Laura Payne

Laura Payne is a world-traveling teacher, writer, photographer and tea enthusiast. No matter where she goes, she always looks for skills to learn and stories to hear.

Filter By Destination

Old Kurayoshi Line

Old Kurayoshi Line

Discover cherry blossoms, a bamboo grove and more while exploring the Old Kurayoshi Line.

Utsubuki Park

Utsubuki Park

Travel off the beaten path and experience one of Japan’s top 100 cherry blossom viewing spots.

Tottori Castle

Kyusho Park (Tottori Castle Ruins)

Admire cherry blossoms and avoid large crowds in a park featuring castle ruins, a history museum and a mansion from the 1900s.

Tsuwano Yabusame Festival

Tsuwano Yabusame Festival

Watch traditional mounted archery held on a course lined with cherry blossom trees.

Musha Gyoretsu Warrior Parade

Musha Gyoretsu Warrior Parade

Celebrate the founding of Shimane Prefecture’s capital city by watching samurai parade through the streets against a backdrop of cherry blossoms.

Yonago Waterbird Sanctuary

Yonago Waterbird Sanctuary

A natural habitat for over 100 species of wild birds both resident and migratory.

Sunrise Seto

Sunrise Express

Discover rural destinations with Japan’s last regularly-operating sleeper train.

Fuji Panorama Resort

Fujimi Panorama Resort

Take a day trip from Tokyo to indulge in skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking and more.

Daisen White Resort

Daisen White Resort

Ski or snowboard one of Japan’s tallest mountains while enjoying ocean views.

Tamatsukuri Onsen

Tamatsukuri Onsen

One of the oldest hot springs in Japan, and famous for waters that promote beautiful skin.

Tachikue Gorge

Tachikue Gorge (Tachikuekyo)

A hidden gem near the second biggest city in Shimane Prefecture