One of the most famous attractions around Japan’s largest lake, Lake Biwa, is Hikone Castle (彦根城). The castle was never besieged and thus maintained its graceful appearance throughout the past 400 years. Because of its beautiful scenery, even those who aren’t interested in castles tend to pay it a visit when they travel to Shiga […]
Hikone Castle – Hikone’s Best Cherry Blossom Destination Read More »
For strawberry lovers, pick some fresh strawberries at Tokorozawa Kitada Strawberry Farm (所沢北田農園いちごのマルシェ) when you stay in Tokyo! Unlike the other orchards and farms in the area, the farm operates on an all-you-can-pick style. As soon as you enter the greenhouse, the nice aroma of strawberries surrounds you!
The Best Guide to Tokorozawa Kitada Strawberry Farm Read More »
If you are looking for a gluten-free restaurant with vegan options, visit Where Is a Dog (ウェア イズ ア ドッグ?) in Kichijōji. The gluten-free cafe is located in a small lane that intersects the Nakamichi-dōri Shopping Street (中道通り商店街). It is also a spot for cat lovers. While it isn’t a cat cafe, nor does the
Where Is a Dog: Kichijōji’s Cat-Themed Gluten-Free Cafe Read More »
For those who love special-themed cafes, don’t miss out on Coffee Hall Kugutsusō (COFFEE HALL くぐつ草) in Kichijōji. The cave vibe there is just fascinating! The underground cafe in Kichijōji’s Daiyagai District has been around since 1979 and is one of the most popular hidden spots in the area!
Coffee Hall Kugutsusō: The Mysterious Cave-Themed Cafe Read More »
If you want to stay in a ryokan close to Kyoto Station but don’t want to splurge, Fujiya Ryokan (藤家旅館) is a great cozy inn for you to consider! The homey ryokan is within a 5-minute walk from Kyoto Station and has various amenities. Those who have stayed there enjoyed the hostess’s top-class hospitality. As
Fujiya Ryokan: The Best Budget Ryokan Close to Kyoto Station Read More »
Nowadays, when we talk about traditional Japanese villages filled with traditional thatched roof houses, most people will think of the Shirakawa-go. But there is actually a spot just in Kyoto that shares a similar but less touristy atmosphere with the famous World Heritage-listed village!
Miyama Kayabuki no Sato – Kyoto’s Hidden Quaint Village Read More »
Shukkeien (縮景園), a Japanese garden near JR Hiroshima Station, is said to be the garden that captures the beauty of China’s West Lake (西湖). With that being said, some might think the garden must be of a Chinese style. That isn’t the case!
Shukkeien, The Gorgeous Japanese Garden in Hiroshima City Read More »
If you are looking for a hidden gem in Kyoto to avoid the massive crowds to admire the cherry blossom and autumn foliage, come to Ōno Dam (大野ダム), which is just a 15-minute bus ride from JR Wachi Station (和知駅)! Completed in 1961, the dam located upstream of the Yura River (由良川) is a multipurpose
Ōno Dam: Kyoto’s Hidden Cherry Blossoms & Fall Foilage Spot Read More »
Another representative plum blossom spot in Shiga Prefecture is on the grounds of a traditional confectionery maker, Kanou Shojuan Sunai no Sato (叶 匠壽庵 寿長生の郷). As many as 700 plums produce fruits for the company to make Japanese sweets. The head office in Ōtsu was renovated from an abandoned village in 1985. The company takes
Kanou Shojuan: Hidden Gem for Plum Blossoms in Shiga Read More »
If this is your first time visiting Kyoto, Arashiyama is probably on your itinerary. While the main streets in the area are packed, the great news is that there is a less-known stunning spot that isn’t flooded with tourists. Kameyama Park (亀山公園) has a small plum blossom spot close to the bamboo forest. Over 10
Kameyama Park: The Stunning Hidden Gem in Arashiyama Read More »
