If you are passionate about contemporary arts, Tamano City in Okayama is probably on your itinerary. Why? Because Uno Port, where you can take a ferry to Japan’s infamous art island, Naoshima (直島), is in Tamano. While the city doesn’t have many tourist attractions, the Setouchi International Art Festival has positively impacted the rural city. […]
A Guide to the Vegan/Vegetarian-Friendly Spots in Tamano Read More »
While there are many vegan-friendly restaurants in Kyoto’s city center, once you travel beyond the busy area, the number of plant-based spots decreases sharply. Fortunately, VeganLife SoiSoi (ヴィーガンライフソイソイ) opened in Kyotamba in 2023. The spot in the quaint town between Kyoto City and Amanohashidate is a great restaurant to stop by for lunch. So, if
VeganLife SoiSoi: The Hidden Vegan Restaurant in Kyoto Read More »
If you love animals, especially cats, the shelter cat ＆ VEGAN café “neu” (保護猫とVeganカフェneu) is the spot for you when you are in the Namba/Shinsaibashi Area. It is a spot where you can enjoy vegan food and meet rescued cats waiting to be adopted. Each of them is cute and has a unique personality. The
VEGAN café neu: A Hidden Spot in Osaka for Cat Lovers Read More »
If you visit Kuni Onsen from Kusatsu Onsen or Shiriyaki Onsen, Roadside Station Kuni (道の駅 六合) is the first stop at Kuni Onsen that you can stop by. Like other roadside stations in Japan, you can get sightseeing information, local specialities, fresh products, handicrafts, desserts, and light meals there. But the complex is a lot
A Detailed Guide to What to Do at Roadside Station Kuni Read More »
Shima Tamura (四万たむら) is Shima Onsen’s oldest ryokan, founded over 500 years ago. As one would have expected, Shima Tamura has a splendid traditional-looking entrance finished with a thatched roof! The floor beyond the entrance is covered by tatami mats, allowing you to enjoy the comfort of the traditional flooring material. In addition, its open-air
Shima Tamura: The Oldest Onsen Ryokan in Shima Onsen Read More »
Japan’s most picturesque local train line, Tadami Line, has been gaining popularity among international tourists. If you are also amazed by the stunning photos taken along train line, Koide Station in Niigata Prefecture, might be the station you get off the scenic train line. Instead of jumping on another train straight away, how about sparing
What to Do Around Tadami Line’s Last Station, Koide Station Read More »
Tadami Line (只見線) is Japan’s most scenic local train line that runs between Aizu-Wakamatsu City (会津若松) in Fukushima Prefecture and Uonuma City (魚沼市) in Niigata Prefecture. No matter when you visit the Tadami Line, you will be amazed by the natural scenery of the Japanese countryside landscapes that haven’t changed much since a few centuries
A Guide to the Attractions Along the Scenic Tadami Line Read More »
On Shimoji-Shima Island, there are two round ponds with colors changing by the tidal conditions, known as Tōriike Pond (通り池). The ponds were formed by seawater erosion of the limestone layer. Because they are connected with the sea, don’t be surprised if you see people popping out of the pond. They are definitely not mermaids
Tōriike Pond: The Most Scenic Pond on Shimoji Island Read More »
One of the top specialties in the Aizu region is Awamanjū (あわまんじゅう), a slightly chewy bun filled with red bean paste. While manjū is a common traditional sweet that can be found across Japan, Awamanjū is only sold in Aizu, where it originates. Speaking of Awamanjū, Koike Confectionary Store (小池菓子舗) is the most famous shop
Koike Confectionary Store: The Most Famous Awamanjū Shop Read More »
If you are a vegan, you might have heard of T’s Tantan, a vegan restaurant loved by most vegans in Tokyo. The famous vegan restaurant chain’s origin is T’s Restaurant (太陽と大地の食卓 T’s レストラン) in Jiyūgaoka (自由が丘). The owner was able to open T’s Tantan because T’s Restaurant was successful. So, if you ever plan to
T’s Restaurant, the Origin of the Famous T’s Tantan Read More »
