Yūgendō (幽玄洞) in Ichinoseki is said to be the oldest limestone cave in Japan. The cave was determined to be 50 meters below water 350 million years ago. Thus, in addition to stalagmites, fossils such as trilobites and crinoids can also be seen in the 500-meter-long cave. At the cave’s far end is the emerald-green […]
Yūgendō: The Oldest Limestone Cave in Japan Read More »
Sukawa Kōgen (須川高原) in Ichinoseki is the plateau halfway up Mt. Kurikoma (栗駒山). You can find the unique volcanic landscape at Sukawa Kōgen, including lakes, marshes, wetlands, and alpine plants. The hot spring gushing out here has a strong acidity but is said to be effective for gastrointestinal issues and skin diseases. In autumn, the
Sukawa Kōgen: Ichinoseki’s Best Spot for Onsen and Hiking Read More »
Mt. Murone (室根山) is Ichinoseki‘s perfect spot to enjoy nature and a range of outdoor activities. Besides hiking trails, lookouts, and camping sites, it has an astronomical observatory. The mountain has a height of 895 meters. On a clear day, you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic mountainous and ocean view from the summit.
A Guide to Exploring and Climbing the Stunning Mt. Murone Read More »
The Roadside Station Genbikei (道の駅 厳美渓) is a large complex with several facilities, including a farmers’ market, Restaurant Pattankun, and Ichinoseki City Museum. Located just a 5 to 10-minute walk from the spectacular Genbikei Gorge, it is a perfect resting spot after exploring the gorge.
Explore Roadside Station Genbikei & Ichinoseki City Museum Read More »
Eating Japanese sweets is a must to fully appreciate a Japanese hot spring town, and Unazuki Onsen has a couple of nice traditional confectionery makers that we recommend. Each of them has a few signatory sweets that are worthwhile for a try. Although the raw ingredients are more or less the same, the confectioner at
The Must-Visit Confectionery Shops in Unazuki Onsen Read More »
As you approach Kurobe Gorge Railway‘s Unazuki Station, you will inevitably notice the three-story building that looks like an inn opposite the road. While it does look like a nice place to spend a night, it is actually a museum (only on the ground floor). You can learn about the mechanisms of hydroelectric power generation
Kurobe Hydropower Museum and the History of Kurobe Dam Read More »
The most convenient spot to indulge your body in the nice hot spring of Unazuki Onsen is Yumedokoro Unazuki (湯めどころ宇奈月総湯). The public bathhouse is close to Unazuki Station, in the same building as the Unazuki Onsen Information Center. Opened in 2016, it is one of the newest hot spring facilities in the hot spring town.
Yumedokoro Unazuki: Unazuki Onsen’s Stylish Public Bathhouse Read More »
While Japan is known for their high-tech products, many restaurants still rely on the more traditional way of taking reservations. They only take bookings via a phone call. Even if they allow you to make a reservation online, a lot of them also require a Japanese phone number. The great news is, as a tourist,
Need a Japanese Phone Number? Get a Mobal Voice+Text+Data SIM Read More »
A holiday aboard is one of the most exciting things to do. But as a human being, it is possible that you will feel unwell during your trip. Although it will cause frustration that you can’t follow the itinerary and visit the places you are longing for, seeking medical advice from a professional is necessary
The Useful Words and Phrases for Seeing a Doctor in Japan Read More »
