Sayako Mizuki's Page

Actor / Travel Reporter

Sayako Mizuki

A travel reporter delivering journeys that move the heart.

Articles

A 4-Day, 3-Night World Heritage Expedition in Sado & Niigata! A Journey of cultural treasures and succulent seafood awaits via the SADO NIIGATA PASS.

Blessed with dazzling seafood year-round and rich natural beauty, the Niigata and Sado Island area offers a tantalizing tale to enjoy with all five senses. The year 2024 brought the designation of UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site to the Sado Island Gold Mines, a place where you can still go today to explore the living history of the region’s vast remains with hands-on experiences. Below is our curated 4-day, 3-night model itinerary that uses the SADO NIIGATA PASS as a handy hack for coverage in Niigata City and the whole of Sado Island, so you can travel with smooth, wallet-friendly ease. Follow along if you’re down for deep regional foodie delights and true-blue culture deep-dives you won’t find anywhere else.
Experience One of Japan’s Top Tea-Producing Regions on a Day Trip: A Journey Exploring Japanese Tea, Nature, and Local Cuisine in Kakegawa

Positioned in the western part of Shizuoka Prefecture-famous for Mt. Fuji-Kakegawa City is known for Kakegawa Castle, a celebrated stronghold of the Tokai region, as well as for being one of Japan’s leading tea-producing areas. This article presents a day-trip itinerary starting from Kakegawa Station, featuring encounters with tea culture, stunning natural scenery, and local gourmet delights.

Profile

I shine a light on travel and local areas through travel programs, events, and writing as an actor and travel reporter. After working as an overseas travel reporter on the TV show "Asa da! Nama desu Tabi Salad," I embarked on a solo journey traveling across Japan.
I serve as a goodwill ambassador for Shimane Prefecture and hold the qualification of Japan Heritage Sommelier.
My podcast, "Tabi to Hibi to Radio to," is updated every Wednesday.

My top recommended destination for traveling in Japan

I highly recommend Shimane Prefecture. Each area has something worth visiting, whether it’s the sacred lands and promise of matchmaking near Izumo Taisha Shrine, memories in Matsue, the castle town coined the “City of Water", or spots like the World Heritage site of Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine, or the Oki Islands, filled with breathtaking scenery. Shimane may not be the easiest place to access, but that’s precisely why so many of its destinations still have a pristine, true-blue authentic Japanese air that’s work the visit!

Most enjoyable place and experience traveling in Japan

The scenery from the San'in Main Line in Shimane Prefecture is unforgettable. The train emerges from a tunnel to reveal the very edge of the coastline and a view of glittering ocean vistas that fill the entire window.

An absolute must-do experience when visiting Japan

An absolute must-do experience when visiting Japan:
I highly recommend riding Japan’s local train lines. Each region’s trains showcase spectacular views, unique ekiben (station lunchboxes), and distinctive train designs, making them a fantastic way to discover Japan’s local charms.

Hometown: Kanagawa Prefecture
Favorite food: Galette
Least favorite food: Spicy foods
Hobbies & interests: Photography, reading
Strength: Planning travel itineraries
Weakness: Thrill rides
Instagram: Instagram
Podcast: Podcast