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Soft Landings Japan
Plan your Japan trip
Japan off-the-beaten-path
Blog
Tokyo
Food
Experiences
Tips
Trips
Destinations
About
Plan your Japan trip
Japan off-the-beaten-path
Blog
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HOW TO VISIT TASHIROJIMA CAT ISLAND FROM MATSUHIMA OR SENDAI
Trip Lucile Olier 18/05/2026 Trip Lucile Olier 18/05/2026

HOW TO VISIT TASHIROJIMA CAT ISLAND FROM MATSUHIMA OR SENDAI

A practical and personal guide to visiting Tashirojima, Japan’s famous cat island in Miyagi Prefecture. How to get there from Sendai or Matsushima, ferry tips, what to expect, and why this tiny peaceful island full of cats is worth the trip.

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A 3-DAY WEEKEND IN MIYAGI PREFECTURE: MATSUSHIMA, CAT ISLAND, ONSEN & COASTAL JAPAN
Trip Lucile Olier 18/05/2026 Trip Lucile Olier 18/05/2026

A 3-DAY WEEKEND IN MIYAGI PREFECTURE: MATSUSHIMA, CAT ISLAND, ONSEN & COASTAL JAPAN

A 3-day Miyagi itinerary from Tokyo by train, visiting Matsushima, Tashirojima Cat Island, Ishinomaki and Shiogama. Peaceful islands, a cozy ryokan stay, onsen baths, seafood, temples, and one of Japan’s most famous cat islands.

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IS THE JR PASS STILL WORTH IT IN 2026 (AND WHAT TO DO INSTEAD)
Trip, Tips Lucile Olier 08/05/2026 Trip, Tips Lucile Olier 08/05/2026

IS THE JR PASS STILL WORTH IT IN 2026 (AND WHAT TO DO INSTEAD)

Wondering if the Japan Rail pass is still a good deal after the recent price hikes? Here is a breakdown of when to buy it and when to book individual train tickets instead.

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HOW I SPENT 3 DAYS IN KYOTO
Destinations, Trip Lucile Olier 21/04/2026 Destinations, Trip Lucile Olier 21/04/2026

HOW I SPENT 3 DAYS IN KYOTO

Here is how I navigated Kyoto away from the crowds! I share my favorite temples, restaurants and things to do.

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MY JR PASS ITINERARY: HOW I SAVED 40€ AND GAINED PEACE OF MIND
Tips, Destinations, Trip Lucile Olier 16/04/2026 Tips, Destinations, Trip Lucile Olier 16/04/2026

MY JR PASS ITINERARY: HOW I SAVED 40€ AND GAINED PEACE OF MIND

Is the JR Pass worth it? Check my complete itinerary with the JR Pass, the tips along the way and discover how I saved money and gain peace of mind.

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TOKYO TO ODAWARA BY TRAIN: A PEACEFUL, CULTURAL ESCAPE JUST OUTSIDE THE CITY
Destinations, Trip Lucile Olier 08/04/2026 Destinations, Trip Lucile Olier 08/04/2026

TOKYO TO ODAWARA BY TRAIN: A PEACEFUL, CULTURAL ESCAPE JUST OUTSIDE THE CITY

Just 30 minutes away from Tokyo with the Shinkasen, Odawara is an awesome city break. I share my favorite cafe and best tips to enjoy the trip.

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IS NARA WORTH VISITING?
Destinations, Tips, Trip Lucile Olier 08/04/2026 Destinations, Tips, Trip Lucile Olier 08/04/2026

IS NARA WORTH VISITING?

The truth about Nara and whether it’s worth visiting or not.

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Zen in Kamakura: A spiritual day trip guide to zazen & secret temples
Trip, Tokyo, Tips Lucile Olier 01/04/2026 Trip, Tokyo, Tips Lucile Olier 01/04/2026

Zen in Kamakura: A spiritual day trip guide to zazen & secret temples

Kamakura is an awesome day trip from Tokyo. You can explore endless shrines and temples, get lost on forest paths and experience zazen meditation.

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