Follow Me Japan

06/05/2024

Our Ibaraki Floral Duet tour group returned from a refreshing springtime tour in Ibaraki last week where they were treated to wonderful scenes of springtime blooms.

They were very fortunate to be in perfect time to catch a smorgasbord of flowers like nemophila, wisteria, tulips, canola, azalea, and more in all their floral splendour, and have shared some of their flower-filled pictures with us.

04/05/2024

Since the Meiji era, Otaru in Hokkaido prefecture has been a leading production area for glass.

Producing glass oil lamps used for light and glass buoys used for herring fishing, a major industry in Hokkaido then, glass makers thrived for many years as Otaru developed into an international trading centre.

As the years passed, however, oil lamps were no longer used with the advent of electricity, and herring fishing also started to decline.

Hence, glass makers shifted focus to producing glass tableware, ornaments and other items with beautiful designs and exceptional workmanship.

Nowadays, Otaru is known for its many glass shops selling all manner of glassware from the functional to the decorative, all with the same quality craftsmanship which Otaru glassware has become known for.

While you can enjoy admiring and purchasing the glassware, why not come and make your own original glass ornament with us under instruction from Otaru’s glassmakers?

Join us in a glass making experience on a summer tour to Otaru and learn the skill and techniques it takes to make Otaru’s exquisite glassware!

Tour details: https://bit.ly/NHokkSummer

01/05/2024

The small town of Kurashiki is quite a pretty sight tucked away in Okayama prefecture.

Retaining an Edo period vibe from its time as a rice distribution centre, picturesque willow-lined canals wind through rows of white-walled warehouses from which Kurashiki, the ‘town of warehouses’ got its name.

Once a rugged area where rice and other goods were stored and redistributed to other parts of Japan, the old warehouses have now been preserved and converted into charming shops, cafes and museums.

The canal, once used for transporting goods, is now a highlight of Kurashiki, carrying tourists on peaceful boat rides to admire its retro landscape, rustic stone bridges and flowing weeping willows.

Although very different now from what it used to be, the beauty and historic essence of Kurashiki have made it just as important as it was during times of old.

Find out the charms of Kurashiki for yourself when you join us there this June!

Tour details: https://bit.ly/WestJapanSummer24

29/04/2024

The nature island of Yakushima holds many natural gems waiting to be explored and one of these is Oko no Taki waterfall, the tallest on the island.

Crashing 88m down a cliffside, the waterfall splits into 2 separate streams, one powerful stream sliding almost straight down, while the other spreads out as it cascades over the rocky surface.

Culminating in a shimmering emerald pool at its base, visitors can climb the rocks which surround it to get close to falls and feel its refreshing spray.

With its dynamic flow, size, and natural setting, it’s no wonder this is one of the 100 best waterfalls in Japan!

Come see this gem of a waterfall, along with many of Yakushima’s other wonderful sights, on a relaxing holiday there with us in December!

Tour details: https://bit.ly/YakushimaRetreat

27/04/2024

The regal Wakayama Castle sits atop a hill overlooking the city, an icon of Wakayama prefecture which cannot be missed.

Once the seat of power over the Kii peninsula, it is now a historical site and public park with some interesting elements such as the Ohashi-Roka sloping bridge, and even a small zoo within its grounds!

In spring, the castle grounds are one of the city’s best cherry blossom viewing spots, while in autumn, attention is centred around its serene Nishinomaru Garden.

Also known as ‘momiji dani’, or ‘valley of autumn leaves’, the already scenic Nishinomaru Garden turns into a palette of vibrant colours in autumn, giving more reason to visit Wakayama Castle then.

Enjoy the lovely autumn scenery at Wakayama Castle while sipping tea at a teahouse, another of Nishinomaru Garden’s highlights, when you head there with us this autumn!

Tour details: https://bit.ly/KumanoTrails

24/04/2024

Our Tohoku Spring Drive tour group recently got back from a short getaway to Tohoku where they were fortunate to catch cherry blossoms in full bloom!

Accompanied by the different varieties of cherry blossoms and other flowers throughout their journey, they had a wonderful time travelling round the beautiful sights of Tohoku, enjoying the scenery, food, hot springs, and many cherry blossom festivals along the way!

22/04/2024

One of the best places to feel the vastness of Hokkaido, Naitai Highland Farm is a great vantage point to take in a view of the whole of the Tokachi Plains.

Spreading across the mountain, it is also the largest public farm in Japan at 1,700 hectares, with 2,000 cows grazing freely here.

Driving up to the top of the farm to its café, Naitai Terrace, at 800m above sea level, you can gaze out on a fantastic panorama of the landscape of Hokkaido while enjoying some delicious ice cream made from fresh milk.

Marvel at the magnificent scale of nature in Hokkaido, enjoy scenic drives through the farmland, and spot some cows when you come with us to Naitai Highland Farm on one of the following tours!

🌱 Hokkaido Nature Wonderland
Tour details: https://bit.ly/HokkNature

🍁 Autumn Drive in East Hokkaido
Tour details: https://bit.ly/EHautumn24

20/04/2024

Denim aficionados would be familiar with the renowned Momotaro Jeans, a brand which makes high quality jeans which are arguably the best in the world.

But did you know that Momotaro Jeans, along with its distinctive ‘Japan blue’ shade of indigo, originated from the small district of Kojima in Okayama prefecture?

The birthplace of Japanese denim, Kojima Jeans Street is a mecca for denim-lovers and where premium denim is still produced by craftsmen on a unique denim weaving loom.

The street itself proudly displays its denim heritage with jeans hanging above the street, painted on the sides of buildings, and even the street itself dyed the shade of Japan blue.

Around 30 denim stores can be found here, including Momotaro Jeans’ main store, selling all kinds of denim products from jeans and clothing to bags, purses, and other items.

Get your hands on some quality Japanese denim from its source when you follow us to Kojima Jeans Street this summer!

Tour details: https://bit.ly/WestJapanSummer24

17/04/2024

Japanese sea urchin, also known as ‘uni’, is commonly recognised as a premium food, often fetching high prices for small quantities.

But why is it so expensive?

That is because of the amount of time and labour which goes into preparing this delicacy.

From harvesting the sea urchin from their hiding spots among rocks, cracking open their spiney shells, and then extracting and cleaning the delicate flesh, the whole process must be done by hand.

All so that we can enjoy the taste of rich and creamy uni!

If you’ve ever wondered how this process is done, come with us to Rishiri Island in Hokkaido where you can get a first-hand experience in harvesting and peeling your own sea urchin to learn and better appreciate this delicious food.

Of course, you will also get to eat the fresh and flavourful Rishiri uni, known to be some of the most delicious in Japan thanks to an environment of nutrient rich water and high-quality kelp.

Not to be missed by uni-lovers, join us for this special activity this summer!

Tour details: https://bit.ly/NHokkSummer

15/04/2024

Traversing the Japan Alps from Tateyama in Toyama prefecture to Omachi in Nagano prefecture, the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route is nothing short of a scenic journey though the mountains and one of the best ways to enjoy the Japan Alps.

Open for only a few months out of the year, the route is travelled via a variety of transport systems, from buses to trains to cable cars, an electric trolley bus, and Japan’s longest one-span ropeway.

This adventurous journey is peppered with different experiences and views of the mountains along the way, from walking on Mt Tateyama, one of Japan’s holy mountains, riding through a tunnel through the mountain, and soaring between peaks with views of the alps around and valley below.

And when travelled in autumn, you’ll get to marvel at the colourful alpine scenery bathed in hues of reds and yellows as well!

Catch some early autumn colours along the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route when you follow us there this October!

Tour details: https://bit.ly/JapanAlpsOct

13/04/2024

The Shiretoko Five Lakes in Hokkaido beckons every nature-lover with its awe-inspiring natural scenery of snow-capped mountains, clear waters, and primeval forests rich with the colours of the season.

Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its rich ecosystems of flora and fauna thriving in pristine natural conditions, the Shiretoko Five Lakes were formed by an eruption of nearby Mt Iou many years ago.

The five lakes which resulted are scattered around part of the Shiretoko peninsula on the eastern end of Hokkaido and are said to resemble a god’s handprint.

These lakes and their surrounding verdant forests can be visited via designated hiking trails of various lengths, allowing visitors to truly appreciate the peaceful and lush natural environment.

For those who prefer not to hike, an elevated boardwalk to the first lake makes Shiretoko’s fantastic nature and scenery easily accessible to all.

Immerse yourself in the abundant nature at Shiretoko Five Lakes on a trip there with us on the following tours.

🌱 Hokkaido Nature Wonderland
Tour details: https://bit.ly/HokkNature

🍁 Autumn Drive in East Hokkaido
Tour details: https://bit.ly/EHautumn24

10/04/2024

Last chance to book your flower-filled spring tour to Ibaraki and Niigata this May!

08/04/2024

Our Shikoku Spring Delight tour just returned from an almost 2-week journey round the natural springtime sights of Shikoku and here are some pictures from their trip.

Despite some unfavourable weather on a few days and the late blooming of the cherry blossoms this year, the group still managed to catch cherry blossoms, peach blossoms, tulips, and rapeseed flowers, see the wonderful sceneries of Shikoku and try their local specialties on a fulfilling trip through the island!

06/04/2024

The biggest flower park in west Japan, Tottori Hanakairo Flower Park is not to be missed by flower lovers on a visit to Tottori prefecture.

Spreading over 50 hectares, the large flower park is home to millions of flowers which can be seen blooming in season in sprawling fields and gardens, or year-round in a large dome-shaped greenhouse in the middle of the park.

Not to mention, the park is backed by the magnificent Mt Daisen, bringing another element of beauty to the wonderful scenery.

Rain or shine, visitors can admire the flowers and scenery with a thoughtful sheltered walkway running round the park.

So don’t miss out on a visit to Tottori Hanakairo Flower Park and join us there on a tour this June holiday!

Tour details: https://bit.ly/WestJapanSummer24

03/04/2024

𝗔 𝗥𝗲𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗬𝗮𝗸𝘂𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗺𝗮

Rejuvenate yourself on an unhurried journey through the grand nature of Yakushima and Kagoshima this November.

Heading to the emerald isle of Yakushima, soak in the marvellous nature of lush forests, stunning waterfalls, and ancient trees which are thousands of years old at Japan’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stay at the luxurious Sankara Hotel & Spa during your retreat with the rich forests and nature views right at your doorstep.

Then, leisurely make your way through some of Kagoshima’s nature sights and admire the abundant natural beauty which can be found here, some of which are still coloured with the shades of autumn.

Treat yourself to a relaxing holiday in the plentiful nature of Yakushima and Kagoshima this year-end on a tour there with us.

Tour details: https://bit.ly/YakushimaRetreat

01/04/2024

A dramatic cascade by the Sea of Okhotsk, Oshinkoshin Waterfall in Hokkaido is a spectacular sight to see regardless of the season.

Falling 30m down, its voluminous stream splits into 2 as thunders down a cliff, giving it the nickname of ‘twin beauties waterfall’. It’s no wonder it is ranked among Japan’s 100 best waterfalls!

From the powerful falls, which you can get up close to from a viewing platform, you can also see the shining sea and seasonal colours, whether lush greenery, or vibrant foliage.

See the seasonal faces of this magnificent waterfall when you join us on one of our tours to east Hokkaido below!

🌱 Hokkaido Nature Wonderland
Tour details: https://bit.ly/HokkNature

🍁 Autumn Drive in East Hokkaido
Tour details: https://bit.ly/EHautumn24

30/03/2024

𝗔𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗺𝗻 𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘁𝗼 𝗞𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗼

Go on a journey of exploration on an autumn drive tour to Wakayama and Mie this November.

Step out onto ancient trails as you go on a guided walk along part of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trail where you can experience a walk through the forested roads once trod by ancient travellers on foot.

Visit the many magnificent sacred sites and scenic stops as you travel across Mie and Wakayama, including the Ise Grand Shrine and Nachi Waterfall, and don’t miss the rare sight of cherry blossoms blooming in autumn at the Obara Shikizakura Festival.

Get a rare chance to follow along a tuna auction at Japan’s biggest tuna port and try your hand at filleting the fish before savouring the freshest tuna you can have.

Enjoy delicious meals of fresh seafood and soak in warming hot springs at your accommodations, which include 4 nights of in-room private hot spring baths.

Come with us on an active and rejuvenating autumn drive through wonderous sights this November!

Tour details: https://bit.ly/KumanoTrails

27/03/2024

It’s Sakura Day, a date chosen by the Japan Cherry Blossom Association for Japan’s national flower.

A play on words and numbers where ‘bloom (saku)’, which sounds like 3 (sa) and 9 (ku) multiply to give 27, the date also happens to coincide with the typical blooming period of sakura in many places in Japan.

However, in recent years, the timing of the flowers has become more difficult to predict thanks to erratic weather conditions, making it difficult for travellers to time their trips to catch the flowers.

Some ways to mitigate this is to look for different varieties of cherry blossoms, such as those which bloom earlier or later, going further north or to colder mountainous areas where the flowers bloom later, or looking for other types of ‘sakura’ instead.

How about seeing the ‘sakura’ on the ground in the form of moss pink flowers at the sprawling parks of Hokkaido, or catching cherry blossoms with autumn colours in November at the Obara Shikizakura Festival in Aichi prefecture?

There is more than one kind of Sakura to enjoy, so why not come with us to see some others?

🌸 Hokkaido Nature Wonderland
Tour details: https://bit.ly/HokkNature

🍁 Ancient Trails of Kumano
Tour details: https://bit.ly/KumanoTrails

25/03/2024

ᴅɪᴅ ʏᴏᴜ ᴋɴᴏᴡ?

Similar to Japan’s famous mountain, there is a flower called ‘fuji’.

Written with different characters, this ‘fuji’ is what we know in English as wisteria, and can be found most famously at the Ashikaga Flower Park in Tochigi prefecture.

Here, over 350 wisteria trees of purple, white, pink, and even yellow flowers blooms in spring, creating a wonderful sight not to be missed!

Millions of flowers grow upon trellises to make tunnels, walls and other structures of fragrant flowers, allowing visitors to walk under canopies of wisteria blooms.

There is even a great wisteria tree over 150 years old which branches span across an area of 100m2, making a giant umbrella of hanging purple wisteria.

At the same time as the wisteria, about 5,000 azalea bushes can also be found blooming brightly on the ground, along with other flowers which can be seen at the park.

See the fantastical sight of the wisteria at Ashikaga Flower Park when you join us on a tour there this spring!

Tour details: https://bit.ly/IbarakiNiigata

23/03/2024

𝗔𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗺𝗻 𝗗𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗛𝗼𝗸𝗸𝗮𝗶𝗱𝗼

Explore the beauty of south Hokkaido in autumn on a drive tour this October!

See the landscapes painted with the colours of autumn as you visit the area’s top sights and drive along scenic routes.

Covering a range of sceneries from lakes to mountains, picturesque capes and brilliant blue seas, to sulphurous hot spring valleys, historic streets and one of the world’s best night views, you’ll get a full spectrum of sights on this journey.

Accompany that with a wide range of tastes, with barbequed wagyu beef, delicious gelato made from Hokkaido milk, fresh seafood you can catch yourself, and fresh apples picked right from the trees!

Be treated to a fireworks show over Lake Toya which you can enjoy right from your room, and don’t forget to rejuvenate yourself in the hot springs and comforts of your accommodations.

Soak up the sights and tastes of autumn in south Hokkaido on a drive tour with us!

Tour details: https://bit.ly/SHautumn24

20/03/2024

Bird lovers and flower lovers unite at the one and only Matsue Vogel Park in Shimane prefecture. Part flower park and part bird park, do not be surprised if you find feathered friends admiring the plants and flowers with you!

Walk through greenhouses filled with an array of plants and flowers, including one of the largest greenhouses in the world where cheerful flowers like begonias, fuchsias and more form elaborate displays which can be admired year-round.

At the same time, get up close to the roughly 80 species of birds which inhabit the park, both in their own sanctuaries, or flying amongst the flowers. Visitors can feed and interact with them and watch them parade through the flowers or show off in the bird show.

A fun place for all to enjoy, surround yourself with flowers and have some fun with feathered friends at Matsue Vogel Park with us this June!

Tour details: https://bit.ly/WestJapanSummer24

18/03/2024

𝗔𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗺𝗻 𝗗𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗶𝗻 𝗘𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗛𝗼𝗸𝗸𝗮𝗶𝗱𝗼

Go on a scenic drive through the autumn landscapes of east Hokkaido this October!

Traverse coastal routes, mountainsides, and the open plains of Hokkaido on an enjoyable drive through Hokkaido’s idyllic scenery.

Stop over at its tranquil lakes, crashing waterfalls, and nature trails to soak in its abundant nature and admire the landscapes coloured in autumn hues. Not forgetting the fields of autumn flowers and blazing kochia which can be seen at this time too!

Of course, you’ll get to enjoy the freshest seafood caught off the shores of Hokkaido and other local specialties along the way. And after a day spent driving and frolicking in nature, warm up in the rejuvenating hot spring baths at your accommodations.

Immerse yourself in the nature and scenic roads of east Hokkaido with us this autumn!

Tour details: https://bit.ly/EHautumn24

16/03/2024

The scenic shores of Lake Kussharo in Hokkaido are known for being a migration ground for whopper swans in winter thanks to the hot spring waters which keep the lake warm and prevents it from freezing.

These hot spring waters also extend under the beach on the shores, making it possible to do something very unique – dig your own hot spring footbath on the beach!

Known as sunayu, or ‘sand bath’, just a few minutes spent digging a hole in the sand will reward you with a toasty pool of hot spring water to soak your feet in. Or if you have time and are more ambitious, you could dig a pool to soak your whole self in!

Of course, if you prefer not to get your hands dirty, there is already a footbath built into the sand which you can use too.

Come with us to Lake Kusshaso and dig your own hot spring footbath on a tour there in May!

Tour details: https://bit.ly/HokkNature

13/03/2024

𝗔𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗺𝗻 𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝘄𝗶𝘁𝘇𝗲𝗿𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱

Bask in the marvellous scenery of Switzerland painted in autumn colours with us this October!

Journey through Switzerland’s top sights, from the majestic Swiss Alps topped with snow, to rustic old towns brimming with history, to awesome natural landscapes that will take your breath away.

Walk through historic streets and bustling towns and cities, lounge by peaceful lakesides in small towns, ride on scenic trains up the mountains, and even play with eternal snow on the mountain tops.

Travelling in a relaxed and unhurried manner to fully enjoy the endless beauty of Switzerland, you will have ample time to explore before retiring to comfortable luxury accommodation each night.

Join us in a relaxing tour of Switzerland’s highlights coloured for the season this autumn!

Tour details: https://bit.ly/SwissAutumn24

11/03/2024

On this day in 2011, the Great Eastern Japan Earthquake and Tsunami took place in the Tohoku region, taking thousands of lives and causing great damage to many towns and cities.

Since then, the region has made steady recovery and Follow Me Japan has been able to bring our customers to experience its beauty, culture and cuisine, and support the region through tourism.

Still, there is more to be done to help the lesser known and smaller areas which are have not yet recovered to pre-disaster levels.

If you would like to support the recovery efforts related to the Great Eastern Japan Earthquake, you can help by doing a search for "3.11" on Yahoo Japan at yahoo.co.jp.

Each search before 23:59 JST (22:59 SGT) will constitute a donation of 10yen to the recovery efforts of the Tohoku region.

This year, the donation will also be channelled to support the recovery efforts for the Noto Earthquake which took place on New Year's Day.

We hope that the situation in Tohoku will continue to improve and we look forward to bringing more of you there!

【3.11 検索は、チカラになる。】

#東日本大震災から13年。

きょう3月11日、ヤフーやLINEで「3.11」と検索すると、おひとりにつき10円を東北と能登の支援のために寄付します

➡️ https://yahoo.jp/mwTTFa

ご参加お待ちしております。

#311これからもできること #311検索はチカラになる

09/03/2024

𝗘𝗮𝗿𝗹𝘆 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗺𝗻 𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗝𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗻 𝗔𝗹𝗽𝘀

Soak in the magnificence of the Japan Alps on an experiential tour there this October.

Timed for the autumn colours up on the mountain, travel up Mt Tateyama and along the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route where you will be treated to the many colourful sceneries of the Japan Alps.

Take a ride on the Torokko train through Kurobe gorge to immerse yourself in more nature, and walk at one of the most beautiful nature trails surrounded by the Alps at Kamikochi.

Beyond nature, experience the rich artistry and culture of Toyama through specially arranged activities such as aroma spray-making, glassmaking, copperware colouring, and metal-casting.

Not forgetting our signature FMJ Local Activity in Nanto amid the straw-roofed farmhouses of UNESCO Site, Gokayama.

Go on an enriching journey through the nature, culture and tastes of the Japan Alps on a tour with us this October!

Tour details: https://bit.ly/JapanAlpsOct

06/03/2024

Spring sceneries are not limited to flowers, but comprise spectacular scenes such as the snow corridor at the Hachimantai Aspite Line too.

Running for 27km between Akita and Iwate prefectures, this scenic driving road becomes a path lined with snow walls up to 5m high on each side for a limited time in spring each year.

Driving through the road flanked by walls of white snow is a surreal experience made all the more wonderful by panoramic views of snow-capped mountains from viewpoints along the way.

You can even take a walk along the snow wall at a rest stop at the top of the plateau for an up-close look and photo opportunity, and maybe play a little in the snow.
And if the timing is right, you may be treated to a burst of cherry blossom flowers at the end of the line too!

Grab the chance to drive along this picturesque snow corridor when you come with us to catch spring in Tohoku this April!

Tour details: https://bit.ly/TohokuSpring24

04/03/2024

📣 𝗡𝗘𝗪 𝗧𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗦 𝗟𝗔𝗨𝗡𝗖𝗛𝗘𝗗 📣

Follow Me Japan launched some new tours for the autumn season last Saturday at an in-house tour showcase for our customers.

The new tours included a cultural and experiential tour visiting the Japan Alps in early autumn, drives to see the autumn colours in eastern and southern Hokkaido, a luxury tour to Switzerland in autumn, a drive tour including the Kumano Kodo trail in Wakayama, and a relaxing retreat to nature-filled Yakushima for the end of the year.

It was a wonderful time catching up with our customers and sharing our new tour offerings with them. Thank you to all our customers who made time to join us and we look forward to travelling with you soon!

All of our available tours can be found on our website here:
https://www.followmejapan.com.sg/package/

Interested in any of the tours?
Email [email protected] or call 6507 3900 during office hours to enquire or make your booking now!

02/03/2024

Have you heard of Kasama Tsutsuji Park?

Located on a 143m high hill in Kasama City in Ibaraki prefecture, this park is known for its brightly coloured azaleas in spring.

Originating from a plan to plant as many azalea plants are there were residents in 1967, this movement resulted in what is now a large park of 8,500 azalea plants of around 25 varieties covering an area of 7 hectares on the hillside.

When the flowers are in bloom from late April to early May, the hillside is painted in vibrant reds, pinks, purples, and whites, creating a fantastic view both from near and far.

Walking the paths through the flowers surrounds visitors with the colourful blooms, while the view from the hilltop shows a carpet of flowers backed by a panorama of the city.

Wonderful to see in any way, join us in the floral joy of Kasama Tsutsuji Park when we head there in May!

Tour details: https://bit.ly/IbarakiNiigata