Authentic travel experiences in Japan — told gently, from the heart.
Hi, and welcome! I’m so glad you’re here.
Refined Japan is a cosy little corner of the internet where I share stories and discoveries from everyday life and travel in Japan — all written with care, and guided by a love for Japanese aesthetics and the beauty of small, meaningful details.
This isn’t your typical Japan travel blog.
While I do love sharing peaceful temples, family-friendly cafés, and quiet backstreets you might never find in a guidebook, Refined Japan goes deeper. I explore Japan through the lens of design and culture — from the Japanese aesthetic that’s captured hearts worldwide to the pages of Japanese fashion magazines, from traditional folk crafts to the small cultural nuances that shape daily life here.
You’ll also find personal essays about my own journey living between cultures, and local insights that reveal the heart of Japanese society — the kind of cultural moments and gentle revelations that happen when you really pay attention.
Whether you’re planning a trip, dreaming from afar, or simply curious about Japanese culture and design, I hope you’ll find ideas that feel warm, thoughtful, and just a little bit inspiring.
I write about:
- Slow travel in Japan — the kind where you really take in your surroundings and appreciate the aesthetics of everyday life.
- Japanese design and culture — exploring Japanese aesthetic, traditional crafts, and the visual culture that shapes modern Japan.
- Cultural insights and the small, beautiful moments that reflect the heart of daily life in Japan.
- And personal reflections on living between worlds and finding home in unexpected places.
So grab a cup of tea, make yourself comfy, and let’s explore Japan — slowly, and with intention.
Thanks for being here 🧡
Meet the Curator Behind Refined Japan
I was born in Aichi and grew up all across Japan — from the urban buzz of Tokyo and Kanagawa to the cultural warmth of Fukuoka. My parents loved to travel and made sure my brother, sister, and I experienced as much of Japan as possible. By the time I was in high school and university, I had explored from the snowy landscapes of Hokkaido to the tropical vibes of Okinawa.
Those early adventures sparked my lifelong love for travel and a deep appreciation for Japan’s regional charm and quiet, everyday beauty.
Seeing Japan from Afar
These days, I live in New Zealand with my husband and our little boy. We travel back to Japan about once a year — and every time I return, I see it with new eyes. I carry both the familiarity of someone who grew up there and the fresh perspective of someone rediscovering it all over again. That in-between feeling is what inspires Refined Japan.
Living in New Zealand, I’m surrounded by raw, untouched nature — wild coastlines, vast skies, and ancient forests. It’s breathtaking in its scale. But it also made me appreciate something different about Japan: its quiet intentionality. In Japan, beauty often hides in the details — the grain of a wooden bowl, the stillness of a garden, or the shape of a tiny train station. I didn’t fully notice these things until I stepped away.
This blog is my way of sharing not just where to go, but how to see.
I believe travel isn’t about checking off landmarks — it’s about slowing down, noticing textures, and connecting with a place on a deeper level.
Whether you’re into Japanese aesthetics, hidden cafés, family-friendly spots, or just looking for a more mindful way to explore Japan — I hope you’ll feel right at home here.
Connect with Refined Japan
Looking for visual inspiration?
We’re always curating beautiful things on Pinterest — from artisan crafts and cosy cafés to architectural gems and nature spots across Japan.
🔗 Follow Refined Japan on Pinterest
Got a question, a story to share, or an idea for collaboration?
I’d love to hear from you. Head over to the Contact page and say hello anytime!
