Tucked away in a charming residential area just a short walk from Nanukamachi Station, Aizu Coffee Club (会津珈琲倶楽部) has quickly earned a reputation as a must-visit for coffee purists. Step inside this stylish, club-like retreat and you will immediately be greeted by the rich aroma of freshly roasted, hand-drip specialty beans served in an elegant, […]
Aizu Coffee Club: The Must-Go Café in Aizu-Wakamatsu Read More »
The annual Shirakawago Winter Light-Up event is the most sought-after winter experience in Japan. For just a few exclusive nights each January and February, the historic gassho-zukuri farmhouses of Shirakawago village are blanketed in snow and spectacularly illuminated, creating a breathtaking, fairytale scene. Due to its popularity, attending requires careful planning. This ultimate guide breaks
Shirakawago Winter Illumination: Dates, Tickets, Guide Read More »
Shirakawago, the stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its gassho-zukuri (thatched-roof) farmhouses, is a must-see destination in Japan. While the village feels remote, getting there is easier than you think! This guide breaks down the most efficient transport options, whether you are traveling via Shinkansen, express bus from hubs like Takayama and Kanazawa, or
How to Get to Shirakawago: Best Bus & Train Travel Guide Read More »
Since its listing as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995, Shirakawa-gō (白川郷), also known as Shirakawagō in Gifu Prefecture, has been considered one of the most popular getaway spots in Japan. Located in a remote mountainous region in central Japan, Shirakawago village and their people were known to be isolated and hidden from the
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Getting from Kansai International Airport (KIX) to the major hubs of Kyoto, Osaka, and Kobe is a breeze once you understand the best transport routes for your budget and schedule. Whether you are looking for the fastest direct train like the JR Haruka Limited Express, a budget-friendly limousine bus that handles your heavy luggage, or the unique high-speed
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Given that the city is home to the magnificent Matsumoto Castle and is located close to Takayama, Matsumoto receives more international tourists than the rest of Nagano Prefecture. To accommodate different dietary requirements, vegan/vegetarian-friendly restaurants are not uncommon in the city. We have compiled a list for you to review and pick for your visit!
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For a healthy meal on the Nanukamachi-dōri Street, head to Mitsutaya (満田屋). Opened in 1834 as a miso maker, miso dengaku (みそ田楽) has been served in the space at the back of the store since 1972. The space was renovated from a miso storehouse and has the perfect setting to enjoy the traditional dish. While
Mitsutaya: Where You Can Enjoy Miso Dengaku in Nanukamachi Read More »
Your visit to Kamikōchi shouldn’t stop at Kappa Bridge. Trekking further for another hour upstream of the Azusa River from Kappa Bridge, you will reach the Myōjin Area. Here is the ground of God. Not sure if it is because this is where God lives, as the atmosphere around the area is distinctly different from
Trekking to the Mysterious Myōjin Area in Kamikōchi Read More »
If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of Kyoto’s city center, Ikimi Tenmangū (生身天満宮) in Nantan City is a quiet shrine worth visiting. The shrine, surrounded by many 20-meter-tall cedars and plums, will certainly make you feel refreshed. Established in the 10th century, it is recognized as Japan’s oldest Tenmangū and is a
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Karuizawa, one of Japan’s best highland resorts, is an ideal destination for a day trip from Tokyo. Since the Meiji period, the post town of Karuizawa-Shuku has attracted many foreign visitors, which is why the traditional township now features several Western-style villas and churches. The town, filled with delicious cafes and restaurants, is also rich
The Ultimate Guide to Karuizawa; Japan’s Top Highland Resort Read More »
