has its own unique air, its own heartbeat. Like the quiet moments spent staring into the wetlands of Kushiro, Hokkaido . Or the lively night of drinking at a street stall in Fukuoka . Or sipping matcha in peaceful silence at the Higashi Chaya District in Ishikawa . These moments are burned into my memory— and they all made me feel, “I’m so glad to be alive.” I’ve had that feeling in all 47 prefectures. And that, to me, is an incredible gift. 🏘 Finding a Sense of Belonging in Places I Didn’t Know Travel isn’t just about tourist spots....
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