DiTour Japan, Kuala Lumpur (2026)

23/10/2026

🇯🇵 Ibaraki Hidden Gem｜A Peaceful Coastal Escape Along Japan’s Pacific Coast 🌊🌿

Need a break from crowded tourist spots? Kashimanada Seaside Park in Ibaraki offers a refreshing escape with endless ocean views, lush pine forests, and a relaxing seaside atmosphere. Follow the walking paths through the greenery, feel the cool sea breeze, and enjoy the peaceful sound of waves rolling in from the Pacific Ocean.

There’s more to explore than just the coastline! Head to the observation deck for sweeping sea views, relax on the spacious lawns, or let the kids enjoy the playground. Whether you’re planning a family outing or simply looking for somewhere to unwind in nature, this coastal park is a lovely place to spend a slow afternoon🌅

Before heading home, drop by the on-site restaurant or farm stand to sample local Ibaraki treats. With its open landscapes and refreshing ocean scenery, Kashimanada Seaside Park is a wonderful spot to add to your next Japan road trip! ☀️

📍 Kashimanada Seaside Park
390 Ōtake, Hokota, Ibaraki, Japan

*Pictures are credited to Ibaraki Sightseeing

22/10/2026

🇯🇵 Oita Hidden Gem｜Come Pray to the Lucky Cat Gods 🐈⛩️

A little cat paradise is hiding inside an unassuming shrine in Oita! Located near the old streets of Usuki, Fukura Tenmangu Shrine looks like a traditional Japanese shrine from the outside, but step inside and you’ll discover adorable red cats everywhere. From tiny cat figures and a miniature cat parade to paw prints along the stone paths, it’s a delightful surprise for anyone who loves cats🐾

The must-see attraction is the Akane-ko Omikuji, a fortune slip tucked inside a cute red cat-shaped ceramic figure. Draw a good fortune and take the little cat home as a lucky charm or decoration. If you receive an unlucky fortune, you can leave it at the shrine and entrust the bad luck to the gods instead!

There’s another fascinating sight beside the torii gate: an ancient tree believed to be the oldest in Usuki. Its trunk is decorated with white zigzag-shaped sacred paper streamers that sway gently in the breeze, creating a mysterious and almost sacred atmosphere. Between the playful cat decorations and this remarkable old tree, the shrine offers a side of Japan that feels both charming and spiritual

📍 Fukura Tenmangu Shrine
Usuki City, Oita Prefecture, Japan

*Pictures are credited to 嘉嘉一点点

22/10/2026

🇯🇵 Oita Hidden Gem｜A Secret Shrine Filled with Red Cats 🐈⛩️

What looks like an ordinary Japanese shrine hides a surprisingly adorable secret! Tucked away in Usuki, Oita, Fukura Tenmangu Shrine is home to a little world of red cats🐾Inside, you’ll find red cat figures in all sizes, a tiny cat parade scene, and even paw prints stamped along the stone pathway. It’s a charming little discovery that cat lovers will absolutely adore! ❤️

The highlight is the red cat fortune charm — instead of an ordinary paper fortune, the omikuji comes inside a cute red cat-shaped ceramic figure that can become a keepsake. Draw a good fortune and take your lucky cat home; if the fortune isn’t so favourable, leave it at the shrine and let the gods take care of the bad luck! 🍀🐈

Beside the torii gate stands an ancient tree believed to be the oldest in Usuki. White sacred paper streamers decorate its trunk, gently swaying in the wind and giving the tree an almost otherworldly presence. From playful cat details to a sacred tree steeped in local lore, this little shrine offers a unique side of Japan that’s easy to miss🌳✨

📍 Fukura Tenmangu Shrine
Usuki City, Oita Prefecture, Japan

*Pictures are credited to Pikku Myy

22/10/2026

Buying snacks in Japan is easy… until the cashier starts asking questions in Japanese! 😂

Need a bag? Heat your food? Chopsticks? How would you like to pay?

If you've ever felt lost at a Japanese convenience store (konbini), this quick guide is for you.

Learn what cashiers are asking and how to reply, so your next 7-Eleven, FamilyMart or Lawson visit goes a little smoother.

22/10/2026

🇯🇵 Saitama Hidden Gem｜A Real-Life Anime School Straight Out of the Past 🏫✨

Ever dreamed of stepping into a nostalgic anime scene? Tucked away in the peaceful countryside of Ogawa Town, Saitama, the Old Shimosato School is a beautifully preserved wooden schoolhouse that feels like travelling back in time. Just around 70 minutes by train from Ikebukuro, this charming spot was closed in 2011 but still retains its timeless atmosphere, surrounded by lush greenery and quiet rural scenery🌿📚

The experience gets even better with Cafe MOZART, a cosy café renovated from the school’s former caretaker’s building. Here, you can enjoy meals inspired by traditional Japanese school lunches, including a daily set made with fresh vegetables from local organic farms and the nostalgic fried bread set🍞

From its classic wooden classrooms to its countryside surroundings, the Old Shimosato School is a lovely destination for anyone who enjoys retro Japanese vibes, anime-like scenery, and unique local experiences. Add this hidden gem to your Saitama itinerary for a little trip down memory lane! 💛

*Pictures are credited to Saitama JAPAN Just North of Tokyo - en

21/10/2026

🍁 Tokyo to the Japanese Alps? Not Quite. But Look at These Autumn Views!

Just a couple of hours from Tokyo, Mount Tanigawa (谷川岳) in Gunma is putting on its autumn colours.

Take the ropeway up to Tenjindaira for sweeping mountain views, where the forests turn shades of yellow, orange and red as autumn moves down the slopes.

And if you’re up for a proper hike, the trail toward Tanigawadake’s twin peaks takes the scenery to another level.

💡 DiTour Tips

🍁 Autumn colours: Late September–October, depending on elevation
🚡 Ropeway access from Tanigawadake Yoch
🥾 Summit hike: Around 5–6 hours return; rocky sections require care
🚆 From Tokyo: Shinkansen to Jomo-Kogen, then bus
🧥 Check mountain weather and ropeway operations before visiting

📍 Mount Tanigawa, Gunma Prefecture

Autumn in Japan isn’t only about Kyoto’s temples. 🍂

21/10/2026

🇯🇵 Gifu Hidden Gem｜Witness Japan’s 1,300-Year-Old Cormorant Fishing Tradition 🎣🔥

Imagine watching fishermen guide their cormorants across a river under the glow of firelight. On the Nagara River in Gifu, this centuries-old tradition, known as Ukai, offers a fascinating glimpse into Japan’s cultural heritage. The skilled fishermen, called usho, work alongside their trained cormorants in a remarkable practice that has been passed down for over 1,300 years✨

The best way to experience Ukai is aboard an observation boat, where you can get a closer look at the traditional fishing techniques. The season generally runs from May 11 to October 15 each year, so advance reservations are recommended. Visiting outside the season? Stop by the Nagara River Ukai Museum to discover the history behind this unique tradition and check for special demonstrations🏛️

Gifu is worth exploring beyond Ukai, too! From cherry blossoms in spring to colourful autumn leaves and winter illuminations, each season brings a different charm to the city. Add Gifu to your Japan itinerary for a mix of traditional culture and beautiful seasonal scenery!

*Pictures are credited to Go Gifu

21/10/2026

🇯🇵 Nagano Hidden Gem｜Escape Tokyo for Matsumoto’s Breathtaking Mountain Views ⛰️❄️

Looking for a refreshing escape from Tokyo? Matsumoto in Nagano is a wonderful destination for mountain lovers! Winter skies are often clearer, making it a great time to admire the dramatic peaks surrounding the city. Instead of travelling all the way to Toyama, a long weekend in Matsumoto offers an incredible mountain escape closer by.

What makes Matsumoto so special is its geography — a relatively flat city basin surrounded by towering mountains, many rising above 2,000 metres. With such a striking difference in elevation, the mountain views feel incredibly grand, especially against the clear winter sky. It’s the kind of scenery that makes everyday life here look like a dream! 💙

After seeing these magnificent peaks, it’s easy to fall in love with Matsumoto. Winter brings crisp skies and dramatic views, but the mountains in summer must be just as beautiful in their lush green colours. One thing’s for sure — this is a place worth returning to!

*Pictures are credited to Marceline

21/10/2026

🇯🇵 Kyoto Foodie Find｜Discover Kyoto’s Traditional Mitarashi Dango 🍡✨

A little taste of Kyoto appeared while browsing Isetan! KOTOKA (古都香), a traditional dango shop from Kyoto, was holding a limited-time pop-up, making it a lovely surprise for anyone craving authentic Japanese sweets.

What makes these mitarashi dango so irresistible? The dumplings are lightly grilled on the outside while staying wonderfully soft and chewy inside, then coated in a savoury soy-based glaze with just the right touch of sweetness. Simple, comforting, and full of traditional Japanese flavour — every bite is a little taste of Kyoto! 🤎

Planning a trip to Kyoto? Add KOTOKA to your Japanese sweets bucket list! The shop also takes part in pop-up events at department stores in different cities, so keep an eye out — you might get lucky and discover these delicious dango closer to home.

*Pictures are credited to 鱼香肉丝在东京

20/10/2026

🇯🇵 Kyoto Foodie Find｜Freshly Steamed Bread That Feels Like a Warm Hug 🍞♨️

Hidden in Kyoto is a bakery worth visiting for anyone who loves freshly made bread! The place is often packed, so expect a bit of a wait. But when the steamer lid opens and warm clouds of steam rise from the fluffy bread, it’s hard not to get excited. That first glimpse of freshly steamed bread makes the whole experience feel extra special🥹💗

The menu offers both steamed bread sets and toast sets. While the toast comes with a choice of spreads, the steamed bread has its own delicious surprise: a rich tomato-based topping filled with ingredients like pumpkin and beans. Spread it over the soft bread for a wonderful mix of tangy tomato flavour and hearty textures — easily one of the most memorable parts of the meal! 🍅

The toast set comes with a mini grill, so you can toast your bread right at the table. Just remember to keep the heat low and watch it carefully, or your toast might burn before you know it! For a cosy and unique food experience in Kyoto, this little bakery is definitely worth adding to your itinerary🍵

📍 moment coffee kyōto
101 749 Iwagamicho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8341, Japan

*Pictures are credited to 要吃早餐吗

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