Tamara Burgess, Author at VOYAPON

Tamara Burgess

Tamara fell in love with Tokyo during a two-week trip around Japan and Korea in 2015. After a few excursions in Europe and a year of “life-admin”, she finally moved to Shinjuku in 2017. She now spends most of her time memorising Kanji, discovering Japanese gardens and running through the streets of Shinjuku in search of new coffee shops. Her perfect day would involve retro games or plum wine, or even more preferably, both.

27 articles

Articles by Tamara Burgess

Japanese Fruits in Summer : What to Buy?

June 1, 2018 Obon, Sponsored, Summer, Supermarkets, Sweets

Sponsored by AEON If you're in Japan during Obon season, then not only will the streets and shinkansens be a little busier than normal, but so will the fruit aisles of all good grocery stores. But not just with people - with...

Kagurazaka Neighborhood Guide Parks Chiazanso Hotel Gardens Shrine Boutique Shops Kanda River Greenery Tokyo Japan

Kagurazaka: A Little Kyoto in Tokyo, and What to Find Nearby

May 11, 2018 Gardens & Parks, Kyoto, Kyoto, Kyoto, Temples & Shrines, Tokyo, Tokyo, Tokyo

Tokyo's "Little Kyoto" If you find yourself in Tokyo, but daydream about the picturesque shrines, temples and gardens of Kyoto, then Kagurazaka—little Kyoto in Tokyo—should be the next stop on your hit list. Tucked away in a less-frequented area of Tokyo, Kagurazaka...

How to Get to Koshimizu-cho, Eastern Hokkaido

December 18, 2017 Airlines, Airports, Hokkaido, Hokkaido, Hokkaido, Sponsored

Sponsored by Koshimizu Tourism Association Koshimizu-cho (小清水町 ) is a small town of approximately 5,000 people in Okhotsk sub-prefecture, eastern Hokkaido. The area is renowned for its scenery, wildlife and vast quantities of birds that use the town's lake, Lake Tofutsu, as a...

Bird-Watching Mecca of Lake Tofutsu, Eastern Hokkaido

December 15, 2017 Autumn, Fishing, Hokkaido, Hokkaido, Hokkaido, Mountains, National Parks, Sponsored

Sponsored by Koshimizu Tourism Association Lake Tofutsu, with an area of 900 hectares and a circumference of over 27 km, is designated as a Ramsar Site (a wetland of international importance). Every year, towards the end of October when I visited, thousands of...

Where to Eat in Koshimizu-cho, Eastern Hokkaido

December 12, 2017 Hokkaido, Hokkaido, Hokkaido, Language, National Parks, Ramen, Rice, Soba, Sponsored

Sponsored by Koshimizu Tourism Association Hokkaido is Japan's largest prefecture and is renowned for its incredible, mostly undisturbed landmass. Consequently, there are numerous places in this stunning prefecture that most of us have never been to. I was fortunate enough to visit...

Where to Stay in Koshimizu-cho, Eastern Hokkaido

December 10, 2017 Affordable Accommodation, Hokkaido, Hokkaido, Hokkaido, Sponsored, Summer, Winter

Sponsored by Koshimizu Tourism Association Tucked away along the Sea of Okhotsk in eastern Hokkaido is the perfect rural escape for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. This is the small coastal town of Koshimizu-cho (小清水町), renowned as a bird-watching mecca for migratory summer...

Exploring Nature and the Autumn Colours of Koshimizu-cho, Eastern Hokkaido

December 8, 2017 Autumn, Autumn Leaves, Cycling, Hokkaido, Hokkaido, Hokkaido, Sponsored

Autumn in Hokkaido? Why wouldn't you!? The first place that koyo (autumn colours) hits Japan is in the northernmost prefecture, Hokkaido. I was able to experience just a fraction of Hokkaido's autumnal charm by exploring the small town of Koshimizu-cho (小清水町), and...

Kitsuki: Samurai Residences and a Cozy Japanese Café

November 2, 2017 Castles, Historic Sites, Kyushu, Oita, Sponsored, Sweets, Tea

Brilliant white buildings and perfectly manicured trees line the streets and alleys of Kitsuki (杵築), a castle town in the Oita Prefecture, Kyushu. The city is home to around 30,000 people, and is also lucky enough to have two samurai districts: one in...

Aso Kuju national park in Rita prefecture, Kyushu, Japan.

Aso Kuju National Park: Stunning Nature around Yamanami Highway

October 29, 2017 Gardens & Parks, Kumamoto, Kyushu, Mountains, National Parks, Oita, Sponsored, Summer

Rolling hills, luscious greenery, and fresh air are just a few of the pleasures to be enjoyed at Aso Kuju National Park, a national park in Oita and Kumamoto prefectures spanning over 720m². I had the pleasure of exploring three of the most incredible spots here: Kuju...

The castle town of Taketa, Oita prefecture, Kyushu, Japan.

A Stroll around Taketa Castle City in Oita

October 23, 2017 Castles, Historic Sites, Kyushu, Oita, Sponsored

Sponsored by Tourism Oita Ingrained within the castle city of Taketa is a unique and complex history. Stories of hardship, creativity and triumph come together here, making Taketa not only intriguing, but also inspiring. Taketa is situated in Kyushu region, one hour’s drive from...

Harajiri waterfalls in Oita prefecture, Kyushu, Japan.

Discover the Archetypal Japanese Landscape and Majestic Waterfall in Oita

October 18, 2017 Historic Sites, Kyushu, Mountains, Sponsored, Summer, Temples & Shrines

Sponsored by Tourism Oita Oita Prefecture in Kyushu Region is commonly known as the "onsen prefecture" of Japan with famous hot spring towns like Beppu and Yufuin. But did you know there are other natural delights nestled within this volcanic area? One of...

Futago-ji temple at Kunisaki peninsula, Oita prefecture, Japan.

Celebrating 1300 Years of History of Rokugo Manzan at Kunisaki Peninsula

October 13, 2017 Culture, Historic Sites, Mountains, Oita, Sponsored, Temples & Shrines

Kunisaki Peninsula (国東半島) is a beautiful rural area centred around Mount Futago in northern Oita Prefecture. Here, a 1300 history of Buddhism and Shintoism and mountain worship moulded Kunisaki Peninsula into an ancient training place for those seeking spiritual enlightenment. The combination of these beliefs have created a local culture, unique to the...

Yukimiso Ryokan, A Peaceful Room in the Countryside

Staying in a Ryokan in the Countryside, Oita

October 8, 2017 Culture, Oita, Onsen & Sento, Ryokan, Sponsored, Tea

Sponsored by Tourism Oita Anyone who is already familiar with some of Japan's onsen (hot spring) culture, will know that there are few better ways to rejuvenate yourself than a long bath at the end of the day. But for the epitome of...

Tashibunoshou View Point at Bungotakata city, Oita prefecture.

Experiencing a Farmer’s Inn at a World Agricultural Heritage Site in Oita

October 3, 2017 Kyushu, Minshuku, Oita, Rice, Sake & Alcohol, Sponsored, Tempura

Japan’s connection with great food runs deep, and there are sensory delights here for everyone. From vegans to avid “carnivores”, everyone loves eating fresh, local produce, and I was lucky enough to sample some of Oita's tasty cuisine by staying at Farm...

Beach at Wakasa Takahama, Fukui prefecture

Perfect Nature Destination Near to Kyoto and Kanazawa: How to Get to Wakasa Takahama?

September 1, 2017 Beaches & Islands, Fukui, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Kyoto, Kyoto, Rail Passes, Shinkansen, Sponsored, Tokyo, Tokyo, Tokyo

Sponsored by Wakasa Takahama Tourism Association [caption id="attachment_29581" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Meikyodo Cave: A Symbol of Wakasa Takahama[/caption] Less than two hours from Kyoto, and three hours from Kanazawa, is Wakasa Takahama - home to one of only two Blue Flag...

Nature spots in Wakasa Takahama, Fukui prefecture

Stunning Spots You Cannot Miss in Wakasa Takahama!

August 31, 2017 Fukui, Hiking, Kyoto, Kyoto, Kyoto, Mountains, National Parks, Sponsored, Summer

Sponsored by Wakasa Takahama Tourism Association Wakasa Takahama area in Fukui Prefecture (near Kyoto) is commonly associated with its scenic coastline - and even more commonly associated with beaches. But whilst you're on this side of the Japan, there are some...

Beach Activities in Wakasa Takahama to Admire Stunning Nature Along Sea of Japan!

August 30, 2017 Beaches & Islands, Cycling, Essentials, Fukui, Kyoto, Kyoto, Kyoto, Language, Safety, Sponsored, Summer, Surfing

Sponsored by Wakasa Takahama Tourism Association If you haven't heard of Wakasa Takahama by now, the three things you should know about it are.,,, One: it's less than two hours from Kyoto. Two: it's home to one of Japan's two...

Accommodation in Wakasa Takahama: Ryokan, Hotel, Villa or Minshuku?

August 28, 2017 Beaches & Islands, Etiquette, Kyoto, Kyoto, Kyoto, Minshuku, Ryokan, Sponsored, Summer

Sponsored by Wakasa Takahama Tourism Association We've all heard of hotels and villas, and many of us have heard of ryokans, but what about minshukus? Well, if you consider a ryokan to be a Japanese-style hotel, then a minshuku is...

Stunning Beach Close to Kyoto, Listed as BLUE Flag!

August 27, 2017 Beaches & Islands, Cycling, Fukui, Kamakura, Kyoto, Kyoto, Kyoto, Okinawa, Okinawa, Okinawa, Okinawa, Sponsored, Summer

Sponsored by Wakasa Takahama Tourism Association Did you know that there are only two Blue Flag beaches in Asia? And that both of them are in Japan? No!? Well neither did I until I heard about Asia's first Blue Flag...

Looking Out Across the Water at Hamarikyu

Visiting a Japanese Garden in the Summer: What Should We Consider?

August 9, 2017 Gardens & Parks, Health Insurance, Safety, Sponsored, Summer, Tokyo, Tokyo, Tokyo

Sponsored by Japan Weather Association Summers in Japan can be a struggle. The blazing sun, plus high humidity, plus temperatures above 30°C/86°F can be exhausting - even for Japanese-summer veterans. So, how can you enjoy a Japanese garden in Tokyo...

Walking in the Marshland at Mount Azuma

August 2, 2017 Fukushima, Hiking, Mountains, National Parks, Sponsored, Summer, Tohoku

Sponsored by Fukushima City Tourism and Convention Association Whether you're a fair-weather wanderer or a steadfast hiker, there are numerous trails available for the outdoor enthusiast to explore all-year-round at Mount Azuma (吾妻山), in Fukushima, Tohoku region. The most popular hiking routes of...

Discover Takayu Onsen, A Small Hot Spring Resort Within Mount Azuma

July 27, 2017 Fukushima, Mountains, Onsen & Sento, Ryokan, Sponsored, Summer, Tea, Tohoku

Sponsored by Fukushima City Tourism and Convention Association Inconspicuously placed within the Azuma Mountains, is Takayu Onsen (高湯温泉) - a small hot spring resort only 18 km away from Fukushima City, in the Tohoku Region. Takayu Onsen's hot springs were discovered around 400 years ago and have...

Hiking Azuma-kofuji: Little Fuji in Fukushima

July 23, 2017 Fukushima, Hiking, Mountains, National Parks, Sponsored, Tohoku, Volcanoes

Sponsored by Fukushima City Tourism and Convention Association Standing proudly with an elevation around 1700m is Azuma-kofuji (吾妻小富士), in Fukushima Prefecture. You may have already guessed from the name that this volcanic crater is a namesake to Mount Fuji, with 'ko' meaning...

Jorakuen Japanese garden, a peaceful park in Fukushima, Japan

Jorakuen: A Japanese Garden to Soothe Your Soul

July 19, 2017 Cherry Blossoms, Fukushima, Gardens & Parks, Kyoto, Kyoto, Kyoto, Mountains, Onsen & Sento, Sponsored, Tohoku

Sponsored by Fukushima City Tourism and Convention Association Japan is constantly reminding me why its gardens are world famous, and Jorakuen Park (浄楽園) in Fukushima prefecture is no exception. Fukushima is one of the six prefectures of Tohoku - a region which is renowned for its mountain...

Tamago-yu is a ryokan and spa which sits in the resort town of Takayu Onsen. Easily accessible by bus from JR Fukushima Station, this ryokan (Japanese inn) is famous for it's open-air hot springs (onsen) submerged in the mountains.

Tamago-yu, Takayu Onsen: An Onsen Lover’s Paradise

July 17, 2017 Etiquette, Fukushima, Local Buses, Mountains, Onsen & Sento, Ryokan, Safety, Sponsored

Sponsored by Fukushima City Tourism and Convention Association A stone's throw away from Fukushima City, in Fukushima prefecture, is Tamago-yu - an onsen lover's paradise! Tamago-yu is a ryokan and spa which sits in the resort town of Takayu Onsen. Easily accessible by bus from JR...

Tsuchiyu Onsen is a quaint town in the western part of Fukushima, Tohoku, Japan.

Tsuchiyu Onsen: A Fusion of Kokeshi and Onsen !

July 12, 2017 Fukushima, Onsen & Sento, Souvenirs, Sponsored, Tohoku

Sponsored by Fukushima City Tourism and Convention Association Situated in the Tohoku region, Tsuchiyu Onsen, (土湯温泉) is a quaint town in the western part of Fukushima. Amongst other things, Tohoku is renowned for producing traditional Japanese dolls (kokeshi), and showcasing alluring hot springs (onsen). It's...

Sankeien Garden: 10 Reasons To Love This Japanese Garden Near Tokyo

May 24, 2017 Gardens & Parks, Historic Sites, Kanto, Kyoto, Kyoto, Kyoto, Spring, Temples & Shrines, Tokyo, Tokyo, Tokyo, Yokohama

As the days grow warmer, there is no better time to visit the many parks and gardens in and around Tokyo. But, logically it follows that everyone else has the same idea. Sometimes it can be difficult to relax when there are 43,631...

Articles by Tamara Burgess

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