Maduru Oya National Park: A Quiet Corner Of Wild Sri Lanka

BY  Sibashree Mar 31, 2026

If you want to explore offbeat Japan, you can surely visit Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido Island.   Hokkaido Island,anyway, teaches the art of slow living and slow traveling.   The scenic beauty here is amazing, the winters are snowy, and the food and beer here are amazing.   Also, it is an amazing year-round destination, and the things to do in Sapporo are as diverse as they can be.   And here are the details. However, before that, let us talk about the best time to visit Sapporo.  What Is The Best Time To Visit Sapporo?   As I have mentioned, you can visit Sapporo throughout the year. However, December to February is the best time to plan a visit.   Especially, February is the month of the winter festival in Sapporo.   Moreover, April to May is the ideal time if you want to experience the Cherry Bloosm Season from the Hokkaido Shrine and Maruyama Park.   Also, the warm and humid summer months are ideal for enjoying the “beer garden events.”   In addition, from September to November, or the autumn months, are great for seeing the fall foliage, hiking, and attending the food festivals.   What Are The Most Unique Things To Do In Sapporo?   More than ticking the bucket list, in Sapporo, you need to soak in the laid-back vibe.   It is way less crowded than Osaka and Tokyo, and despite that, it has an important role to play in the tourism industry of the country.   That is why many people travel from Tokyo to Hokkaido.   1. Visiting The Parks And Gardens  As a nature lover since forever and daily walking the streets and parks of Sapporo, I have learned that Sapporo has lots of green spaces where you can enjoy nature.  The parks of Sapporo are the city's heart.   Odori Park is my usual starting point in the morning when I first walk.   This park is located in the center of downtown and is an ideal and convenient place to take a refreshing morning walk before starting your day.   On days when I want to be more active, I cycle, jog, or photograph all the amazing trees and flowers at Moerenuma Park. It is absolutely stunning how vast the area is!  You will probably find me at Maruyama Park, located next to Hokkaido Shrine, during the spring and fall months.   It’s an incredible place to see the cherry blossoms in full bloom, and it’s usually very pretty to see the fall leaves change color from green to red.   During the wintertime, it becomes a wonderful family-oriented ski resort that I simply love!  For a bit of a deeper dive, I love visiting the Hokkaido University Botanical Gardens. It’s a peaceful retreat where I can admire rare plants and learn about the indigenous Ainu culture.  2. Exploring The Galleries And Museums  Upon arriving in Sapporo, I did not take long to figure out that this is a city that has beautifully integrated its history with modernity, which is a masterclass.   I spent the first day of my trip exploring the history of the island of Hokkaido by visiting the Hokkaido Museum.  Then, I went to the Historical Village, which showed how the early infrastructure and primitive architecture were examples of the area's strength.   The Hokkaido University Museum is also a majestic place, with its enormous collection of extensive academic research and archaeological artifacts through the ages.  Of course, I couldn't resist a detour to the Sapporo Beer Museum. Learning the history of Japan’s iconic brew made that final tasting session feel well-earned.  As a fan of art, I was spoiled for choice with several locations from which I could pick my favorites.   The JR Tower Art Gallery has an impressive array of artwork, and at the Sapporo Art Park, there are some unbelievably large sculptures sitting throughout the grounds.   I was amazed at how much creativity and energy could be found in the city of Sapporo.   While looking at all the galleries, you can also plan a trip to Uji, located approximately 500 km south.   A visit to Japan would not be complete without enjoying a cup of matcha at this city's matcha capital.  3. Visiting The Shrines And Temples  Kyoto may have the most amazing shrines, but Sapporo also has some beautiful ones.   The Hookaido Shrine is the most popular among them, and you will find it just next to the Maruyama Park.   Furthermore, the Sapporo Suitengu Shrine is another place where families and pregnant women visit for a healthy baby.  Moreover, if you are a seeker and want some spiritual guidance, Joganji Temple is your place. It has the most meditative environment.  4.  Exploring The Historical Landmarks Of Sapporo  Sapporo has many historical places to visit, and you can start with the “Former Hokkaido Government Office.”   It has beautiful gardens, and with its insightful exhibitions, it offers a deep understanding of the local history.   The next place you can visit is the Sapporo TV Tower. It is an important landmark for broadcasting and tourism.   Furthermore, from the TV Tower, you can enjoy an amazing view of Odori Park and its surroundings.   The Clock Tower is another important landmark in Sapporo. It has been standing there since 1878.   However, for me, the most iconic historical landmark in the city was the Hoheikan Guest House.   This 1880 guest house in Nakajima Park had many important guests, including the royal family and important foreign guests.   In addition, for a culturally immersive experience, you can explore the Hokkaido historical village. It is like an open-air museum with distinct architecture, buildings, and Japanese townscapes.  5.  Souvenir Shopping   It’s a sin to visit Sapporo and not do some serious shopping.   Furthermore, souvenir shopping is one of the best things to do in Sapporo because of the diversity of stuff you can procure.   Firstly, the sweets here are amazing. You must try Marusei butter sandwiches and Royce chocolates.   Also, you will find skincare products made of horse oil.   In addition, you will love local crafts such as Ainu crafts and Otaru glassware.   Moreover, the best places for shopping in Sapporo are “Ario Sapporo Mall,” “Apia Mall,” “Sapporo Stellar Place Mall,” and “Tanukikoji Shopping Street.” 

BY  Sibashree Mar 30, 2026

Jimbocho Book Town is a massive book district or book town with more than 400 book stores.  It is one of the oldest and biggest in the world and is often uttered with respect equal to the Kaifeng and China book towns.  Also, it is a great place for dark academia fans, students, and readers, as they will find most of the second-hand books in Japan here.  Furthermore, it’s not just about the love for the book and the “intellectual” aspect of it.  Time Out has named it the best neighborhood in the world in 2025.  But do you know about the best book stores and cafes in the Jimbocho Book Town? Here is a detailed list.  However, let’s talk about the history, accessibility, and the best things to do in this book town.  Jimbocho Book Town: A Neighborhood That Survived World War II The Kanda-Jinbōchō area started getting many law schools in the late 19th century and early 20th century, and this is how the book town came.  Many bookshops opened then, and students of the law schools often sold their old books to these shops at a cheaper rate. Thus, this concept of second-hand books came.  New students used to buy these books because they were cheaper.  Furthermore, it is nothing short of a miracle that this book town survived the bombing and destruction during World War II.  Jimbocho started flourishing as a book town once World War II was over, and today, it is the most fascinating place for bibliophiles.  Furthermore, Shūeisha (Jump Manga Magazines), Iwanami, and many other leading publication houses have their headquarters in the Jimbocho Book Town.  Moreover, the curry restaurants and cafes here have been hosting the most famous authors for the longest time.  I must mention Ladrio in this context. It was built in 1949 as the reading room of a bookstop. It was also the first place that brought Viennese coffee to Japan.  Now, it was more than an elevation in the texture and flavor. The whipped cream helped to keep the coffee warm for longer as the intellectuals here took part in debates and hot discussions.  How To Reach The Jimbocho Book Town?  The central location of Jimbocho in Tokyo makes it easy to visit. You can take a ride on the Subway network to make this commute.  Reach Jimbocho Book Town By Subway  The nearest subway station is the Jimbocho Station. You will take the subway to the station on the following lines.  Toei Mita Line Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line And, Toei Shinjuku Line Moreover, once you reach the subway station and exit from A5 or A6, you can find the book stores along Yasukuni-dori.  Reach Jimbocho Book Town From Shinjuku And Shibuya The journey through the Toei Shinjuku Line from Shinjuku Station is the easiest way to reach the Jimbocho Book Town. It does not need any transfer.  Furthermore, the travel time is about 15 minutes.  On the other hand, from Shibuya Station, you can take a ride through the Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line to reach Jimbocho Station within 20 minutes. Reach Jimbocho Book Town From Tokyo Station From Tokyo Station, you have to take a Rapid ride on the R Chuo Line and reach Kanda Station.  Then, you have to reach the Toei Mita Line or the Toei Shinjuku Line to complete the journey in 5 minutes. Shopping For Old And Rare Books And Magazines: The Best Thing To Do In Jimbocho Book Town  From antiquarian books and documents to specialized books and first editions, you will find all the books in the Hakusan-dori and Yasukuni-dori intersections of the Jimbocho Book Town.  Starting from the Meiji Era(1868-1912) to today, it has been a book town par excellence.  Furthermore, the Aozora Kohon Ichiba, or the annual Kanda Used Book Festival, draws book lovers across the globe to the Jimbocho Book Town.   This festival is held in late October or early November, and it was celebrated from October 24th to November 3rd in 2025.   What Are The Book Stores You Must Visit In The Jimbocho Book Town?  Do you think that the Jimbocho Book Town only has Japanese books? You will get books in various languages in the book stores here.  Here are the book stores you must visit.  1. Kitazawa Book Store  The Kitazawa Book Store is the best book store to find English books and classics in the Jimbocho Book Town.  It started in 1902 and has thus completed more than 125 years in serving as a beacon of Western literature connoisseurs in Jimbocho Book Town.  You will mostly find foreign and humanities-related books here.  2. Magnif Zinebocho Magnif Zinebocho is a paradise for readers and lovers of retro magazines. You will mostly find lifestyle and fashion magazines from the last few decades here.  Though it mostly sells Japanese retro magazines, you will also find magazines that overcome language barriers.  Furthermore, the Mondrian artwork on the bookstore’s facade is really impressive, and you will find retro magazines such as Olive and Relax. 3. Books Tokyodo Built in 1890, Books Tokyodo is one of the oldest book stores in the Jimbocho Book Town. Here, you will find books of different genres from the bygone eras and modern times.  Furthermore, it is one of the book stores that has helped to create a community of book lovers, and that is the most cherished thing about it.  4. Komiyana Tokyo The history of Komiyana Tokyo goes back to 1939. It is a dedicated 4-story building with each floor offering distinct attractions to book and art lovers.  You will find here books on history, Japanese art, Western art, and fashion.  Furthermore, it has the widest collection of photo books, and most of them are by the original photographers or painters.  Also, watch out for the weekend “Garage Sale” behind the shop.  You never know when you can find a diamond.  5. Bohemian’s Guild  The Bohemian’s Guild is a great place to find vintage books on visual art and design.  Furthermore, the bookstore has been there since the Taisho era (1912-1926). The first floor of the store has all the books and a warm lighting that, along with the brown wooden floor, creates an inviting atmosphere.  Furthermore, on the second floor, the book gallery allows you to explore the lithographs, paints and prints.   What Are The Best Cafes To Visit In The Jimbocho Book Town?  Kissaten, or the coffee house culture of Japan, is unique. The best cafes in the Jimbocho Book Town allow you to get familiar with that.  Furthermore, the cafes here celebrate the history and origin of the book town. So, here are my favorites. 1. Sabouru With an origin in 1955,  Sabouru stands out with its unique Showa-era charm and nostalgic vibe.  You must try the cream soda here, and it is available in seven colors. They also make an excellent strawberry juice smoothie.  Moreover, the adjacent Sabouru 2 is a popular place here to have classic “Japanese Napolitan Spaghetti.”  2. Milonga Nuova Built in 1953, Milonga Nuova is a paradise for Tango lovers.  Furthermore, the charcoal-roasted coffee here hits different, and that is often accompanied by the signature desserts.  Moreover, you will find more than 30 varieties of imported beers here.  Along with these cafes, Jimbocho Book Town also has various curry restaurants. From Mandala to Bondy, these restaurants celebrate the tradition started in the Meiji era.  The book lovers found it very convenient to eat curry with one hand while the other hand was busy holding the book or flipping the pages.  Read Also: Is The Japan Rail Pass Worth It In 2026? Should I Buy Or Avoid It As A Conscious Tourist? Cherry Blossom Kyoto Japan: 2026 Season And The Top Viewing Spots Osaka Food: Know What To Eat In The Streets Of Osaka

BY  Sibashree Mar 31, 2026

Shinjuku is a very diverse part of Tokyo with a lot of activity and some rebelliousness, but it’s completely different in style and design compared to the other areas of Tokyo.  As far as contrasts go, Shinjuku is the most contrasting area of Tokyo. You can look at commercial 3D billboards within a couple of minutes’ walk to find very old traditional garden spaces. Shinjuku Station, as the busiest train station worldwide, could be described as a crazy madman's labyrinth for a first visit.  Yet, stepping outside into the bright neon lights of the Shinjuku area exposes a bright, fascinating area to play.  To help you get started, below is a list of “What to do in Shinjuku” as a first timer.  What To Do In Shinjuku As A First Timer?  Shinjuku is a city within a city. It’s loud, it’s crowded, and it’s occasionally a little messy. However, that’s exactly what makes it the most authentic urban experience in Japan.  Here are the things if you are feeling clueless about what to do in Shinjuku.  1. Retro Vibes At Kitamura Camera Kitamura Camera isn't a store. It's a vertical museum built around film cameras.  Rows of vintage gear line the floors, including rare glass lenses and models from the 1930s.  The place hums with quiet energy, untouched by digital noise.  It's tucked into Musashino Street, a lively area where shops mix with daily life. Even pros who shoot in RAW find it worth visiting for its raw craftsmanship and calm atmosphere. 2. The Roar Of Godzilla Road You'll see the Godzilla head before you hear it.   Its massive form stretches over Toho Cinemas, like a guardpost at the entrance to Godzilla Road.  The statue is a fixture in Shinjuku, visible from most sidewalks. Also, Hotel Gracery has rooms shaped like the monster itself. The Toho building bears the giant head of Godzilla, towering over the street corner.  That image sets the tone for everything around it, the kind of visual that sticks in your memory long after you leave.  Hotel Gracery offers themed rooms that let fans step into their favorite scenes.  The area feels unfiltered! Neon signs flash at odd hours, crowds surge during rush times, and alleys smell like food carts and rainwater mixing on pavement. 3. Sky-High Views (For Free!) Most of Tokyo's observation decks are rather expensive, but the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building provides a magnificent view of the city for exactly zero yen.  The queue is very fast at that point. On a clear day, you may be lucky enough to see the famous Mount Fuji.  Even on a cloudy day, you will still enjoy the amazing view of the city.  Insider Tip: Definitely visit the cafe on the top floor. The matcha desserts there go very well with the sunset view of the skyline. 4. The World’s Largest Projection Mapping Show It's all about timing.  If you can, leave the Metropolitan Government Building just when the Sun goes down so that you can see a projection mapping show that has entered the Guinness World Records.  A huge skyscraper's side gets turned into a screen for colorful animations.  The Pac-Man sequence, which was a throwback to the arcade game, was the highlight of architectural lighting during our visit.  It was as if the entire building was a giant glowing game of Pac-Man. 5. The Shinjuku 3D Cat Forget about Hachiko. If you come near Shinjuku Station East Exit and lift your eyes, you will spot a Giant 3D Cat.  This digital masterpiece "resides" on a curved billboard, and its antics include playful meowing and looking down at the crowd of commuters.  It is remarkably realistic and even more enchanting when it shines under the night lights. 6. The Neon Labyrinth Of Kabukicho Welcome to the largest red-light district in Japan.  Kabukicho is a sensory overload in the most enjoyable way. Moreover, it is a center of entertainment that is always alive with bars, restaurants, and the newly changed Samurai Restaurant Time (formerly the renowned Robot Restaurant).  Though it has a somewhat rough image, it is a place that anyone who wishes to see the "Blade Runner" side of Tokyo should definitely go to. 7. Sing Your Heart Out At Karaoke Kan You haven't truly felt Japanese social rhythm until you're in a private booth at Karaoke Kan.  There, you rent a high-tech room with friends instead of singing to strangers like in Western bars.  Moreover, the selection is vast, thousands of songs in English and Japanese, and it's probably the most common cultural milestone for young adults. 8. A Natural Escape: Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden When the neon lights get overwhelming, head to Shinjuku Gyoen.  It's huge, with an area of more than 100 acres, and you might spend hours wandering through traditional gardens with French, English, and Japanese influences.  Moreover, the paths change shape every few minutes. So, you'll likely lose track of time. Must Try: Muroya offers real sweets or a cute sushi set inside the garden.  This place has been going strong for generations. It's more or less certain that your parents were here too, decades back. 9. Breakfast At St. Marc Cafe St. Marc Cafe is better than chains for local flavor.  Furthermore, their ChocoCro is flaky, buttery, and tends to draw long lines.  Also, breakfast sets cost under $10 and keep people energized during long city walks. 10. Nostalgia In Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane) Tucked away near the tracks is a narrow alleyway known as Omoide Yokocho.  Years ago, it earned the nickname "Piss Alley," but today it’s a charming, albeit cramped, destination for yakitori and beer.  Moreover, the smoke from dozens of small grills creates a nostalgic atmosphere that feels miles away from the modern skyscrapers nearby. 11. Exploring Musashino Street While walking toward the camera shops, you'll likely find yourself on Musashino Street. It’s a delightful shopping district that feels exceptionally safe and welcoming. Shopping Tip: Look for the specialized Don Quijote here. Moreover, unlike the massive, chaotic branches, this one focuses specifically on products popular with tourists, making it a "souvenir shortcut." Yoi ryokō o, guys!  Read Also: What Are The Things To Do In Jimbocho Book Town? Visit The Best Book Stores And Cafes What Are The Things To Do In Nara? How To Plan A Two-Day Trip? What Is Oshino Hakkai Famous For? How To Visit It And More