AUTHOR

TAKERUWarning: Attempt to read property

I’m a travel blogger and onsen ryokan staff member based in Japan. In my early 40s and raising two young daughters (ages 6 and 3), I focus on family-friendly travel ideas and accommodations—especially in Japan. With nearly 10 years of experience working in the airline industry, mainly in domestic flights within Japan, I understand the ins and outs of traveling efficiently. ✒️Many of my articles highlight hidden gems in Shizuoka Prefecture and around Mt. Fuji—perfect for families who want a deeper, more authentic experience in Japan.

07/10/2025
07/10/2025

Sydney with Kids: Taxi & Uber Child Car Seat Rules (What Parents Should Know)

🚕 Traveling in Sydney with young children? One of the first questions parents often ask is whether taxis or Uber require a child car seat in Australia. Unlike Japan and many other countries, where taxis allow infants and toddlers to ride without one, the rules in Australia are much stricter, with detailed requirements that vary by state. If you’re heading to Sydney (New South Wales), it’s important to know the […]

02/10/2025
05/10/2025

5 Highly Rated Hotels & Ryokan in Shizuoka City Featuring Tatami Rooms

🗻 Looking for a Japanese-style stay in Shizuoka City? 🏨 This guide hand-picks five highly rated Japanese-style hotels and ryokan in Shizuoka City, each offering authentic tatami (straw-mat) flooring—take off your shoes, relax, and sleep on cozy futon. 😄 Hi, I’m Takeru — a Shizuoka-based travel blogger. I primarily cover onsen stays and hot-spring culture across Shizuoka Prefecture, followed by can’t-miss Mt. Fuji viewpoints you can realistically fit into your […]

25/09/2025
27/09/2025

Big Bus Tour Sydney Review & Routes – Best Way to Explore the City

🇦🇺 Exploring Sydney for the first time can feel a bit overwhelming—there’s so much to see, from the iconic Opera House to the stunning harbour views. 💡 If you want to cover the city’s main attractions without wasting time or energy, the Big Bus Sydney Hop-on Hop-off Tour is one of the most efficient ways to do it. This sightseeing bus allows you to hop on and off at major […]

10/09/2025

Yamabiko-so Inn｜Review of a Unique Hot Spring Stay in Nishi-Izu, Shizuoka

If you’re planning a trip to Nishi-Izu on the western side of the Izu Peninsula and want to stay somewhere a little out of the ordinary, Yamabiko-so is the perfect choice. ♨️ This hot spring inn was once an elementary school until 1973, later renovated into a Japanese-style inn. Staying here feels nostalgic, almost like stepping back in time. What makes Yamabiko-so truly unique is the experience it offers: soaking […]

21/08/2025
21/08/2025

Lake Tanuki & Mt. Fuji Views – Diamond Fuji, Upside-Down Reflections, and Outdoor Fun

🗻 Lake Tanuki (Tanuki-ko), located in Fujinomiya City, Shizuoka Prefecture, is one of the most scenic spots to enjoy stunning views of Mt. Fuji. One of its most captivating sights is the “Upside-Down Fuji”, where the mountain’s reflection appears clearly on the lake’s calm surface—creating a perfect mirror image. This breathtaking phenomenon has long attracted photographers and Mt. Fuji enthusiasts alike. The best seasons to witness this magical view are […]

16/07/2025

6 Recommended Toi Onsen Ryokans in Izu – Private Onsen & Scenic Ocean Views

🇯🇵 Looking for a peaceful hot spring getaway on the Izu Peninsula? ♨️ Toi Onsen, located on the western coast of Izu (Shizuoka Prefecture), is a quiet seaside resort known for its mild climate, sunsets over Suruga Bay, and relaxing open-air baths. 🛳 It’s easily accessible via the Suruga Bay Ferry, which not only connects travelers to western Izu but also offers a rare chance to see Mt. Fuji from […]

13/06/2025
05/10/2025

Discover Shizuoka’s Best Mt. Fuji Viewpoints – 8 Scenic Spots Worth Visiting

🗻 Shizuoka Prefecture features an impressive selection of Mt. Fuji viewing spots, making it one of the best regions to admire Japan’s iconic mountain from different perspectives. Conveniently located between Tokyo and Nagoya, Shizuoka is easy to reach by bullet train and offers a diverse landscape—from serene lakes and panoramic terraces to historic mountain passes and ocean cruises. From well-known sites to local favorites, each place offers a different face […]

23/05/2025
24/07/2025

Pokémon Room at MIMARU TOKYO UENO EAST | Family Hotel Review & Booking Tips

🇯🇵 Ever dreamed of staying in a real Pokémon-themed hotel room? At MIMARU TOKYO UENO EAST, that dream comes true with their official Pokémon Room – a fun, family-friendly space filled with Pokémon decorations, a giant Snorlax plush, and exclusive goodies for guests. We recently stayed in the Pokémon Room as a family of four (two adults and two young kids), and it was a truly unforgettable experience. From the […]

30/04/2025
11/09/2025

Explore Satta Pass – The Coolest Mt. Fuji Viewpoint in Shizuoka

🗻 Have you ever seen a photo of Mt. Fuji rising above a sweeping coastline, with curving expressways and shimmering ocean below? 📸 This iconic view isn’t from a drone or a postcard—it’s a real place you can visit: Satta Pass(薩埵峠), a scenic viewpoint located in the Yui area of Shizuoka City, along the historic Old Tokaido Road. Satta Pass Overview – A Picture-Perfect Fuji Viewpoint Located between Okitsu and […]

18/04/2025
01/10/2025

Discover a Shizuoka Ryokan with Private Onsen – Onogiso in Umegashima

♨️ Looking for a quiet, traditional ryokan with private hot spring baths in Shizuoka, Japan—without traveling far from the city? 🚗 Nestled deep in the mountains of Shizuoka City, the secluded hot spring area of Umegashima offers a peaceful escape surrounded by nature—just about an hour’s drive from downtown. ⛰ If you’re seeking a truly relaxing and authentic experience, “Onogiso Ryokan“ is one of the best places to stay in […]