Rikugien Garden is the artistic expression of lovers of Waka poetry. The garden, close to the center of Tokyo, became the property of the City of Tokyo in 1938 and is open from 9am to 5pm. Free visits to the garden are organized during the weekends. A beautiful pond provides the setting for an easy stroll through landscapes straight from a Japanese print. The Japanese treats available in the tea house are even more enjoyable after a long visit.

The restaurant, run by Sumo veterans, offers a traditional Japanese dish called Nabe. Chanko is richer in fish, meat and various vegetables for a good reason: it is the traditional meal of the sumo, to give them back their strength.

The artist Katsushika Hokusai is best known for his famous paintings of The Great Wave or Red Fuji, both part of the collection of 36 views of Mount Fuji, but a visit to the Sumida Hokusai Museum will prove that there is much more to discover. In addition to his many works, we learn a lot about the life of this artist who lived until his 88th birthday.

I would recommend taking the opportunity to visit the Sumida Hokusai Museum as well. The Tokyo Edo Museum brings together different historical replicas of Tokyo set during the Edo era. The full-scale models are scattered with the historical Tokyo frieze in English.

The popular area of Roppongi Hills offers museums, a giant spider sculpture in the middle of its central courtyard, shops and restaurants. Tokyo City View is in the center of the megalopolis, and with a viewpoint that is 250 meters above sea level, the most popular districts of Tokyo are in full view. The Tokyo Tower is the highlight, its scarlet color hypnotizing visitors.

Ramen has gained popularity in France in recent years, yet lovers of Japan still recommend tasting the authentic dish in Japan. Located in the heart of the popular nightlife district of Roppongi, there are hot, cold, spicy, mild ramen...

Conveniently located in Roppongi, in the heart of Tokyo, the very active night district does not nevertheless prevent sleep. The hotel is located just away from the noisiest streets, but still only a minute's walk from Roppongi station itself.

JAL flights never disappoint: always on time, comfortable planes offering Wi-Fi depending on the aircraft type, attentive, smiling and accommodating staff. JAL flights are definitely proud representatives of Japanese transport: professional and warm. Armed with a delicious soraben, literally the bento of the sky, travelers will arrive at their destination rested and ready for adventures!

It is forbidden to climb Komezuka to preserve its fauna and flora but its peaceful appearance is easily visible from many angles by car thanks to the road surrounding it. It takes its name from its hollow cone that looks like a rice bowl.

The Aso volcanoes area is one of the Geoparks sites protected by UNESCO along with its close neighbor, Komezuka. The Aso zone has one of the largest numbers of active volcanoes in Japan, covering 350 km². The main Mounts are: Taka, Naka, Eboshi, Kishima and Neko. If its volcanic activity is calm, indulge yourself in the ascent of Mount Taka. The 45-degree view from the helicopter over Mount Taka's crater is breathtaking, and there are no words to describe it. It is better to absorb yourself in the contemplation of the deadly turquoise crater and its surprisingly hypnotic shimmering reflections.

An unobstructed view is available on the plateau of the Aso Kusasenrigahama area open to walks and close to Mount Taka. The restaurant is located just next to the museum dedicated to the Aso Geopark area.

Here, on this plateau trapped between several active Mounts, the too quiet nature continues to slowly regain its rights after the various eruptions in the area. A horseback ride offers a visit in a somewhat surrealist environment of still life and silence interrupted only by quiet winds.

Despite its collapsed worship hall following the strong tremors of 2016, the Aso Shrine remains one of the favorite spots for locals. It is a rare representative of Shinto Shrines throughout Japan whose main gate, the Torii, does not face the Shrine directly, but instead the volcanic mountain to which it is dedicated.

Hidden in a small narrow alleyway that looks like post-war Japan, the Izakaya Murakami Shoten delights its customers with a lively atmosphere from the Showa years and a menu that is both delicious and very reasonably priced. Patrons are exclusively locals, television plays shows and videos from the 50s and 60s, the walls are covered with retro advertising and the music is from the Showa period.

The team is professional, experienced and efficient, uncompromising on safety, and provides all the equipment. The takeoff with the customer is smooth and the flight begins. The Daikanbo paragliding experience is recommended for beginners, as it proves to be gentle and offers a breathtaking view of the beautiful Kumamoto region, even for the more squeamish. Once back on land, the rest of the team repacks the equipment and takes the client back to the top of Daikanbo.

Ryokan Sozankyo is traditional and typical, managed by a diligent and committed staff. The highlight of the show is of course the baths, private and public, which are both available even though the private baths must be reserved on arrival.

A few shops on site offer ice creams with various tempting flavors. It is strongly recommended to do your picnic shopping before heading to Daikanbo.

A charming bike ride is a great way to discover Kumamoto, its nature, its small roads, villages and stalls. Departure is available from the Daikanbo Peak and offers a gentle descent, without too many hills and climbs for those looking to relax. Kumamoto's rural nature is ideal, if the weather is mild, for a small picnic in the fields. This unusual visit to Kumamoto will seduce both sports fans and ramblers and offers unique views of authentic Japan.

The undulating village offers small alleys and bridges, running along a river and time slowly fading away. Japanese visitors walk around, relaxing in the street and laughing while tightening the obi of the yukata provided by their ryokan. Once you have finished visited an alley, you have an irresistible desire to turn back but the next alley already beckons with its own colors and scents.

There is a barbecue atmosphere In Wakaba, with a grilling area in the center of the table. The various dishes follow one another, the red Kumamoto beef, the tempura, the sashimi will satisfy the most voracious. After a short stop in the rooms to digest, why not take a late night bath, when the onsen is much quieter.

The Wakaba offers two styles of rooms, one totally Japanese with its tatamis and traditional Japanese decoration, the other more Western-oriented with a small area of tatamis for the low table, but offering the option of sleeping in a bed. The traditional Japanese breakfast is composed of grilled fish, rice and salmon and its delicate and gourmet style will delight the palates of connoisseurs of great cuisine.

Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu is a Shrine known for its mystical atmosphere. The old stone lamps line up between the tall, tight trees, closely bordering irregular stone stairs. The small Shrine perched in the forest is not one of the most majestic, but its humble charm is in harmony with the nature that surrounds it.

Ajisen Ramen offers the style of ramen that Japanese people love so much, simple, fast and delicious. The restaurant is always full, and for a good reason: it is rightly considered to be one of the very popular ramen restaurants in Kumamoto.

There is a wide choice of colors to choose from, but once the kimono selected, dressing and hair styling are done in no time. The best thing about the boutique is its location right next to Suizenji's magnificent garden. Wearing a kimono in this idyllic setting guarantees not only photos worthy of a professional shoot, but of course unforgettable memories of a Japanese experience.

Tokyo is a breathtaking capital city that brings a new universe never before explored. Coming to Japan without seeing its capital would make the visitor miss a little bit of soul, and spending a few days in the megalopolis that never sleeps will provide experiences of all kinds, fascinating, relaxing, electrifying - in short, an undeniable adventure. And Kumamoto is love at first sight. This region represents both traditional Japan, with hot springs, beef or lush nature, yet a brief stop reveals a myriad of other aspects unexpected in Japan. Kumamoto literally has everything: nature, culture, local culinary specialties, seaside, mountains, volcanoes, hot springs... Oh yes, I forgot, there is something sorely lacking in Kumamoto: time. Time to discover more.