Selena Hoy

Exploring Japan offers endless surprises, especially when you venture off the beaten path, which is why we asked five experts to share their favorite spots across the country – places rich in culture, natural beauty and unique experiences that you might not find on the usual tourist trail.
From the quiet slopes of Moiwa in Hokkaidō to the historic streets of Tokyo’s Kagurazaka neighborhood, discover Japan through the special places beloved by those who know the country best.
1. Aomori
Selena ...

The French word that literally translates to "to remember," a souvenir is often far more than a memory, let alone a trinket that collects dust for years after the trip you acquired it on. Souvenirs are often part of larger, transformative moments that remind us why we travel.
We asked our ever-traveling content team which mementos they treasure most from their past adventures, many of which they've held onto for years.
A vintage Hawaiian record in Maui
Pa'ia is this super cool, young beachy t...

From subtropical islands to chilled-out ski resorts, there are so many places in Japan that don't suffer from the overtourism that's challenging more popular areas.
March 17, 2025
Japan is a deservedly popular destination, but travelers often wind up seeing the same sights and miss out on the far-flung, quieter, or less obvious corners of the country. To see a softer side of Japan, we asked locals, from writers to motorcycle enthusiasts, nonprofit workers to photographers, to share something ...

Japan is a hot destination right now, with a record number of visitors in 2024: nearly 37 million, breaking the previous 2019 record of 33.4 million. The full easing of pandemic-related restrictions, along with a weak yen (151 JPY to the USD at the time of writing) has made Japan an attractive destination for visitors, whether it’s their first or 15th trip to the archipelago.
However, costs can still rack up quickly, with flight tickets being among the top expenses. With some smart planning, ...

All Japan spreads in this hardcover collection of 500 bucket list experiences around the world.

Iconic temples and castles, ancient and modern art, magical forests, and the best Japanese dishes – it’s all here in this 14-day guide.
World Nomads was founded by travelers, for travelers. So, when we put an itinerary together, you can be sure it’s filled with memorable experiences, expert guidance, and a range of worthwhile activities.
We asked travel writer and Japan resident Selena Hoy to create a journey that blends must-see icons with off-the-beaten-path exploration. Serena shares her p...

Essay on traveling Tokyo by taxi in Kinfolk Journeys

Familiy Friendly Things to Do in Tokyo

Some prefer to spend their vacation budget on luxurious accommodation with personal butler service, designer amenities, and five-star room service. This article is not for them.
But just because we don’t want to spend our money on a place where we’ll be largely unconscious, doesn’t mean we can’t have nice things.
Enter the business hotel chain.
Suggested Activity
Mt Fuji, Hakone & Lake Ashi Cruise with Bullet Train Day Trip from Tokyo
Join a full-day guided tour from Tokyo that travels to Mt ...

1. Hike in Forest Park
If you’re wondering where to begin in Portland’s natural playground, check out Forest Park, one of the country’s largest urban forests. Here, you can choose among 80 miles (129 kilometers) of trails, with a number of the trailheads right in town and accessible by public transit. For a quintessential Portland hike, take a guided urban hike up to Pittock Mansion, where you'll find panoramic city views as well as the chance to spot Douglas firs, trillium flowers, squirrels...

Feature story in En Voyage, EVA Airways' inflight magazine, on 48 Hours in Tokyo.

10 Best Airbnbs in Kyoto

How to visit Tokyo's best museums

Zen monk and garden designer Shunmyo Masuno on clearing the mind.
Words Selena Takigawa Hoy
Looking at a garden is a way to feel and realize certain things. The reason monks started engaging in garden creation is rooted in the original ideals of Zen. Ideally, one would build a small hut in a natural and abundant setting—in the midst of a forest, or near a river—and contemplate life. As natural surroundings disappeared, it prompted monks to create gardens to bri...