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brooke beyond

Aus + NZ / Australia / Western Australia

A fantastic day of wine tasting with Margaret River Tours

10 February 2020

Last Updated on 18 May 2022

As Western Australia’s premier wine region and one of the country’s largest wine producers (accounting for more than 25% of all Australian wine), Margaret River has been high on my list since I first visited WA in 2015. It’s taken a while to get back to the west coast, but the allure of white sand beaches and more than 200 vineyards to explore was a strong pull.

Travelling with my mum to Margaret River over the Christmas period, we knew we’d want to do a fair bit of wine tasting, but weren’t totally sure how to manage that— we’ve done large group tasting tours in the Barossa Valley before and were pretty disappointed with the impersonal feel and lack of flexibility, but we also didn’t want to break the budget by paying for a private tour (or restrict our wine tasting by driving ourselves). We ended up booking a full-day tour with Margaret River Tours and were genuinely SO impressed by the experience that it’s hard to imagine a better way to explore this wonderful region!

All the details: Margaret River Tours

Cost: Margaret River Tours offers an awesome full-day Gourmet Wine & Dine tour, which includes tastings at 6 different wineries, an incredible 2-course lunch and full glass of wine, afternoon picnic platter, and chocolate and cheese tastings, all for $170 per person. If you can only spare a few hours, there’s also a half-day option that has you joining after lunch (missing the meal and the first 2 wineries of the day) for $95.

Getting there: Margaret River is 3hrs south of Perth, so it’s a good idea to dedicate a few days to exploring the wine region properly (although it is definitely possible to do a long day trip if you’re short on time). Margaret River Tours will pick you up from any hotel or Airbnb within 10km of central Margaret River and return you back at the end of the day.

Where to stay: Grab an Airbnb in central Margaret River for an inexpensive, homey experience.

Read more: WHAT TO DO IN MARGARET RIVER: A GUIDE TO ALL THE BEST WINERIES, BEACHES & VIEWS

A big thank you to Margaret River Tours for inviting me to explore WA’s premier wine region with them in exchange for an honest review of the experience. As always, all opinions in this post are entirely my own!

People at wine cellar door McHenry Hohnen Margaret River
Wine tasting at McHenry Hohnen

Our first day in Margaret River begins with an early morning pick-up from our friendly guide, Peter, who immediately launches into a comprehensive history of the region and some of the wines we’ll get to sample today. Excitement levels are high, especially for mum, who’s been begging me to do another wine trip with her for the last several years. Now that it’s finally here, we are beaming.

Joined by just one older couple from Queensland, we are immensely pleased not to be lost in a crowd of 20 other tourists, which means we receive far more personal attention from both Peter and the winery staff at each cellar door. At Brown Hill Estate, a family-owned winery and our first stop of the day, we even get taken into the warehouse to see the winemaker processing the most recent vintage— a rare treat!

In addition to producing a large variety Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz, Margaret River is the country’s main Chardonnay producer and has even been lauded as one of the world’s finest, routinely beating out wines from the Burgundy region of France in blind tastings. Today therefore presents the perfect opportunity to branch out and try something different than our usual “full bodied reds”.

I’m not typically a big white drinker, mum even less so, but I am honestly blown away by the Chardonnay we taste at every single winery, finding that it almost has the flavour of a red wine with all the approachability of a white. Although I probably lack the vocabulary (and definitely also the palate) to really describe what I’m tasting when it comes to nice wine, suffice to say that the Chardonnay in Margaret River is delicious and we end up buying several bottles of white throughout the day, a surprise for all involved.

People at wine cellar door Leeuwin Estate Margaret River
Art Leeuwin Estate Margaret River
Wine barrels Margaret River Western Australia
Girl at wine cellar door Margaret River Western Australia

Suitably tipsy from sampling the full range of reds and whites at Brownhill Estate, we continue the morning at Leeuwin Estate. As one of the best known vineyards in the region, Leeuwin routinely makes its way into both national and international lists of top wineries and was ranked as a 5-star winery by Australian wine authority James Halliday. The grounds alone are amazingly impressive and the gallery housed below the cellar door offers a look at the art-inspired labels that decorate the bottles, but it’s definitely the Chardonnay that leaves me with a lasting impression. Simply amazing.

After another quick tasting at Xanadu Wines, we finally sit down to lunch in the adjoining restaurant, nestled into a cozy 4-person table with our QLD companions. I’ve previously had some of the best meals of my life at wineries, including yesterday’s insane lunch at Will’s Domain in Yallingup, so expectations are high this afternoon— and soon completely surpassed, the lamb completely mouth-watering and the full glass of wine the perfect pairing.

Food Xanadu Wines Margaret River
Woman buying wine Vasse Felix Margaret River
Vineyard Margaret River Western Australia
Wine cellar Margaret River Western Australia
Red roses vineyard Margaret River Western Australia
Voyager Estate

After lunch, our little group is joined by two more members, another Australian couple, and we all slide easily into a friendly rhythm as we continue on to still more wineries. Next up is Vasse Felix, the first winery every established in Margaret River in 1967 and home to the region’s oldest vines, and then Voyager Estate, set in impeccably-manicured gardens.

Polishing off a picnic platter of cheese, meats, and crackers while Peter drives us to the next winery, it feels like the day has flown by and we are already at our final tasting before I even realise what’s happened. Thankfully, impressive McHenry Hohnen is the perfect place to end our fantastic tour.

People walking into wine cellar door Margaret River
McHenry Hohnen wine cellar door Margaret River
Sign at McHenry Hohnen wine cellar door Margaret River

This biodynamic winery was founded on the concept that plants, and therefore viticulture, are heavily influenced by the seasons and moon phases. Even minute fluctuations of mineral content can have large implication for soil, which in turn affects the grapevines grown on that particular plot, so McHenry Hohnen has refined the art of wine making into a true science.

Not only is their wine delicious, particularly the red Amigos GSM that we buy three bottles of, but it’s fascinating to learn about the immense thought and planning that goes into making their wine just right. As always, I am amazed to consider the life of the grapes beyond just pouring them down my throat.

After a quick chocolate tasting at Margaret River Chocolate Co. and cheese tasting at Margaret River Dairy Co., the day draws to a close and Peter returns us, content and grinning through purple teeth, to our respective hotels. And we kind of wish we could do it all again tomorrow.

Woman walking in garden wine cellar door Margaret River
Gardens at Voyager Estate

With all the convenience of a well-organised tour, a local guide with extensive knowledge about wine, and a company that has established good relationships with all of the wineries we visited, Margaret River Tours still tailored the day to us and our small group, which made it feel like a private tour without the price tag.

There was a schedule to stick to (quite necessary if you’re fitting in 6 wineries, lunch, and then cheese and chocolate tastings), but it never felt rushed or like we were being pushed out too early. The included lunch was exceptional, and our guide/driver Peter was also truly delightful and ready to answer any questions about the wine in WA. If and when I find myself back in Margaret River, I will absolutely join this tour again for another wonderful day of wine.

Read more about Western Australia

ROTTO TRAVEL GUIDE: THE PERFECT DAY TRIP TO ROTTNEST ISLAND, WESTERN AUSTRALIA

9 AMAZING THINGS TO DO IN PERTH, WESTERN AUSTRALIA

WHAT TO DO IN MARGARET RIVER: A GUIDE TO ALL THE BEST WINERIES, BEACHES & VIEWS

PERTH TO MARGARET RIVER TRAVEL GUIDE: 1-WEEK WESTERN AUSTRALIA ROAD TRIP ITINERARY

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brooke beyond

Hey, I'm Brooke and I'm obsessed with getting off the beaten path, exploring backcountry gems & travelling beyond the ordinary! I left Australia 5 years ago after finishing a PhD in Biomechanics & have been travelling the world full-time ever since (joined by my life/climbing partner, James). Whether it’s road-tripping through Mexico, climbing alpine peaks in the Andes, scuba diving in the Red Sea, or tackling epic via ferrata in the Dolomites, I hope this blog will inspire your future adventures & help you find wonder in every corner of the globe. xx bb

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hi, I’m brooke!

I'm obsessed with getting off the beaten path, exploring backcountry gems & travelling beyond the ordinary! I left Australia 5 years ago after finishing a PhD in Biomechanics & have been travelling the world full-time ever since (now joined by my life/climbing partner, James). I hope this blog will inspire your future adventures & help you find wonder in every corner of the globe. xx bb

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@brookebeyond_
brooke ✨travel & mountain gal

@brookebeyond_

  • Takachiho Gorge, the most beautiful place in Japan 🇯🇵🌸✨

Cut by the bright turquoise Gokase River, this magical little gorge in central Kyushu is lined with towering basalt cliffs, their warped columns shaped by ancient lava flows from nearby Mt Aso, all leading towards the sparkling Minainotaki Waterfall. It’s one of those places that looks surreal in photos and somehow even better in person!

We stopped here on a 2-week Kyushu road trip and this spot completely blew us away— many people consider it the most beautiful place in Japan and I have to agree!!

Tips for visiting Takachiho Gorge:
- the site is open 8am-5pm
- entry is ¥1,000 per person + parking is available nearby
- reserve a row boat (30min) for ¥4,000 on weekdays or ¥5,000 on weeekends (boats do sell out!)
- the best light is after 10.30am, when sun hits the waterfall
- free paths run along both sides of the gorge, so you can enjoy great views even if you don’t hire a boat

Did you know Japan looked like this?! 🤩
  • More than 200,000 people climb Mt Fuji every year, but only a few dozen in the winter— it’s a notoriously dangerous ascent on steep snow and ice with insane winds, music to my ears. 

It was a gorgeous day, blue skies, not another climber on the mountain (except for me and my partner), and by all accounts it was PERFECT conditions for a Fuji summit. But then those infamous winds picked up… 🌬️

By the time we were 100m below the summit, gusts were up to 60km/hr and we dropped onto the snow every few minutes, axes dug in to brace against wild wind that threatened to rip us right off the mountain. Fuji is just a big sheet of ice at the top and the final part of the climb is a very exposed ridgeline where a slip would be fatal. We put up a good fight, but in the end, there was absolutely no way to continue safely. So we made the call to turn around.

And although this is far from the first mountain I’ve failed to summit, it was probably the most painful. 

Knowing when to turn back is one of the most important skills in climbing, but it’s still one I struggle with— the feeling of being SO close, of “failing” because you didn’t stand on the summit, is such a challenge for me because I’ve tied so much of my self-worth, particularly as a young female climber, to being strong enough/tough enough to *keep pushing*

But pushing through dangerous conditions isn’t really admirable, it’s just stupid…

And when you’re so fixated on the end goal, it’s easy to feel like the effort & accomplishment of the other 2,500m don’t mean anything without the final 100m. 

But a climb is so much more than the summit. And our worth as climbers (or hikers or PEOPLE) cannot come only from the successes. It has to come from the genuine pursuit, too. From the moments we try our best and don’t quite make it. And certainly from the moments we are strong enough to accept “not this time, but hopefully sometime in the future”.

This was a lesson I didn’t really want but certainly needed in celebrating every metre— NOT just the final ones— and climbing like I care about (staying alive for) the next summit.

So cheers from climbing & not summiting Fuji, because that’s ok to celebrate too 🍻
  • NARA, JAPAN 🦌🌸

The first permanent capital of Japan in the 8th century, Nara is packed with ancient temples, mossy lanterns, and wide-open parks full of sacred deer, who are believed to be messengers of the gods!

Of course we’d seen seen videos of bowing deer on Instagram before visiting, but we spent 2 days in Nara and fell in love with so many parts of this charming little city (and yes, ALSO fell in love with the deer, who were even CUTER in person!!)

DIY walking tour highlights:
- Kofuku-ji Temple: 5-story pagoda & Buddhist temple from 730AD (rebuilt in 1426)
- Nara Park: the main deer zone 🦌 (look for shikadamari, deer clusters relaxing in the grass + buy bags of deer feed for a few hundred ¥!)
- Kasuga Taisha: 8th century Shinto shrine draped in wisteria & stone lanterns
- Todai-ji: home to the Great Buddha (16m tall, 437 tonnes of bronze!)
- Daibutsu-den Hall: built without nails, once the largest wooden structure on Earth
- Nandaimon Gate: Japan’s largest temple gate
- Yoshiki-en Garden: peaceful, perfect for shinrin-yoku (forest bathing)
- Nakatanidou: famous red-bean mochi, must try!
  • Tokyo is the largest city in the world and it is many, MANY things all at once— steeped in history, dominated by incredible cuisine, bursting with alt-culture… an electric mosaic of tradition, innovation, and chaos.

2 weeks was hardly enough time to scrape the surface of the city (and 20 photos was not even close to enough for this round-up!!!), but we will 100% be back for more Tokyo magic in the future!

In the meantime, here are some of my absolute favourite things to do in Tokyo 😍🌸🍜
  • FUJI FIVE LAKES 🌋🌸🎌

Just north of Mt Fuji & a few hours from Tokyo, this scenic region is made up of five volcanic lakes formed by ancient eruptions— Kawaguchi, Saiko, Yamanaka, Shoji & Motosu— all offering incredible vantage points of Japan’s most iconic mountain. Here’s how to explore ↯

GETTING HERE
Train 2hrs from Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko (direct train every 30min; 2200¥ = $15)

GETTING AROUND
The Kawaguchiko Sightseeing Bus is a super easy hop-on-hop-off service that loops around Mt Fuji’s northern lakes and major sights (departing Kawaguchiko Station). Start with the Red Line and if you’ve got more time, transfer to the Green or Blue Lines for Lake Saiko and Lake Shoji (¥1,800 for 1-day pass = $12)

WHAT TO SEE
- Mt. Fuji Panorama Ropeway (900¥)
- Tenjosan Komitake Shrine
- Lake Shoji (quiet views along the lake shore)
- Lake Kawaguchi Excursion Boat (1000¥)
- Hannoki Bayashi Shiryokan (traditional village & open-air museum)
- Kawaguchiko Train Station & Lawson (excellent views)
- hike/climb Mt Fuji, depending on the season!!

HOW MANY DAYS?
I spent 5 days in Fuji Five Lakes region (including a winter ascent of Mt Fuji ❄️), but most people will find 2–3 days plenty for sightseeing.

WHERE TO STAY
Kagelow Mt. Fuji Hostel was one of my favourite stays in Japan, with budget-friendly private pods or rooms, plus an awesome on-site restaurant, all an easy walk to the train station
  • QUICK GUIDE TO PUBLIC TRANSPORT IN TOKYO 🚆 

📲 the easiest way to tap on & off the metro in Tokyo is with a virtual SUICA transit card on Apple/Google Pay
—> go to the Wallet app
—> tap the + icon and select Transit Card
—> search for SUICA
—> add 1,000¥ to start (foreign VISA doesn’t work for some people, so use MasterCard or AMEX to add value to card)

💴 most inner-city trips cost 150-250¥ ($1-2)
—> with Suica loaded on Apple Pay, you’ll see the exact cost of your journey as soon as you tap off

🗺️ Google Maps is the absolute easiest way to navigate public transport in Tokyo. Some of the handy information provided:
—> entrance & exit directions— some of these stations are like small cities! Google Maps will tell you “enter at B15” or “exit 8” & these are always well signed around the station. 
—> which line you’re taking (ex. Maranuchi Line)— look for corresponding signs in the station
—> platform 
—> which train car to board for fastest exit
—> cost
  • tokyo on film ✌🏼

I almost always shoot mountain landscapes, so it was super fun taking my camera around the city (and editing with a film sim) to capture what it FEELS like to be in Tokyo.

📸 which is your favourite?? mine might be the 4th… but so hard to choose!
  • I don’t think I’ve ever arrived anywhere with higher expectations than I did Japan. 

For years, people have been appalled that I hadn’t been to Japan— a favourite country for just about everyone and therefore a glaring hole in my travel resume.

I’ve found myself gravitating more and more towards Latin America over the years, pulled to Europe for the climbing and occasionally to Africa for a bit of variety, but it’d been nearly a decade since I spent time in Asia. 

Even so, I’m not sure Japan can really be compared to these other places— the chaos of motorbiking through southern Vietnam, the wild jungle of barely inhabited Thai islands, the smoky shores of the Mekong River as it winds through Laos, the experience of train travel through China that I still don’t have an appropriate adjective for… Japan is a place entirely its own. 

And I finally understand why it has captivated the hearts of so many travellers.

Ok ok, I get it. Japan is mind-blowing, magical, incomparable, INCREDIBLE 🌸🇯🇵
  • I’ve been travelling the world full-time for nearly 5 years (with my fiancé for the last 2), and we explore 10-20 countries per year on an average budget of $80/day 💃🏻👏🏻✨

One of the ways we’ve found to maximise bucketlist travel on a budget is BALANCE— we can afford to stay in $3000/week Norwegian cabins because we also spend part of our year in AirBnbs that cost just $17 per night ($8.50 each)!!

** if you want to see a super-detailed breakdown of our spending as full-time travellers, check out the BUDGET highlight on my profile 💸
follow @brookebeyond_

travel beyond the ordinary

Explore my travel guides, custom itineraries & blog posts with an interactive world map ✨

all destinations

  • Takachiho Gorge, the most beautiful place in Japan 🇯🇵🌸✨

Cut by the bright turquoise Gokase River, this magical little gorge in central Kyushu is lined with towering basalt cliffs, their warped columns shaped by ancient lava flows from nearby Mt Aso, all leading towards the sparkling Minainotaki Waterfall. It’s one of those places that looks surreal in photos and somehow even better in person!

We stopped here on a 2-week Kyushu road trip and this spot completely blew us away— many people consider it the most beautiful place in Japan and I have to agree!!

Tips for visiting Takachiho Gorge:
- the site is open 8am-5pm
- entry is ¥1,000 per person + parking is available nearby
- reserve a row boat (30min) for ¥4,000 on weekdays or ¥5,000 on weeekends (boats do sell out!)
- the best light is after 10.30am, when sun hits the waterfall
- free paths run along both sides of the gorge, so you can enjoy great views even if you don’t hire a boat

Did you know Japan looked like this?! 🤩
  • More than 200,000 people climb Mt Fuji every year, but only a few dozen in the winter— it’s a notoriously dangerous ascent on steep snow and ice with insane winds, music to my ears. 

It was a gorgeous day, blue skies, not another climber on the mountain (except for me and my partner), and by all accounts it was PERFECT conditions for a Fuji summit. But then those infamous winds picked up… 🌬️

By the time we were 100m below the summit, gusts were up to 60km/hr and we dropped onto the snow every few minutes, axes dug in to brace against wild wind that threatened to rip us right off the mountain. Fuji is just a big sheet of ice at the top and the final part of the climb is a very exposed ridgeline where a slip would be fatal. We put up a good fight, but in the end, there was absolutely no way to continue safely. So we made the call to turn around.

And although this is far from the first mountain I’ve failed to summit, it was probably the most painful. 

Knowing when to turn back is one of the most important skills in climbing, but it’s still one I struggle with— the feeling of being SO close, of “failing” because you didn’t stand on the summit, is such a challenge for me because I’ve tied so much of my self-worth, particularly as a young female climber, to being strong enough/tough enough to *keep pushing*

But pushing through dangerous conditions isn’t really admirable, it’s just stupid…

And when you’re so fixated on the end goal, it’s easy to feel like the effort & accomplishment of the other 2,500m don’t mean anything without the final 100m. 

But a climb is so much more than the summit. And our worth as climbers (or hikers or PEOPLE) cannot come only from the successes. It has to come from the genuine pursuit, too. From the moments we try our best and don’t quite make it. And certainly from the moments we are strong enough to accept “not this time, but hopefully sometime in the future”.

This was a lesson I didn’t really want but certainly needed in celebrating every metre— NOT just the final ones— and climbing like I care about (staying alive for) the next summit.

So cheers from climbing & not summiting Fuji, because that’s ok to celebrate too 🍻
  • NARA, JAPAN 🦌🌸

The first permanent capital of Japan in the 8th century, Nara is packed with ancient temples, mossy lanterns, and wide-open parks full of sacred deer, who are believed to be messengers of the gods!

Of course we’d seen seen videos of bowing deer on Instagram before visiting, but we spent 2 days in Nara and fell in love with so many parts of this charming little city (and yes, ALSO fell in love with the deer, who were even CUTER in person!!)

DIY walking tour highlights:
- Kofuku-ji Temple: 5-story pagoda & Buddhist temple from 730AD (rebuilt in 1426)
- Nara Park: the main deer zone 🦌 (look for shikadamari, deer clusters relaxing in the grass + buy bags of deer feed for a few hundred ¥!)
- Kasuga Taisha: 8th century Shinto shrine draped in wisteria & stone lanterns
- Todai-ji: home to the Great Buddha (16m tall, 437 tonnes of bronze!)
- Daibutsu-den Hall: built without nails, once the largest wooden structure on Earth
- Nandaimon Gate: Japan’s largest temple gate
- Yoshiki-en Garden: peaceful, perfect for shinrin-yoku (forest bathing)
- Nakatanidou: famous red-bean mochi, must try!
  • Tokyo is the largest city in the world and it is many, MANY things all at once— steeped in history, dominated by incredible cuisine, bursting with alt-culture… an electric mosaic of tradition, innovation, and chaos.

2 weeks was hardly enough time to scrape the surface of the city (and 20 photos was not even close to enough for this round-up!!!), but we will 100% be back for more Tokyo magic in the future!

In the meantime, here are some of my absolute favourite things to do in Tokyo 😍🌸🍜
  • FUJI FIVE LAKES 🌋🌸🎌

Just north of Mt Fuji & a few hours from Tokyo, this scenic region is made up of five volcanic lakes formed by ancient eruptions— Kawaguchi, Saiko, Yamanaka, Shoji & Motosu— all offering incredible vantage points of Japan’s most iconic mountain. Here’s how to explore ↯

GETTING HERE
Train 2hrs from Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko (direct train every 30min; 2200¥ = $15)

GETTING AROUND
The Kawaguchiko Sightseeing Bus is a super easy hop-on-hop-off service that loops around Mt Fuji’s northern lakes and major sights (departing Kawaguchiko Station). Start with the Red Line and if you’ve got more time, transfer to the Green or Blue Lines for Lake Saiko and Lake Shoji (¥1,800 for 1-day pass = $12)

WHAT TO SEE
- Mt. Fuji Panorama Ropeway (900¥)
- Tenjosan Komitake Shrine
- Lake Shoji (quiet views along the lake shore)
- Lake Kawaguchi Excursion Boat (1000¥)
- Hannoki Bayashi Shiryokan (traditional village & open-air museum)
- Kawaguchiko Train Station & Lawson (excellent views)
- hike/climb Mt Fuji, depending on the season!!

HOW MANY DAYS?
I spent 5 days in Fuji Five Lakes region (including a winter ascent of Mt Fuji ❄️), but most people will find 2–3 days plenty for sightseeing.

WHERE TO STAY
Kagelow Mt. Fuji Hostel was one of my favourite stays in Japan, with budget-friendly private pods or rooms, plus an awesome on-site restaurant, all an easy walk to the train station
Takachiho Gorge, the most beautiful place in Japan 🇯🇵🌸✨

Cut by the bright turquoise Gokase River, this magical little gorge in central Kyushu is lined with towering basalt cliffs, their warped columns shaped by ancient lava flows from nearby Mt Aso, all leading towards the sparkling Minainotaki Waterfall. It’s one of those places that looks surreal in photos and somehow even better in person!

We stopped here on a 2-week Kyushu road trip and this spot completely blew us away— many people consider it the most beautiful place in Japan and I have to agree!!

Tips for visiting Takachiho Gorge:
- the site is open 8am-5pm
- entry is ¥1,000 per person + parking is available nearby
- reserve a row boat (30min) for ¥4,000 on weekdays or ¥5,000 on weeekends (boats do sell out!)
- the best light is after 10.30am, when sun hits the waterfall
- free paths run along both sides of the gorge, so you can enjoy great views even if you don’t hire a boat

Did you know Japan looked like this?! 🤩
Takachiho Gorge, the most beautiful place in Japan 🇯🇵🌸✨

Cut by the bright turquoise Gokase River, this magical little gorge in central Kyushu is lined with towering basalt cliffs, their warped columns shaped by ancient lava flows from nearby Mt Aso, all leading towards the sparkling Minainotaki Waterfall. It’s one of those places that looks surreal in photos and somehow even better in person!

We stopped here on a 2-week Kyushu road trip and this spot completely blew us away— many people consider it the most beautiful place in Japan and I have to agree!!

Tips for visiting Takachiho Gorge:
- the site is open 8am-5pm
- entry is ¥1,000 per person + parking is available nearby
- reserve a row boat (30min) for ¥4,000 on weekdays or ¥5,000 on weeekends (boats do sell out!)
- the best light is after 10.30am, when sun hits the waterfall
- free paths run along both sides of the gorge, so you can enjoy great views even if you don’t hire a boat

Did you know Japan looked like this?! 🤩
Takachiho Gorge, the most beautiful place in Japan 🇯🇵🌸✨

Cut by the bright turquoise Gokase River, this magical little gorge in central Kyushu is lined with towering basalt cliffs, their warped columns shaped by ancient lava flows from nearby Mt Aso, all leading towards the sparkling Minainotaki Waterfall. It’s one of those places that looks surreal in photos and somehow even better in person!

We stopped here on a 2-week Kyushu road trip and this spot completely blew us away— many people consider it the most beautiful place in Japan and I have to agree!!

Tips for visiting Takachiho Gorge:
- the site is open 8am-5pm
- entry is ¥1,000 per person + parking is available nearby
- reserve a row boat (30min) for ¥4,000 on weekdays or ¥5,000 on weeekends (boats do sell out!)
- the best light is after 10.30am, when sun hits the waterfall
- free paths run along both sides of the gorge, so you can enjoy great views even if you don’t hire a boat

Did you know Japan looked like this?! 🤩
Takachiho Gorge, the most beautiful place in Japan 🇯🇵🌸✨

Cut by the bright turquoise Gokase River, this magical little gorge in central Kyushu is lined with towering basalt cliffs, their warped columns shaped by ancient lava flows from nearby Mt Aso, all leading towards the sparkling Minainotaki Waterfall. It’s one of those places that looks surreal in photos and somehow even better in person!

We stopped here on a 2-week Kyushu road trip and this spot completely blew us away— many people consider it the most beautiful place in Japan and I have to agree!!

Tips for visiting Takachiho Gorge:
- the site is open 8am-5pm
- entry is ¥1,000 per person + parking is available nearby
- reserve a row boat (30min) for ¥4,000 on weekdays or ¥5,000 on weeekends (boats do sell out!)
- the best light is after 10.30am, when sun hits the waterfall
- free paths run along both sides of the gorge, so you can enjoy great views even if you don’t hire a boat

Did you know Japan looked like this?! 🤩
Takachiho Gorge, the most beautiful place in Japan 🇯🇵🌸✨

Cut by the bright turquoise Gokase River, this magical little gorge in central Kyushu is lined with towering basalt cliffs, their warped columns shaped by ancient lava flows from nearby Mt Aso, all leading towards the sparkling Minainotaki Waterfall. It’s one of those places that looks surreal in photos and somehow even better in person!

We stopped here on a 2-week Kyushu road trip and this spot completely blew us away— many people consider it the most beautiful place in Japan and I have to agree!!

Tips for visiting Takachiho Gorge:
- the site is open 8am-5pm
- entry is ¥1,000 per person + parking is available nearby
- reserve a row boat (30min) for ¥4,000 on weekdays or ¥5,000 on weeekends (boats do sell out!)
- the best light is after 10.30am, when sun hits the waterfall
- free paths run along both sides of the gorge, so you can enjoy great views even if you don’t hire a boat

Did you know Japan looked like this?! 🤩
@brookebeyond_
@brookebeyond_
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Takachiho Gorge, the most beautiful place in Japan 🇯🇵🌸✨ Cut by the bright turquoise Gokase River, this magical little gorge in central Kyushu is lined with towering basalt cliffs, their warped columns shaped by ancient lava flows from nearby Mt Aso, all leading towards the sparkling Minainotaki Waterfall. It’s one of those places that looks surreal in photos and somehow even better in person! We stopped here on a 2-week Kyushu road trip and this spot completely blew us away— many people consider it the most beautiful place in Japan and I have to agree!! Tips for visiting Takachiho Gorge: - the site is open 8am-5pm - entry is ¥1,000 per person + parking is available nearby - reserve a row boat (30min) for ¥4,000 on weekdays or ¥5,000 on weeekends (boats do sell out!) - the best light is after 10.30am, when sun hits the waterfall - free paths run along both sides of the gorge, so you can enjoy great views even if you don’t hire a boat Did you know Japan looked like this?! 🤩
16 hours ago
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1/5
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More than 200,000 people climb Mt Fuji every year, but only a few dozen in the winter— it’s a notoriously dangerous ascent on steep snow and ice with insane winds, music to my ears. It was a gorgeous day, blue skies, not another climber on the mountain (except for me and my partner), and by all accounts it was PERFECT conditions for a Fuji summit. But then those infamous winds picked up… 🌬️ By the time we were 100m below the summit, gusts were up to 60km/hr and we dropped onto the snow every few minutes, axes dug in to brace against wild wind that threatened to rip us right off the mountain. Fuji is just a big sheet of ice at the top and the final part of the climb is a very exposed ridgeline where a slip would be fatal. We put up a good fight, but in the end, there was absolutely no way to continue safely. So we made the call to turn around. And although this is far from the first mountain I’ve failed to summit, it was probably the most painful. Knowing when to turn back is one of the most important skills in climbing, but it’s still one I struggle with— the feeling of being SO close, of “failing” because you didn’t stand on the summit, is such a challenge for me because I’ve tied so much of my self-worth, particularly as a young female climber, to being strong enough/tough enough to *keep pushing* But pushing through dangerous conditions isn’t really admirable, it’s just stupid… And when you’re so fixated on the end goal, it’s easy to feel like the effort & accomplishment of the other 2,500m don’t mean anything without the final 100m. But a climb is so much more than the summit. And our worth as climbers (or hikers or PEOPLE) cannot come only from the successes. It has to come from the genuine pursuit, too. From the moments we try our best and don’t quite make it. And certainly from the moments we are strong enough to accept “not this time, but hopefully sometime in the future”. This was a lesson I didn’t really want but certainly needed in celebrating every metre— NOT just the final ones— and climbing like I care about (staying alive for) the next summit. So cheers from climbing & not summiting Fuji, because that’s ok to celebrate too 🍻
2 days ago
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2/5
NARA, JAPAN 🦌🌸

The first permanent capital of Japan in the 8th century, Nara is packed with ancient temples, mossy lanterns, and wide-open parks full of sacred deer, who are believed to be messengers of the gods!

Of course we’d seen seen videos of bowing deer on Instagram before visiting, but we spent 2 days in Nara and fell in love with so many parts of this charming little city (and yes, ALSO fell in love with the deer, who were even CUTER in person!!)

DIY walking tour highlights:
- Kofuku-ji Temple: 5-story pagoda & Buddhist temple from 730AD (rebuilt in 1426)
- Nara Park: the main deer zone 🦌 (look for shikadamari, deer clusters relaxing in the grass + buy bags of deer feed for a few hundred ¥!)
- Kasuga Taisha: 8th century Shinto shrine draped in wisteria & stone lanterns
- Todai-ji: home to the Great Buddha (16m tall, 437 tonnes of bronze!)
- Daibutsu-den Hall: built without nails, once the largest wooden structure on Earth
- Nandaimon Gate: Japan’s largest temple gate
- Yoshiki-en Garden: peaceful, perfect for shinrin-yoku (forest bathing)
- Nakatanidou: famous red-bean mochi, must try!
NARA, JAPAN 🦌🌸

The first permanent capital of Japan in the 8th century, Nara is packed with ancient temples, mossy lanterns, and wide-open parks full of sacred deer, who are believed to be messengers of the gods!

Of course we’d seen seen videos of bowing deer on Instagram before visiting, but we spent 2 days in Nara and fell in love with so many parts of this charming little city (and yes, ALSO fell in love with the deer, who were even CUTER in person!!)

DIY walking tour highlights:
- Kofuku-ji Temple: 5-story pagoda & Buddhist temple from 730AD (rebuilt in 1426)
- Nara Park: the main deer zone 🦌 (look for shikadamari, deer clusters relaxing in the grass + buy bags of deer feed for a few hundred ¥!)
- Kasuga Taisha: 8th century Shinto shrine draped in wisteria & stone lanterns
- Todai-ji: home to the Great Buddha (16m tall, 437 tonnes of bronze!)
- Daibutsu-den Hall: built without nails, once the largest wooden structure on Earth
- Nandaimon Gate: Japan’s largest temple gate
- Yoshiki-en Garden: peaceful, perfect for shinrin-yoku (forest bathing)
- Nakatanidou: famous red-bean mochi, must try!
NARA, JAPAN 🦌🌸

The first permanent capital of Japan in the 8th century, Nara is packed with ancient temples, mossy lanterns, and wide-open parks full of sacred deer, who are believed to be messengers of the gods!

Of course we’d seen seen videos of bowing deer on Instagram before visiting, but we spent 2 days in Nara and fell in love with so many parts of this charming little city (and yes, ALSO fell in love with the deer, who were even CUTER in person!!)

DIY walking tour highlights:
- Kofuku-ji Temple: 5-story pagoda & Buddhist temple from 730AD (rebuilt in 1426)
- Nara Park: the main deer zone 🦌 (look for shikadamari, deer clusters relaxing in the grass + buy bags of deer feed for a few hundred ¥!)
- Kasuga Taisha: 8th century Shinto shrine draped in wisteria & stone lanterns
- Todai-ji: home to the Great Buddha (16m tall, 437 tonnes of bronze!)
- Daibutsu-den Hall: built without nails, once the largest wooden structure on Earth
- Nandaimon Gate: Japan’s largest temple gate
- Yoshiki-en Garden: peaceful, perfect for shinrin-yoku (forest bathing)
- Nakatanidou: famous red-bean mochi, must try!
NARA, JAPAN 🦌🌸

The first permanent capital of Japan in the 8th century, Nara is packed with ancient temples, mossy lanterns, and wide-open parks full of sacred deer, who are believed to be messengers of the gods!

Of course we’d seen seen videos of bowing deer on Instagram before visiting, but we spent 2 days in Nara and fell in love with so many parts of this charming little city (and yes, ALSO fell in love with the deer, who were even CUTER in person!!)

DIY walking tour highlights:
- Kofuku-ji Temple: 5-story pagoda & Buddhist temple from 730AD (rebuilt in 1426)
- Nara Park: the main deer zone 🦌 (look for shikadamari, deer clusters relaxing in the grass + buy bags of deer feed for a few hundred ¥!)
- Kasuga Taisha: 8th century Shinto shrine draped in wisteria & stone lanterns
- Todai-ji: home to the Great Buddha (16m tall, 437 tonnes of bronze!)
- Daibutsu-den Hall: built without nails, once the largest wooden structure on Earth
- Nandaimon Gate: Japan’s largest temple gate
- Yoshiki-en Garden: peaceful, perfect for shinrin-yoku (forest bathing)
- Nakatanidou: famous red-bean mochi, must try!
NARA, JAPAN 🦌🌸

The first permanent capital of Japan in the 8th century, Nara is packed with ancient temples, mossy lanterns, and wide-open parks full of sacred deer, who are believed to be messengers of the gods!

Of course we’d seen seen videos of bowing deer on Instagram before visiting, but we spent 2 days in Nara and fell in love with so many parts of this charming little city (and yes, ALSO fell in love with the deer, who were even CUTER in person!!)

DIY walking tour highlights:
- Kofuku-ji Temple: 5-story pagoda & Buddhist temple from 730AD (rebuilt in 1426)
- Nara Park: the main deer zone 🦌 (look for shikadamari, deer clusters relaxing in the grass + buy bags of deer feed for a few hundred ¥!)
- Kasuga Taisha: 8th century Shinto shrine draped in wisteria & stone lanterns
- Todai-ji: home to the Great Buddha (16m tall, 437 tonnes of bronze!)
- Daibutsu-den Hall: built without nails, once the largest wooden structure on Earth
- Nandaimon Gate: Japan’s largest temple gate
- Yoshiki-en Garden: peaceful, perfect for shinrin-yoku (forest bathing)
- Nakatanidou: famous red-bean mochi, must try!
NARA, JAPAN 🦌🌸

The first permanent capital of Japan in the 8th century, Nara is packed with ancient temples, mossy lanterns, and wide-open parks full of sacred deer, who are believed to be messengers of the gods!

Of course we’d seen seen videos of bowing deer on Instagram before visiting, but we spent 2 days in Nara and fell in love with so many parts of this charming little city (and yes, ALSO fell in love with the deer, who were even CUTER in person!!)

DIY walking tour highlights:
- Kofuku-ji Temple: 5-story pagoda & Buddhist temple from 730AD (rebuilt in 1426)
- Nara Park: the main deer zone 🦌 (look for shikadamari, deer clusters relaxing in the grass + buy bags of deer feed for a few hundred ¥!)
- Kasuga Taisha: 8th century Shinto shrine draped in wisteria & stone lanterns
- Todai-ji: home to the Great Buddha (16m tall, 437 tonnes of bronze!)
- Daibutsu-den Hall: built without nails, once the largest wooden structure on Earth
- Nandaimon Gate: Japan’s largest temple gate
- Yoshiki-en Garden: peaceful, perfect for shinrin-yoku (forest bathing)
- Nakatanidou: famous red-bean mochi, must try!
NARA, JAPAN 🦌🌸

The first permanent capital of Japan in the 8th century, Nara is packed with ancient temples, mossy lanterns, and wide-open parks full of sacred deer, who are believed to be messengers of the gods!

Of course we’d seen seen videos of bowing deer on Instagram before visiting, but we spent 2 days in Nara and fell in love with so many parts of this charming little city (and yes, ALSO fell in love with the deer, who were even CUTER in person!!)

DIY walking tour highlights:
- Kofuku-ji Temple: 5-story pagoda & Buddhist temple from 730AD (rebuilt in 1426)
- Nara Park: the main deer zone 🦌 (look for shikadamari, deer clusters relaxing in the grass + buy bags of deer feed for a few hundred ¥!)
- Kasuga Taisha: 8th century Shinto shrine draped in wisteria & stone lanterns
- Todai-ji: home to the Great Buddha (16m tall, 437 tonnes of bronze!)
- Daibutsu-den Hall: built without nails, once the largest wooden structure on Earth
- Nandaimon Gate: Japan’s largest temple gate
- Yoshiki-en Garden: peaceful, perfect for shinrin-yoku (forest bathing)
- Nakatanidou: famous red-bean mochi, must try!
NARA, JAPAN 🦌🌸

The first permanent capital of Japan in the 8th century, Nara is packed with ancient temples, mossy lanterns, and wide-open parks full of sacred deer, who are believed to be messengers of the gods!

Of course we’d seen seen videos of bowing deer on Instagram before visiting, but we spent 2 days in Nara and fell in love with so many parts of this charming little city (and yes, ALSO fell in love with the deer, who were even CUTER in person!!)

DIY walking tour highlights:
- Kofuku-ji Temple: 5-story pagoda & Buddhist temple from 730AD (rebuilt in 1426)
- Nara Park: the main deer zone 🦌 (look for shikadamari, deer clusters relaxing in the grass + buy bags of deer feed for a few hundred ¥!)
- Kasuga Taisha: 8th century Shinto shrine draped in wisteria & stone lanterns
- Todai-ji: home to the Great Buddha (16m tall, 437 tonnes of bronze!)
- Daibutsu-den Hall: built without nails, once the largest wooden structure on Earth
- Nandaimon Gate: Japan’s largest temple gate
- Yoshiki-en Garden: peaceful, perfect for shinrin-yoku (forest bathing)
- Nakatanidou: famous red-bean mochi, must try!
NARA, JAPAN 🦌🌸

The first permanent capital of Japan in the 8th century, Nara is packed with ancient temples, mossy lanterns, and wide-open parks full of sacred deer, who are believed to be messengers of the gods!

Of course we’d seen seen videos of bowing deer on Instagram before visiting, but we spent 2 days in Nara and fell in love with so many parts of this charming little city (and yes, ALSO fell in love with the deer, who were even CUTER in person!!)

DIY walking tour highlights:
- Kofuku-ji Temple: 5-story pagoda & Buddhist temple from 730AD (rebuilt in 1426)
- Nara Park: the main deer zone 🦌 (look for shikadamari, deer clusters relaxing in the grass + buy bags of deer feed for a few hundred ¥!)
- Kasuga Taisha: 8th century Shinto shrine draped in wisteria & stone lanterns
- Todai-ji: home to the Great Buddha (16m tall, 437 tonnes of bronze!)
- Daibutsu-den Hall: built without nails, once the largest wooden structure on Earth
- Nandaimon Gate: Japan’s largest temple gate
- Yoshiki-en Garden: peaceful, perfect for shinrin-yoku (forest bathing)
- Nakatanidou: famous red-bean mochi, must try!
NARA, JAPAN 🦌🌸

The first permanent capital of Japan in the 8th century, Nara is packed with ancient temples, mossy lanterns, and wide-open parks full of sacred deer, who are believed to be messengers of the gods!

Of course we’d seen seen videos of bowing deer on Instagram before visiting, but we spent 2 days in Nara and fell in love with so many parts of this charming little city (and yes, ALSO fell in love with the deer, who were even CUTER in person!!)

DIY walking tour highlights:
- Kofuku-ji Temple: 5-story pagoda & Buddhist temple from 730AD (rebuilt in 1426)
- Nara Park: the main deer zone 🦌 (look for shikadamari, deer clusters relaxing in the grass + buy bags of deer feed for a few hundred ¥!)
- Kasuga Taisha: 8th century Shinto shrine draped in wisteria & stone lanterns
- Todai-ji: home to the Great Buddha (16m tall, 437 tonnes of bronze!)
- Daibutsu-den Hall: built without nails, once the largest wooden structure on Earth
- Nandaimon Gate: Japan’s largest temple gate
- Yoshiki-en Garden: peaceful, perfect for shinrin-yoku (forest bathing)
- Nakatanidou: famous red-bean mochi, must try!
NARA, JAPAN 🦌🌸

The first permanent capital of Japan in the 8th century, Nara is packed with ancient temples, mossy lanterns, and wide-open parks full of sacred deer, who are believed to be messengers of the gods!

Of course we’d seen seen videos of bowing deer on Instagram before visiting, but we spent 2 days in Nara and fell in love with so many parts of this charming little city (and yes, ALSO fell in love with the deer, who were even CUTER in person!!)

DIY walking tour highlights:
- Kofuku-ji Temple: 5-story pagoda & Buddhist temple from 730AD (rebuilt in 1426)
- Nara Park: the main deer zone 🦌 (look for shikadamari, deer clusters relaxing in the grass + buy bags of deer feed for a few hundred ¥!)
- Kasuga Taisha: 8th century Shinto shrine draped in wisteria & stone lanterns
- Todai-ji: home to the Great Buddha (16m tall, 437 tonnes of bronze!)
- Daibutsu-den Hall: built without nails, once the largest wooden structure on Earth
- Nandaimon Gate: Japan’s largest temple gate
- Yoshiki-en Garden: peaceful, perfect for shinrin-yoku (forest bathing)
- Nakatanidou: famous red-bean mochi, must try!
NARA, JAPAN 🦌🌸

The first permanent capital of Japan in the 8th century, Nara is packed with ancient temples, mossy lanterns, and wide-open parks full of sacred deer, who are believed to be messengers of the gods!

Of course we’d seen seen videos of bowing deer on Instagram before visiting, but we spent 2 days in Nara and fell in love with so many parts of this charming little city (and yes, ALSO fell in love with the deer, who were even CUTER in person!!)

DIY walking tour highlights:
- Kofuku-ji Temple: 5-story pagoda & Buddhist temple from 730AD (rebuilt in 1426)
- Nara Park: the main deer zone 🦌 (look for shikadamari, deer clusters relaxing in the grass + buy bags of deer feed for a few hundred ¥!)
- Kasuga Taisha: 8th century Shinto shrine draped in wisteria & stone lanterns
- Todai-ji: home to the Great Buddha (16m tall, 437 tonnes of bronze!)
- Daibutsu-den Hall: built without nails, once the largest wooden structure on Earth
- Nandaimon Gate: Japan’s largest temple gate
- Yoshiki-en Garden: peaceful, perfect for shinrin-yoku (forest bathing)
- Nakatanidou: famous red-bean mochi, must try!
NARA, JAPAN 🦌🌸

The first permanent capital of Japan in the 8th century, Nara is packed with ancient temples, mossy lanterns, and wide-open parks full of sacred deer, who are believed to be messengers of the gods!

Of course we’d seen seen videos of bowing deer on Instagram before visiting, but we spent 2 days in Nara and fell in love with so many parts of this charming little city (and yes, ALSO fell in love with the deer, who were even CUTER in person!!)

DIY walking tour highlights:
- Kofuku-ji Temple: 5-story pagoda & Buddhist temple from 730AD (rebuilt in 1426)
- Nara Park: the main deer zone 🦌 (look for shikadamari, deer clusters relaxing in the grass + buy bags of deer feed for a few hundred ¥!)
- Kasuga Taisha: 8th century Shinto shrine draped in wisteria & stone lanterns
- Todai-ji: home to the Great Buddha (16m tall, 437 tonnes of bronze!)
- Daibutsu-den Hall: built without nails, once the largest wooden structure on Earth
- Nandaimon Gate: Japan’s largest temple gate
- Yoshiki-en Garden: peaceful, perfect for shinrin-yoku (forest bathing)
- Nakatanidou: famous red-bean mochi, must try!
@brookebeyond_
@brookebeyond_
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NARA, JAPAN 🦌🌸 The first permanent capital of Japan in the 8th century, Nara is packed with ancient temples, mossy lanterns, and wide-open parks full of sacred deer, who are believed to be messengers of the gods! Of course we’d seen seen videos of bowing deer on Instagram before visiting, but we spent 2 days in Nara and fell in love with so many parts of this charming little city (and yes, ALSO fell in love with the deer, who were even CUTER in person!!) DIY walking tour highlights: - Kofuku-ji Temple: 5-story pagoda & Buddhist temple from 730AD (rebuilt in 1426) - Nara Park: the main deer zone 🦌 (look for shikadamari, deer clusters relaxing in the grass + buy bags of deer feed for a few hundred ¥!) - Kasuga Taisha: 8th century Shinto shrine draped in wisteria & stone lanterns - Todai-ji: home to the Great Buddha (16m tall, 437 tonnes of bronze!) - Daibutsu-den Hall: built without nails, once the largest wooden structure on Earth - Nandaimon Gate: Japan’s largest temple gate - Yoshiki-en Garden: peaceful, perfect for shinrin-yoku (forest bathing) - Nakatanidou: famous red-bean mochi, must try!
3 days ago
View on Instagram |
3/5
Tokyo is the largest city in the world and it is many, MANY things all at once— steeped in history, dominated by incredible cuisine, bursting with alt-culture… an electric mosaic of tradition, innovation, and chaos.

2 weeks was hardly enough time to scrape the surface of the city (and 20 photos was not even close to enough for this round-up!!!), but we will 100% be back for more Tokyo magic in the future!

In the meantime, here are some of my absolute favourite things to do in Tokyo 😍🌸🍜
Tokyo is the largest city in the world and it is many, MANY things all at once— steeped in history, dominated by incredible cuisine, bursting with alt-culture… an electric mosaic of tradition, innovation, and chaos.

2 weeks was hardly enough time to scrape the surface of the city (and 20 photos was not even close to enough for this round-up!!!), but we will 100% be back for more Tokyo magic in the future!

In the meantime, here are some of my absolute favourite things to do in Tokyo 😍🌸🍜
Tokyo is the largest city in the world and it is many, MANY things all at once— steeped in history, dominated by incredible cuisine, bursting with alt-culture… an electric mosaic of tradition, innovation, and chaos.

2 weeks was hardly enough time to scrape the surface of the city (and 20 photos was not even close to enough for this round-up!!!), but we will 100% be back for more Tokyo magic in the future!

In the meantime, here are some of my absolute favourite things to do in Tokyo 😍🌸🍜
Tokyo is the largest city in the world and it is many, MANY things all at once— steeped in history, dominated by incredible cuisine, bursting with alt-culture… an electric mosaic of tradition, innovation, and chaos.

2 weeks was hardly enough time to scrape the surface of the city (and 20 photos was not even close to enough for this round-up!!!), but we will 100% be back for more Tokyo magic in the future!

In the meantime, here are some of my absolute favourite things to do in Tokyo 😍🌸🍜
Tokyo is the largest city in the world and it is many, MANY things all at once— steeped in history, dominated by incredible cuisine, bursting with alt-culture… an electric mosaic of tradition, innovation, and chaos.

2 weeks was hardly enough time to scrape the surface of the city (and 20 photos was not even close to enough for this round-up!!!), but we will 100% be back for more Tokyo magic in the future!

In the meantime, here are some of my absolute favourite things to do in Tokyo 😍🌸🍜
Tokyo is the largest city in the world and it is many, MANY things all at once— steeped in history, dominated by incredible cuisine, bursting with alt-culture… an electric mosaic of tradition, innovation, and chaos.

2 weeks was hardly enough time to scrape the surface of the city (and 20 photos was not even close to enough for this round-up!!!), but we will 100% be back for more Tokyo magic in the future!

In the meantime, here are some of my absolute favourite things to do in Tokyo 😍🌸🍜
Tokyo is the largest city in the world and it is many, MANY things all at once— steeped in history, dominated by incredible cuisine, bursting with alt-culture… an electric mosaic of tradition, innovation, and chaos.

2 weeks was hardly enough time to scrape the surface of the city (and 20 photos was not even close to enough for this round-up!!!), but we will 100% be back for more Tokyo magic in the future!

In the meantime, here are some of my absolute favourite things to do in Tokyo 😍🌸🍜
Tokyo is the largest city in the world and it is many, MANY things all at once— steeped in history, dominated by incredible cuisine, bursting with alt-culture… an electric mosaic of tradition, innovation, and chaos.

2 weeks was hardly enough time to scrape the surface of the city (and 20 photos was not even close to enough for this round-up!!!), but we will 100% be back for more Tokyo magic in the future!

In the meantime, here are some of my absolute favourite things to do in Tokyo 😍🌸🍜
Tokyo is the largest city in the world and it is many, MANY things all at once— steeped in history, dominated by incredible cuisine, bursting with alt-culture… an electric mosaic of tradition, innovation, and chaos.

2 weeks was hardly enough time to scrape the surface of the city (and 20 photos was not even close to enough for this round-up!!!), but we will 100% be back for more Tokyo magic in the future!

In the meantime, here are some of my absolute favourite things to do in Tokyo 😍🌸🍜
Tokyo is the largest city in the world and it is many, MANY things all at once— steeped in history, dominated by incredible cuisine, bursting with alt-culture… an electric mosaic of tradition, innovation, and chaos.

2 weeks was hardly enough time to scrape the surface of the city (and 20 photos was not even close to enough for this round-up!!!), but we will 100% be back for more Tokyo magic in the future!

In the meantime, here are some of my absolute favourite things to do in Tokyo 😍🌸🍜
Tokyo is the largest city in the world and it is many, MANY things all at once— steeped in history, dominated by incredible cuisine, bursting with alt-culture… an electric mosaic of tradition, innovation, and chaos.

2 weeks was hardly enough time to scrape the surface of the city (and 20 photos was not even close to enough for this round-up!!!), but we will 100% be back for more Tokyo magic in the future!

In the meantime, here are some of my absolute favourite things to do in Tokyo 😍🌸🍜
Tokyo is the largest city in the world and it is many, MANY things all at once— steeped in history, dominated by incredible cuisine, bursting with alt-culture… an electric mosaic of tradition, innovation, and chaos.

2 weeks was hardly enough time to scrape the surface of the city (and 20 photos was not even close to enough for this round-up!!!), but we will 100% be back for more Tokyo magic in the future!

In the meantime, here are some of my absolute favourite things to do in Tokyo 😍🌸🍜
Tokyo is the largest city in the world and it is many, MANY things all at once— steeped in history, dominated by incredible cuisine, bursting with alt-culture… an electric mosaic of tradition, innovation, and chaos.

2 weeks was hardly enough time to scrape the surface of the city (and 20 photos was not even close to enough for this round-up!!!), but we will 100% be back for more Tokyo magic in the future!

In the meantime, here are some of my absolute favourite things to do in Tokyo 😍🌸🍜
Tokyo is the largest city in the world and it is many, MANY things all at once— steeped in history, dominated by incredible cuisine, bursting with alt-culture… an electric mosaic of tradition, innovation, and chaos.

2 weeks was hardly enough time to scrape the surface of the city (and 20 photos was not even close to enough for this round-up!!!), but we will 100% be back for more Tokyo magic in the future!

In the meantime, here are some of my absolute favourite things to do in Tokyo 😍🌸🍜
Tokyo is the largest city in the world and it is many, MANY things all at once— steeped in history, dominated by incredible cuisine, bursting with alt-culture… an electric mosaic of tradition, innovation, and chaos.

2 weeks was hardly enough time to scrape the surface of the city (and 20 photos was not even close to enough for this round-up!!!), but we will 100% be back for more Tokyo magic in the future!

In the meantime, here are some of my absolute favourite things to do in Tokyo 😍🌸🍜
Tokyo is the largest city in the world and it is many, MANY things all at once— steeped in history, dominated by incredible cuisine, bursting with alt-culture… an electric mosaic of tradition, innovation, and chaos.

2 weeks was hardly enough time to scrape the surface of the city (and 20 photos was not even close to enough for this round-up!!!), but we will 100% be back for more Tokyo magic in the future!

In the meantime, here are some of my absolute favourite things to do in Tokyo 😍🌸🍜
Tokyo is the largest city in the world and it is many, MANY things all at once— steeped in history, dominated by incredible cuisine, bursting with alt-culture… an electric mosaic of tradition, innovation, and chaos.

2 weeks was hardly enough time to scrape the surface of the city (and 20 photos was not even close to enough for this round-up!!!), but we will 100% be back for more Tokyo magic in the future!

In the meantime, here are some of my absolute favourite things to do in Tokyo 😍🌸🍜
Tokyo is the largest city in the world and it is many, MANY things all at once— steeped in history, dominated by incredible cuisine, bursting with alt-culture… an electric mosaic of tradition, innovation, and chaos.

2 weeks was hardly enough time to scrape the surface of the city (and 20 photos was not even close to enough for this round-up!!!), but we will 100% be back for more Tokyo magic in the future!

In the meantime, here are some of my absolute favourite things to do in Tokyo 😍🌸🍜
Tokyo is the largest city in the world and it is many, MANY things all at once— steeped in history, dominated by incredible cuisine, bursting with alt-culture… an electric mosaic of tradition, innovation, and chaos.

2 weeks was hardly enough time to scrape the surface of the city (and 20 photos was not even close to enough for this round-up!!!), but we will 100% be back for more Tokyo magic in the future!

In the meantime, here are some of my absolute favourite things to do in Tokyo 😍🌸🍜
Tokyo is the largest city in the world and it is many, MANY things all at once— steeped in history, dominated by incredible cuisine, bursting with alt-culture… an electric mosaic of tradition, innovation, and chaos.

2 weeks was hardly enough time to scrape the surface of the city (and 20 photos was not even close to enough for this round-up!!!), but we will 100% be back for more Tokyo magic in the future!

In the meantime, here are some of my absolute favourite things to do in Tokyo 😍🌸🍜
@brookebeyond_
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Tokyo is the largest city in the world and it is many, MANY things all at once— steeped in history, dominated by incredible cuisine, bursting with alt-culture… an electric mosaic of tradition, innovation, and chaos. 2 weeks was hardly enough time to scrape the surface of the city (and 20 photos was not even close to enough for this round-up!!!), but we will 100% be back for more Tokyo magic in the future! In the meantime, here are some of my absolute favourite things to do in Tokyo 😍🌸🍜
5 days ago
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FUJI FIVE LAKES 🌋🌸🎌

Just north of Mt Fuji & a few hours from Tokyo, this scenic region is made up of five volcanic lakes formed by ancient eruptions— Kawaguchi, Saiko, Yamanaka, Shoji & Motosu— all offering incredible vantage points of Japan’s most iconic mountain. Here’s how to explore ↯

GETTING HERE
Train 2hrs from Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko (direct train every 30min; 2200¥ = $15)

GETTING AROUND
The Kawaguchiko Sightseeing Bus is a super easy hop-on-hop-off service that loops around Mt Fuji’s northern lakes and major sights (departing Kawaguchiko Station). Start with the Red Line and if you’ve got more time, transfer to the Green or Blue Lines for Lake Saiko and Lake Shoji (¥1,800 for 1-day pass = $12)

WHAT TO SEE
- Mt. Fuji Panorama Ropeway (900¥)
- Tenjosan Komitake Shrine
- Lake Shoji (quiet views along the lake shore)
- Lake Kawaguchi Excursion Boat (1000¥)
- Hannoki Bayashi Shiryokan (traditional village & open-air museum)
- Kawaguchiko Train Station & Lawson (excellent views)
- hike/climb Mt Fuji, depending on the season!!

HOW MANY DAYS?
I spent 5 days in Fuji Five Lakes region (including a winter ascent of Mt Fuji ❄️), but most people will find 2–3 days plenty for sightseeing.

WHERE TO STAY
Kagelow Mt. Fuji Hostel was one of my favourite stays in Japan, with budget-friendly private pods or rooms, plus an awesome on-site restaurant, all an easy walk to the train station
FUJI FIVE LAKES 🌋🌸🎌

Just north of Mt Fuji & a few hours from Tokyo, this scenic region is made up of five volcanic lakes formed by ancient eruptions— Kawaguchi, Saiko, Yamanaka, Shoji & Motosu— all offering incredible vantage points of Japan’s most iconic mountain. Here’s how to explore ↯

GETTING HERE
Train 2hrs from Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko (direct train every 30min; 2200¥ = $15)

GETTING AROUND
The Kawaguchiko Sightseeing Bus is a super easy hop-on-hop-off service that loops around Mt Fuji’s northern lakes and major sights (departing Kawaguchiko Station). Start with the Red Line and if you’ve got more time, transfer to the Green or Blue Lines for Lake Saiko and Lake Shoji (¥1,800 for 1-day pass = $12)

WHAT TO SEE
- Mt. Fuji Panorama Ropeway (900¥)
- Tenjosan Komitake Shrine
- Lake Shoji (quiet views along the lake shore)
- Lake Kawaguchi Excursion Boat (1000¥)
- Hannoki Bayashi Shiryokan (traditional village & open-air museum)
- Kawaguchiko Train Station & Lawson (excellent views)
- hike/climb Mt Fuji, depending on the season!!

HOW MANY DAYS?
I spent 5 days in Fuji Five Lakes region (including a winter ascent of Mt Fuji ❄️), but most people will find 2–3 days plenty for sightseeing.

WHERE TO STAY
Kagelow Mt. Fuji Hostel was one of my favourite stays in Japan, with budget-friendly private pods or rooms, plus an awesome on-site restaurant, all an easy walk to the train station
FUJI FIVE LAKES 🌋🌸🎌

Just north of Mt Fuji & a few hours from Tokyo, this scenic region is made up of five volcanic lakes formed by ancient eruptions— Kawaguchi, Saiko, Yamanaka, Shoji & Motosu— all offering incredible vantage points of Japan’s most iconic mountain. Here’s how to explore ↯

GETTING HERE
Train 2hrs from Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko (direct train every 30min; 2200¥ = $15)

GETTING AROUND
The Kawaguchiko Sightseeing Bus is a super easy hop-on-hop-off service that loops around Mt Fuji’s northern lakes and major sights (departing Kawaguchiko Station). Start with the Red Line and if you’ve got more time, transfer to the Green or Blue Lines for Lake Saiko and Lake Shoji (¥1,800 for 1-day pass = $12)

WHAT TO SEE
- Mt. Fuji Panorama Ropeway (900¥)
- Tenjosan Komitake Shrine
- Lake Shoji (quiet views along the lake shore)
- Lake Kawaguchi Excursion Boat (1000¥)
- Hannoki Bayashi Shiryokan (traditional village & open-air museum)
- Kawaguchiko Train Station & Lawson (excellent views)
- hike/climb Mt Fuji, depending on the season!!

HOW MANY DAYS?
I spent 5 days in Fuji Five Lakes region (including a winter ascent of Mt Fuji ❄️), but most people will find 2–3 days plenty for sightseeing.

WHERE TO STAY
Kagelow Mt. Fuji Hostel was one of my favourite stays in Japan, with budget-friendly private pods or rooms, plus an awesome on-site restaurant, all an easy walk to the train station
FUJI FIVE LAKES 🌋🌸🎌

Just north of Mt Fuji & a few hours from Tokyo, this scenic region is made up of five volcanic lakes formed by ancient eruptions— Kawaguchi, Saiko, Yamanaka, Shoji & Motosu— all offering incredible vantage points of Japan’s most iconic mountain. Here’s how to explore ↯

GETTING HERE
Train 2hrs from Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko (direct train every 30min; 2200¥ = $15)

GETTING AROUND
The Kawaguchiko Sightseeing Bus is a super easy hop-on-hop-off service that loops around Mt Fuji’s northern lakes and major sights (departing Kawaguchiko Station). Start with the Red Line and if you’ve got more time, transfer to the Green or Blue Lines for Lake Saiko and Lake Shoji (¥1,800 for 1-day pass = $12)

WHAT TO SEE
- Mt. Fuji Panorama Ropeway (900¥)
- Tenjosan Komitake Shrine
- Lake Shoji (quiet views along the lake shore)
- Lake Kawaguchi Excursion Boat (1000¥)
- Hannoki Bayashi Shiryokan (traditional village & open-air museum)
- Kawaguchiko Train Station & Lawson (excellent views)
- hike/climb Mt Fuji, depending on the season!!

HOW MANY DAYS?
I spent 5 days in Fuji Five Lakes region (including a winter ascent of Mt Fuji ❄️), but most people will find 2–3 days plenty for sightseeing.

WHERE TO STAY
Kagelow Mt. Fuji Hostel was one of my favourite stays in Japan, with budget-friendly private pods or rooms, plus an awesome on-site restaurant, all an easy walk to the train station
FUJI FIVE LAKES 🌋🌸🎌

Just north of Mt Fuji & a few hours from Tokyo, this scenic region is made up of five volcanic lakes formed by ancient eruptions— Kawaguchi, Saiko, Yamanaka, Shoji & Motosu— all offering incredible vantage points of Japan’s most iconic mountain. Here’s how to explore ↯

GETTING HERE
Train 2hrs from Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko (direct train every 30min; 2200¥ = $15)

GETTING AROUND
The Kawaguchiko Sightseeing Bus is a super easy hop-on-hop-off service that loops around Mt Fuji’s northern lakes and major sights (departing Kawaguchiko Station). Start with the Red Line and if you’ve got more time, transfer to the Green or Blue Lines for Lake Saiko and Lake Shoji (¥1,800 for 1-day pass = $12)

WHAT TO SEE
- Mt. Fuji Panorama Ropeway (900¥)
- Tenjosan Komitake Shrine
- Lake Shoji (quiet views along the lake shore)
- Lake Kawaguchi Excursion Boat (1000¥)
- Hannoki Bayashi Shiryokan (traditional village & open-air museum)
- Kawaguchiko Train Station & Lawson (excellent views)
- hike/climb Mt Fuji, depending on the season!!

HOW MANY DAYS?
I spent 5 days in Fuji Five Lakes region (including a winter ascent of Mt Fuji ❄️), but most people will find 2–3 days plenty for sightseeing.

WHERE TO STAY
Kagelow Mt. Fuji Hostel was one of my favourite stays in Japan, with budget-friendly private pods or rooms, plus an awesome on-site restaurant, all an easy walk to the train station
@brookebeyond_
@brookebeyond_
•
Follow
FUJI FIVE LAKES 🌋🌸🎌 Just north of Mt Fuji & a few hours from Tokyo, this scenic region is made up of five volcanic lakes formed by ancient eruptions— Kawaguchi, Saiko, Yamanaka, Shoji & Motosu— all offering incredible vantage points of Japan’s most iconic mountain. Here’s how to explore ↯ GETTING HERE Train 2hrs from Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko (direct train every 30min; 2200¥ = $15) GETTING AROUND The Kawaguchiko Sightseeing Bus is a super easy hop-on-hop-off service that loops around Mt Fuji’s northern lakes and major sights (departing Kawaguchiko Station). Start with the Red Line and if you’ve got more time, transfer to the Green or Blue Lines for Lake Saiko and Lake Shoji (¥1,800 for 1-day pass = $12) WHAT TO SEE - Mt. Fuji Panorama Ropeway (900¥) - Tenjosan Komitake Shrine - Lake Shoji (quiet views along the lake shore) - Lake Kawaguchi Excursion Boat (1000¥) - Hannoki Bayashi Shiryokan (traditional village & open-air museum) - Kawaguchiko Train Station & Lawson (excellent views) - hike/climb Mt Fuji, depending on the season!! HOW MANY DAYS? I spent 5 days in Fuji Five Lakes region (including a winter ascent of Mt Fuji ❄️), but most people will find 2–3 days plenty for sightseeing. WHERE TO STAY Kagelow Mt. Fuji Hostel was one of my favourite stays in Japan, with budget-friendly private pods or rooms, plus an awesome on-site restaurant, all an easy walk to the train station
1 week ago
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5/5

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