Cherry Blossom at Uji City Botanical Park Uji Kyoto Japan

Uji City Botanical Park: The Must-Go Flower Spot in Kyoto

Uji City Botanical Park (宇治市植物公園) is a spot where a variety of flowers bloom throughout the year. In fact, it is a hidden gem of cherry and plum blossoms that is not far from Kyoto’s city center. In early summer, you can even visit the park at night to see many fireflies dancing! You will […]

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Where to Find Vegan and Vegetarian Food Near Kyoto Station

While Kyoto is famous for tofu and Kyōyasai (Kyoto’s heirloom fruit and vegetables), the dashi stock used to cook the tofu and vegetables usually contains bonito extracts. Thus, you can’t just enter a restaurant and order the first tofu or vegetable dish you see on the menu if you are strict with your vegetarian/vegan diet. But don’t worry.

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Winter-Light-Up-Shirakawago-Gifu-Japan

Shirakawago Winter Illumination: Dates, Tickets, Guide

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

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How to Get to Shirakawago from Tokyo

How to Get to Shirakawago: Best Bus & Train Travel Guide

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

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Winter-Light-Up-Shirakawago-Gifu-Japan

The Best Guide to the World Heritage: Shirakawagō

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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The Best of Kamikōchi: Hiking, Scenery, and Logistics

Discover the pristine wilderness of the Japanese Alps with our comprehensive guide to Kamikōchi (上高地), Japan’s premier mountain highland destination. Located within the Chūbu-Sangaku National Park in Nagano Prefecture, this breathtaking glacial valley is world-renowned for its crystal-clear Azusa River, the iconic Kappa Bridge, and soaring 3,000-meter peaks like Mt. Hotaka. Whether you are a

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How to Get to Kamikōchi: Best Way to Access the Japan Alps

Kamikochi, the crown jewel of the Japan Alps in Nagano Prefecture, offers some of Japan’s most spectacular mountain scenery. If you’re planning your trip to this famous alpine resort, figuring out the best way to get to Kamikochi is the first step. Since private cars are restricted year-round, you must rely on public transport. This

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How to Get From Kansai Airport to Kyoto, Osaka, and Kobe

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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Storyhouse Cafe & Bar Matsumoto Nagano Japan

The Recommended Vegan-Friendly Restaurants in Matsumoto

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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Togakushi Chu-sha Shrine Nagano Japan

The Complete Guide to Togakushi Shrine Chūsha

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

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