Burcu Basar
Burcu Basar, originally from Istanbul, Turkey, is doing her PhD in Japan in an area that miraculously combines her profession—law—and her passion—national parks. She lives in Tokyo but can often be found in various national parks all over Japan.
Articles
3-Day Matsumoto Itinerary: Castle, Art, and Natural Wonders
Plan your perfect 3-day journey in Matsumoto, Japan, featuring a visit to the historic castle, Yayoi Kusama's art, and an exploration of the stunning natural beauty of Kamikochi.
Move Over Kyoto: 5 Fantastic Spots in Kanazawa
Kanazawa deserves more recognition than its nickname “the Little Kyoto” warrants.
Visit these 5 Destinations in Japan via Shinkansen with JR East Discounts
From Kanazawa to Yamadera, these five rewarding destinations in Japan are now cheaper to access via bullet train.
5 Spots to Experience the Outdoors in Japan’s Northern Kyushu
Northern Kyushu is a perfect destination to combine hiking with Japanese cultural experiences.
Five Places Linked to Japan’s Hidden Christians
A journey to the abandoned villages and historical churches of Nagasaki to explore the intriguing story of Japan's hidden Christians.
Three Small Islands in Japan for Your Next Getaway
Time flows differently on Japan’s remote islands. Here are three of my favorite hidden getaways and why you should visit them yourself.
Early Spring: Cherry Blossoms and Plums in Kanagawa and Shizuoka
Early spring is the perfect opportunity for a weekend escape to celebrate sakura and hanami in coastal towns outside of Tokyo.
Discover the Iconic Gorges, Legends and UNESCO World Heritage Temples of Iwate Prefecture
A mere two hours by train from Tokyo, this secluded region of Tohoku feels a world away.
A Visit to Iwate Prefecture Offers Visitors the Perfect Blend of Nature, Culture and History
Experience one of the last hidden gems of Japan traveling through the largest prefecture in Tohoku.
Yakushima: Exploring Japan’s World Heritage Destination from a Different Perspective
Monkeys, a rocket launch and a volcano eruption—all on one journey through this ancient island in Japan.
Respite in The Countryside: The Hostels Making a Difference in Rural Japan
Stories of people with big dreams keeping small Japanese towns alive
5 Trails in Japan I Can’t Wait to Hike Again When it’s Safe to Travel
Are you daydreaming about getting back to nature in Japan?
