...

Roman Kato

Togakushi-Oku-sha-Shrine-Nagano-Japan

Hiking Togakushi Shrine: The 5 Shrines and Iconic Cedar Path

January 11, 2026 / Chūbu Region, Hidden Gems, Nagano Prefecture, Temples & Shrines, Trekking/Hiking in Japan

Deep in the forested highlands of Nagano, Togakushi Shrine (Togakushi Jinja, 戸隠神社) is a sacred destination where ancient Japanese mythology meets breathtaking natural beauty. Comprising five distinct shrines, Hokosha, Hinomikosha, Chusha, Kuzuryusha, and Okusha, this spiritual complex is legendary for its association with the “Amano-Iwato” myth, where the sun goddess Amaterasu was lured from a […]

Hiking Togakushi Shrine: The 5 Shrines and Iconic Cedar Path Read More »

Hakkoda-Mountains-Aomori-Japan

The Complete Guide to the Stunning Hakkoda Mountains

January 11, 2026 / 100 Famous Japanese Mountains, Aomori Prefecture, Autumn Foliage, Hidden Gems, Skiing/Snowboarding, Snow Scenery, Tōhoku Region, Trekking/Hiking in Japan

Hiking in the Hakkōda Mountains (八甲田山) offers an unparalleled adventure through the volcanic heart of Aomori. From the easy, 30-minute Hakkoda Gourd Line boardwalk at the ropeway summit to the rugged, full-day trek across the Odake peak toward the steaming Sukayu Onsen, this range caters to every level of explorer. Whether you are traversing lush

The Complete Guide to the Stunning Hakkoda Mountains Read More »

Hakkoda Ropeway Aomori Japan

Hakkoda Ropeway Guide: Views, Skiing, and Hiking in Aomori

January 11, 2026 / Aomori Prefecture, Autumn Foliage, Hidden Gems, Skiing/Snowboarding, Snow Scenery, Tōhoku Region

Planning a trip to Aomori? Look no further than the Hakkōda Ropeway (八甲田ロープウェー), your gateway to the stunning Hakkoda Mountains. This iconic aerial lift offers passengers breathtaking, panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, Aomori City, and even distant Hokkaidō on a clear day. Whether you’re seeking to marvel at vibrant autumn foliage, trek through alpine

Hakkoda Ropeway Guide: Views, Skiing, and Hiking in Aomori Read More »

Jigokudani-Snow-Monkey-Park-Nagano-Japan

Jigokudani Wild Monkey Park and the Hot Spring Monkeys

December 21, 2025 / Chūbu Region, Hidden Gems, Nagano Prefecture, Onsen/Hot Spring

The Snow Monkey Park, or Jigokudani Yaen Kōen (地獄谷野猿公苑), formally in Japanese, is the world’s only wild monkey onsen resort. The park, nestled in the snowy mountains of Nagano Prefecture, Japan, was established in 1964. It offers an unforgettable glimpse into the unique lives of the Japanese hot spring monkeys. This world-famous attraction is the

Jigokudani Wild Monkey Park and the Hot Spring Monkeys Read More »

Togakushi Chu-sha Shrine Nagano Japan

The Complete Guide to Togakushi Shrine Chūsha

January 7, 2026 / Chūbu Region, Nagano Prefecture, Temples & Shrines

Among the five shrines of Togakushi, the area around Togakushi Shrine Chusha (戸隠 中社) is the most lively. Along the Togakushi hiking trail, numerous restaurants and ryokans are situated near Togakushi Shrine Chusha. Togakushi Tourist Information Center (戸隠観光情報センター) is also situated near the Chusha shrine. If you plan to hike in Togakushi, we highly recommend

The Complete Guide to Togakushi Shrine Chūsha Read More »

Togakushi Hoko-sha Shrine Nagano Japan

The Complete Guide to Togakushi Hōkōsha Shrine

September 27, 2025 / Chūbu Region, Nagano Prefecture, Temples & Shrines

Coming from the center of Nagano City, the first sub-shrine of the Togakushi Shrine you will encounter is the Hōkō-sha (戸隠神社 宝光社). Although the precinct of Hokosha is smaller than Togakushi Chusha Shrine, there are plenty of things to see at Togakushi Hokosha. Moreover, it might be the venue of the yearly Togakushi Soba Festival

The Complete Guide to Togakushi Hōkōsha Shrine Read More »

Zenkoji-Sanmon-Nagano-Japan

The Best Guide to Nagano’s Best Attraction: Zenkoji Temple

June 2, 2025 / Chūbu Region, Nagano Prefecture, Temples & Shrines

In addition to the ski resorts and the Jigokudani Monkey Park, Zenkoji Temple (善光寺), near Nagano Station, is one of the most popular destinations in Nagano Prefecture. The number of visitors the temple receives yearly is as many as 6 million people! The temple has a history of more than 1,400 years and many Cultural

The Best Guide to Nagano’s Best Attraction: Zenkoji Temple Read More »

Peace-Bell-in-Peace-Memorial-Park-Hiroshima-Japan

Hiroshima – Your Ultimate Guide to the City of Peace

October 4, 2024 / Chūgoku Region, Hiroshima Prefecture

When people visit Hiroshima, they usually head straight to the Peace Memorial Park (平和記念公園) for the Atomic Bomb Dome (原爆ドーム) or to the World Heritage Site, Miyajima (宮島). While the two top-ranked destinations in Hiroshima Prefecture are certainly a must-visit, you should also check out more attractions from the list below!

Hiroshima – Your Ultimate Guide to the City of Peace Read More »

Hiroshima Tōshōgū: Tokugawa Ieyasu’s Shrine in Hiroshima

October 4, 2024 / Chūgoku Region, Hiroshima Prefecture, Temples & Shrines

For a shrine near Hiroshima Station, visit Hiroshima Tōshōgū (広島東照宮). It is less than a 10-minute walk away from the bullet train exit! It is one of the only places in Hiroshima City center with architecture built in the Edo period (1603 – 1867). Furthermore, it is the shrine that enshrined the great samurai, Tokugawa

Hiroshima Tōshōgū: Tokugawa Ieyasu’s Shrine in Hiroshima Read More »