...

OP

Bitchu-Matsuyama-Castle-In-Sea-Of-Cloud

Bitchū Matsuyama Castle Guide: Floating Castle & Sea of Clouds

June 16, 2026 / Autumn Foliage, Castles with Original Castle Keep, Chūgoku Region, Hidden Gems, Okayama Prefecture, Top 100 Japanese Castles

Imagine stepping onto a mountain ridge at dawn to find a 400-year-old feudal fortress completely suspended over a brilliant, white ocean of mist. Bitchu Matsuyama Castle (備中松山城) in Okayama Prefecture, famously known as Japan’s “Castle in the Sky”, is the country’s highest original surviving castle, and catching its ethereal unkai (sea of clouds) phenomenon is […]

Bitchū Matsuyama Castle Guide: Floating Castle & Sea of Clouds Read More »

Norikura-Kogen-Ichinose-Danchi-Dojo-Pond-Matsumoto-Nagano-Japan

Norikura Kōgen Travel Guide: How to Visit, Best Hikes & Tips

June 26, 2026 / Autumn Foliage, Chūbu Region, Hidden Gems, Nagano Prefecture, Skiing/Snowboarding, Top 100 Waterfalls in Japan, Trekking/Hiking in Japan

Nestled in the Japanese Alps, Norikura Kōgen (乗鞍高原) is a stunning, hidden destination known for its dramatic waterfalls, alpine meadows, and the soaring peaks of Mt. Norikura. It is the best off-the-beaten-path destination in Central Japan that isn’t as crowded as Kamikōchi, and you can drive there without relying on public transport! Whether you are

Norikura Kōgen Travel Guide: How to Visit, Best Hikes & Tips Read More »

Cats-on-Ogijima-Takamatsu-Kagawa-Japan

The 10 Must-Go Cat Islands in Japan for Feline Lovers

March 31, 2026 / Hidden Gems

For travelers who prefer whiskers over skyscrapers, Japan offers a unique phenomenon: cat islands. Known locally as Nekoshima, these remote fishing villages have become world-famous destinations where the feline residents significantly outnumber the human population. Whether you are trekking to the “Cat Heaven” of Tashirojima in the north or taking the ferry to the viral

The 10 Must-Go Cat Islands in Japan for Feline Lovers Read More »

Former-Chikurin-in-Light-up-Event-Sakamoto-Shiga-Japan

Sakamoto: The Best Kyoto Day Trip You Have Never Heard Of

February 26, 2026 / Hidden Gems, Kansai Region, Shiga Prefecture

Escape the crowds of Kyoto and journey into the heart of Sakamoto (坂本) in Otsu City, a serene and historic temple town nestled at the foot of Mount Hiei in Shiga Prefecture. Known as the gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage site Enryaku-ji Temple, Sakamoto is famous for its unique “Anozurazumi” stone walls, meticulously crafted by

Sakamoto: The Best Kyoto Day Trip You Have Never Heard Of Read More »

Shirahige-Shrine-Torii-Gate-Takashima-Shiga-Japan

11 Best Things to Do in Shiga, Japan’s Hidden Gem Near Kyoto

February 10, 2026 / Kansai Region, Shiga Prefecture

Whether you are a traveler seeking a peaceful escape from the crowds of Kyoto or a history buff eager to explore Japan’s feudal past, Shiga Prefecture offers a treasure trove of experiences centered around the majestic Lake Biwa. As Japan’s largest freshwater lake, Biwako provides a stunning backdrop for everything from the iconic floating torii

11 Best Things to Do in Shiga, Japan’s Hidden Gem Near Kyoto Read More »

Onsenji-Temple-Arima-Onsen-Hyogo-Japan

Onsenji Temple and Its Incredible Vegan Fucha Cuisine

January 3, 2026 / Hyōgo Prefecture, Kansai Region, Vegan and Vegetarian-Friendly Spots

Arima Onsen is surely the best hot spring town closest to Kyoto and Osaka. While the onsen town is full of characters and worth visiting, vegan/vegetarian meals are hard to come by. Fortunately, Onsenji Temple (温泉禅寺) offers monk cuisine, making it the only place in Kobe to enjoy the famous Shojin Ryori. The temple also

Onsenji Temple and Its Incredible Vegan Fucha Cuisine Read More »

Bitchu-Matsuyama-Castle-Autumn-Takahashi-Okayama-Japan

Top 12 Okayama Prefecture’s Hidden Fall Foliage Destinations

October 19, 2025 / Autumn Foliage, Chūgoku Region, Okayama Prefecture

Okayama Castle, one of Japan’s Top 100 Castles, and its garden Korakuen are the main attractions drawing tourists to visit Okayama. But there are many other sites you should check out. All around the prefecture are natural wonders that offer spectacular autumn foliage displays. Below we have listed 12 stunning, off-the-beaten-trail destinations in Okayama Prefecture

Top 12 Okayama Prefecture’s Hidden Fall Foliage Destinations Read More »

Daruma-Street-Katsuoji-Osaka-Japan

Katsuo-ji: The Daruma Temple in Osaka to Pray for Victory

February 28, 2026 / Autumn Foliage, Kansai Region, Osaka Prefecture, Temples & Shrines

Ready to find your “winning luck” in Japan? Venture beyond the buzz of Osaka’s city center to the serene, forested hills of Minoh City and discover Katsuo-ji Temple (勝尾寺), famously known as the Temple of Victory or the Daruma Temple in Osaka. This extraordinary 1,300-year-old site has a powerful history of granting success to everyone

Katsuo-ji: The Daruma Temple in Osaka to Pray for Victory Read More »

Minoo-Falls-Autumn-Minoh-Park-Osaka

Minoh Park & Minoo Falls: The Best Osaka Day Trip Spots

December 1, 2025 / Autumn Foliage, Hidden Gems, Kansai Region, Osaka Prefecture, Trekking/Hiking in Japan

Whether you are a regular visitor or are discovering Minoh Park (箕面公園) in Minoh City in Osaka for the first time, the Takimichi Hiking Course (滝道ハイキングコース) should be on your itinerary. Completed in 1886, this well-maintained 2.7 km course (which takes around 40 – 50 minutes) starts at Hankyū Minoh Station (阪急箕面駅) and ends at

Minoh Park & Minoo Falls: The Best Osaka Day Trip Spots Read More »