Planning a trip to Togakushi in Nagano? Don’t miss out on the Togakushi Soba, one of Japan’s three great buckwheat noodles. The locals take their soba noodles so seriously that there is even a soba festival held in autumn once a year! Read on for everything you need to know about the Togakushi Soba Festival […]
Togakushi Soba & Togakushi Soba Festival: Dates & Tips Read More »
The 14-km Oirase Gorge (Oirase Keiryū, 奥入瀬渓流) in Aomori Prefecture is known as one of Japan’s most scenic spots. No matter which season you visit Oirase Gorge, you will definitely be amazed by its beauty. Apart from the artificial walking tracks, the entire valley remains in its original form. The virgin forest, the rocks, big
Oirase Gorge: Japan’s Best Waterfalls & River Walk Read More »
Planning a summer trip to Kyoto? Escape the city heat with the ultimate cool-down at Hirobun (京都貴船 料理旅館 ひろ文) in Kibune, the most famous spot for Nagashi Sōmen noodles (流しそうめん). This unique dining tradition served at a river terrace, involves catching chilled flowing noodles with chopsticks as they slide down a bamboo flume, will be
Catch Flowing Noodles in Kyoto: Nagashi Somen at Hirobun Read More »
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 »
Apart from Kamikōchi, Norikura Kōgen (乗鞍高原) is another breathtaking place in Matsumoto. The best thing about the relatively off-the-beaten-path destination is that it isn’t as crowded as Kamikōchi, and you can drive there without relying on public transport. So read on, and find out more about the charm of Norikura Kogen!
Norikura Kōgen – Matsumoto’s Hidden Picturesque Destination Read More »
If you are after some traditional-style souvenirs near Tsuruga Castle, consider getting one of the Japanese decorated candles from Hoshiban Decorated Candle Shop (ほしばん絵ろうそく店) in Nanukamachi. Like some areas in Japan that receive heavy snowfall, Aizu also has traditionally decorated candles. These candles make great souvenirs and don’t cost too much! In addition to the
Paint Your Candle at Hoshiban Decorated Candle Shop Read More »
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
Shirakawago Winter Illumination: Dates, Tickets, Guide Read More »
Amanohashidate is renowned as one of Japan’s “Three Most Scenic Views,” but this destination in northern Kyoto Prefecture is much more than a famous viewpoint. The true beauty of this “bridge to heaven” extends to its coastline, where two distinct beaches offer visitors different experiences. On the south end of the sandbar, you have the
Looking for Beaches Near Kyoto? Your Guide to Swimming at Amanohashidate Read More »
While increasing in popularity as a day trip destination from Naha, Aka Island (阿嘉島) remains a relatively less-visited inhabited island amongst the Kerama Islands group. And the good thing is that Aka Island is connected to Geruma Island (慶留間島) and Fukaji Island (外地島) by bridges, so that you can explore three islands with a single
The Ultimate Guide to How to Enjoy Aka Island Read More »
Nishibama Beach (北浜ビーチ) is Aka Island’s main beach. The spot is renowned for its stunning Kerama-Blue waters and soft, pristine white-sand beach. Many people would visit the beach for snorkeling to explore the gorgeous coral reefs spreading near the shore. Besides coral reefs, you might be able to swim with a sea turtle at Nishibama
Nishibama Beach: Th Best Beach on Okinawa’s Aka Island Read More »