Issue #2

Sam Lee Travel

Let The Wandering Journey Begins ✨

Hello, my fellow wanderer!

I hope you are well 😉

I have some exciting news to kick things off: I am heading back to Japan for three weeks this November!

*I just bought the air tickets yesterday (very last-minute energy, I know)*

And if you are also planning a late-November trip, you and I are in luck!

It is the sweet spot for fiery fall colours (check the JMC latest autumn foliage forecast across Japan here) and way fewer crowds than spring! 🍁

My loose 3-week itinerary plan includes Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Mt Fuji, Kanazawa, and Takayama, but this time round I am adding a few lesser-known gems:

🌊 Izu Peninsula: a scenic coastal escape just southwest of Tokyo, filled with hot springs, beaches, and dreamy ocean views

🍂 Ikaho Onsen: known for its stone-step path and absolutely breathtaking autumn scenery

I also plan to join a few guided tours like this and this to learn more about local culture and traditions for a richer, more immersive travel experience!

🍁Latest Articles

Anyway, if you are like me being a last-minute or 1-year early planner, here are some helpful Japan fall + general travel articles to help you with the planning:

And if you are planning a winter or autumn Japan trip, let me know what you want help with packing, itineraries, or hidden gems, and I will turn them into quick, easy-to-read guides just for you! 😉

📸 From My Past Japan Adventures

Tried one of the best ekiben meals on the shinkansen (and yes, the food taste amazing)

Would love to visit Japan's flea markets when I'm there later this month!

I went to Oedo Antique Market in Tokyo previously and bought a really old booklet with Japanese wordings and drawings.

Shinsekai is such an underrated place in Osaka

I will definitely be back to Kanazawa's Kenroku-en! (aka one of Japan's "three most beautiful gardens)

I wanted to record myself but I was too shy so I picked a quiet lane near Takayama Old Town and staged my own runway 😂

🌴 A Little Something Extra

I have been thinking about adding one mini Asia travel gem in each email; something short and inspiring for your next trip beyond Japan.

My last stop before China (where I co-led with my parents) was Bali, Indonesia, and let me tell you, one unusual experience there would stick with me this much… but that story deserves its own email.

Would you like me to share Bali travel tips and hidden gems in upcoming newsletters?

Hit reply and tell me “yes” if you are in!

Thanks for reading!

Adventure is out there,

Sam 😉