Hiraku Mori

Born in Seattle and raised in Japan, I'm based in Tokyo and have been exploring the country seriously for over a decade — from the neon-lit alleys of Golden Gai to remote onsen towns that don't show up on most travel blogs.

I started Roam Japan because I kept meeting tourists who had great trips but missed the best parts — the tiny izakayas that only seat eight, the festival street food that locals queue for at 6am, the neighborhood sento that costs ¥500 and is better than any resort bath. This site is my attempt to fix that.

My writing focuses on nightlife, onsen culture, anime and pop culture tourism, and regional Japan beyond Tokyo and Kyoto. I cover what I've personally visited, with real prices and practical details updated regularly.