Kelly Merks

All About Kelly Merks: I'm an editor, writer, geographer, armchair analyst and full-time food lover. I lived in the Tokyo area for almost 4 years before moving to Europe in 2015. Even though I love my new home, I still get a hankering for good tonkotsu and miss my ikebana classes.

What I like about Japan: My favorite pastime is a pastiche of what I like about Japan: renting a fancy kimono in old Kawagoe for a day, and drinking freshly tapped Coedo beers while walking around town with friends.

Take the Chichibu 34 Kannon Pilgrimage

The Chichibu Valley is home to beautiful mountains and rivers—and a centuries-old temple pilgrimage unlike any other in Japan.

4 Soothing Onsen Day Trips from Tokyo

Onsen Kanagawa

While these Kanagawa onsen and their surrounds are certainly worth an overnight stay, each can work equally as well as a day trip.

Past Features

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All About Weird Japan

Japan is a weird and wonderful place! These videos from Wanderlist are just a small taste of what you can expect when you visit!

Stories to Experience National Parks of Japan

More than just a collection of some of the country's most stunning landscapes, Japan's National Parks tell the story of the diverse ways in which Japanese culture developed in harmony with nature throughout the centuries.

Spring in Tohoku

Food, history and some incredible late-blooming cherry blossoms—Tohoku in spring has it all!

All About Cherry Blossoms in Japan

Savor the 'sakura' nation.

All About Japan's Temples & Shrines

Explore Japan's enduring spiritual history.