Have to share my incredible Lord of the Rings themed nail set done by Mariko of riverside custom nails in Nakameguro - the references were Bilbo’s house in the Shire and the Rivendell bridge crossing. She completely nailed it 💅

Finally returning to this app, first with some golden week snaps from the Shire - bucket list item fulfilled. Did the newly launched behind the scenes tour which provided access to set design and prop making areas as well as some paths less traveled

Good Fuji viewing day today, can see the details of the Yoshida trail zigzagging up

Yamanakano ice candle festival today, thousands of candles literally made of ice were lit up celebrating the end of Diamond Fuji weeks. February is the perfect time for clear views of Fuji

Katsunuma is my favourite day trip from Tokyo, stunning in every season. No grapes yet but we’ll start seeing buds soon!

Clear skies in Yuzawa today

Had to start off the year with my favourite train in Tokyo - the romancecar. We got observation deck seats by booking literally a month in advance, planning ahead seems much more necessary now than it used to.

First movie of 2025 and if you like LotR I think you’ll have a great time. Brian Cox was amazing as Helm.

Starting off 2025 at our local shrine, omamori for pets is now a thing

In Quebec for the holidays and it’s easy to forget that it’s still Canada

Another gem for an interesting course meal in Tokyo for less than 10k: Kiyas does a unique and super tasty Mexican fusion course

Scenes from my balcony (want to petition to have that building knocked down)

Lord of the rings return of the king (extended edition) is on in 4dx right now in Tokyo and it was the best movie experience of my life. If you like LotR at all, go! I thought we would need a break but we managed just fine

It’s getting to be perfect weather for seeing Mt. Fuji so highlighting this train today: the Fujisan View Express runs between Otsuki and Kawaguchiko. The 1st car feels like a scene out of an Agatha Christie novel; cute table seats and a round table for groups, bar area and free soft drink service!

Highlighting a Kintetsu train today - the Hinotori runs between Osaka and Nagoya. The premium seats really feel like you’re on a first class cabin on an aircraft, one of the most comfortable train rides in Japan (imo). There’s no cafe but there is a little coffee station.

A little break in train content to share some food: had an absolutely stunning meal at Megriva- creative Italian with Japanese ingredients. Highlight for me was the anago terrine with a crème brûlée- like crust. Never had anything like it.

My favourite winter train journey in Japan: the Wine Valley nonbiri train runs on the Nagaden line, between Nagano and Yudanaka. As the name implies, there’s all you can drink Nagano wine 🍷 In winter there’s stunning views of snow-covered vineyards and it’s an easy way to get to the snow monkeys 🐒

Always talking about trains but honestly so grateful my office is walking distance

Another unique train in Kyushu: the ‘A-train’ runs between Kumamoto and Misumi, and compared to the Asoboy this one is definitely more aimed at adults - has dark wooden finishings, stained glass, a bar that serves highballs, and plays jazz music the entire way 🎶

My most unique Japanese rail journey so far. The “Asoboy!” (Exclamation mark required) runs between Beppu and Kumamoto. There’s a cafe, lounge area, tiny library, special seats for parents with kids, and a ball pit. Yes, a ball pit. This train is honestly a kid’s dream.

Finally making the transition over here, will be migrating a lot of train information that I shared on the “other site” because I feel like it should be preserved If you enjoy learning about trains in Japan (and some food and onsen info) feel free to follow along