Blog | Vegetarian's Japan Guide

Oirase Gorge: Japan’s Best Waterfalls & River Walk

January 23, 2026 / 100 Hidden Scenic Spots, 100 Landscapes of Japan, Aomori Prefecture, Autumn Foliage, Cycling, National Places of Scenery Beauty, Snow Scenery, Tōhoku Region, Trekking/Hiking in Japan

Immerse yourself in the ethereal beauty of Oirase Gorge (Oirase Keiryū, 奥入瀬渓流), a 14-kilometer stretch of crystal-clear mountain streams and moss-covered rock formations in Aomori Prefecture. Located within the Towada-Hachimantai National Park, this breathtaking valley is renowned as one of Japan’s most scenic destinations, especially during the vibrant autumn foliage season and the lush “fresh […]

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The Best Guide to How to Get to Hirosaki by Public Transport

January 10, 2026 / Aomori Prefecture, Tōhoku Region, Transportation in Japan

Wondering how to get to Hirosaki by public transport? Reaching Aomori’s historic castle town is surprisingly easy, whether you are coming from Tokyo, Sendai, or even Hakodate. The most popular route is via the high-speed Tohoku Shinkansen, which whisks you from Tokyo to Shin-Aomori in about 3.5 hours, followed by a quick local transfer. For

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When to Visit Hirosaki: Cherry Blossoms, Festivals & More

January 3, 2026 / Aomori Prefecture, Autumn Foliage, Cherry Blossom, Snow Scenery, Tōhoku Region

When is the best time to visit Hirosaki? While this Aomori gem is world-famous for its late-April cherry blossoms, every season offers a distinct reason to explore. From the spectacular “Sakura Carpet” at Hirosaki Castle and the summer energy of the Neputa Festival to the crisp autumn apple harvests and the magical Winter Snow Lantern

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Hirosaki Park Heart Shape Cherry Blossom Aomori Japan

Hirosaki Travel Guide: Explore Japan’s Sakura Capital

January 3, 2026 / Aomori Prefecture, Autumn Foliage, Cherry Blossom, Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots, Tōhoku Region, Top 100 Japanese Castles

Discover the magic of Hirosaki City (弘前市), the cultural heart of Aomori Prefecture and Japan’s undisputed cherry blossom capital. Famous for the iconic Hirosaki Castle, this historic castle town offers a perfect blend of feudal history, stunning botanical gardens, and unique Western-style architecture. Whether you are visiting in spring to witness the “Sakura Carpet” on

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14-Day Tohoku Itinerary: Best Cherry Blossoms in North Japan

January 6, 2026 / Aomori Prefecture, Iwate Prefecture, Japan Itinerary, Miyagi Prefecture, Tōhoku Region

Experience the ultimate spring adventure with this 14-day Tohoku cherry blossom itinerary. While the crowds flock to Tokyo, the northeastern region of Japan offers a more serene and spectacular floral show. From the samurai streets of Kakunodate to the iconic pink moats of Hirosaki Castle, this two-week guide covers the absolute best of Aomori, Morioka,

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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

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Kin no Yu: The Must-Try Public Bathhouse in Arima Onsen

March 20, 2026 / Hyōgo Prefecture, Kansai Region, Onsen/Hot Spring

If you plan to travel to Japan’s Kansai region and want to visit an authentic hot spring town, Arima Onsen in Kobe should be your top choice. It is Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s favorite onsen! The mineral quality of the hot spring here is excellent, as it contains seven of the nine main components listed by the

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Arima Onsen Travel Guide: Top Things to Do & See

January 3, 2026 / Autumn Foliage, Cherry Blossom, Hyōgo Prefecture, Kansai Region, Onsen/Hot Spring

Experience the timeless charm of Arima Onsen Town, Japan’s oldest and most iconic hot spring town, with a history of over 1,400 years. Tucked away in the scenic mountains of Kobe, this historic retreat is famous for its unique “Gold” and “Silver” hot springs, renowned for their healing properties for centuries. Whether you’re seeking a

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How to Get to Arima Onsen from Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe

January 3, 2026 / Hyōgo Prefecture, Kansai Region, Transportation in Japan

Planning a trip to Japan’s oldest hot spring town? Knowing how to get to Arima Onsen is the first step toward a relaxing getaway. Nestled in the mountains behind Kobe, this historic retreat is surprisingly accessible from major hubs like Osaka and Kyoto. Whether you prefer the speed of a direct bus, the scenic views of

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The Best Guide to Sagano Scenic Railway

June 26, 2026 / Autumn Foliage, Cherry Blossom, Kansai Region, Kyoto Prefecture, Transportation in Japan

The mountains from Arashiyama to Kameoka have some of the most spectacular scenery in Kyoto. To adore the scenery that changes each season, the best seats are provided by Sagano Scenic Railway (嵯峨野観光鉄道). The company’s Sagano Romantic Train runs along the Hozu River (保津川), which flows through the scenic Hozu Gorge (保津峡). Especially during the

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