Cultural Experiences & Activities

Hirosaki-Apple-Park-And-Mt.-Iwaki-Hirosaki-Aomori-Japan

Apple Picking at Hirosaki Apple Park: Tips & Seasonal Events

January 11, 2026 / Aomori Prefecture, Cultural Experiences & Activities, Hidden Gems, Sweets, Tōhoku Region

Immerse yourself in Japan’s premier fruit-growing culture at Hirosaki Apple Park (弘前市りんご公園), a 9.7-hectare “apple wonderland” nestled at the base of the majestic Mt. Iwaki. Home to over 2,300 trees and 80 distinct varieties, this park is the ultimate destination for apple picking in Aomori, with harvest experiences available from early August through mid-November. Beyond […]

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Jigoku Mushi Kōbō Kannawa’s Delicious Vegan Options

December 30, 2025 / Cultural Experiences & Activities, Kyūshū Region, Ōita Prefecture, Vegan and Vegetarian-Friendly Spots

Experience the ancient art of “hell-steaming” at Jigoku Mushi Kōbō Kannawa (地獄蒸し工房 鉄輪), one of Beppu’s most iconic culinary landmarks. Located in the heart of the historic Kannawa Onsen district, this interactive cooking facility allows visitors to harness the Earth’s natural geothermal energy to steam fresh, local ingredients using centuries-old techniques. Whether you are a

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The Gentei Ken'no Soba at Okusha-mae Naosuke Togakushi Nagano Japan

Togakushi Soba & Togakushi Soba Festival: Dates & Tips

December 30, 2025 / Chūbu Region, Cultural Experiences & Activities, Nagano Prefecture

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

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Catch Flowing Noodles in Kyoto: Nagashi Somen at Hirobun

October 5, 2025 / Cultural Experiences & Activities, Kansai Region, Kyoto Prefecture

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

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Paint Your Candle at Hoshiban Decorated Candle Shop

September 30, 2025 / Activities, Cultural Experiences & Activities, Fukuoka Prefecture, Kyūshū Region

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

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Shirakawago Winter Illumination: Dates, Tickets, Guide

September 29, 2025 / Chūbu Region, Cultural Experiences & Activities, Nagano Prefecture

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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The Ultimate Guide to Hozugawa River Boat Ride

September 14, 2025 / Autumn Foliage, Cultural Experiences & Activities, Kansai Region, Kyoto Prefecture, Transportation in Japan

When visiting Japan, experiencing the country’s unique culture and activities is a must for most international tourists. If that is the case for you, consider taking the Hozugawa River Boat (Hozugawa Kudari, 保津川下り) to Arashiyama. You are completely disconnected from civilisation once the boat starts floating on the Hozugawa River. Boarding a traditional boat and

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Hakushū-sai Water Parade Yanagawa Fukuoka Japan

Yanagawa River Boat: The Must-Try Experience in Fukuoka

August 9, 2025 / Cultural Experiences & Activities, Fukuoka Prefecture, Kyūshū Region

Yanagawa River Boat, also known as Donkobune (どんこ船) or Kawakudari (川下り), is a must-do in Fukuoka‘s Yanagawa City. Sitting on the traditional boat, you can spend a relaxing time gazing at the weeping willows, seasonal flowers, and beautiful white-walled townscape from the river. Depending on the season, you may also be able to see ducks

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The Best Guide to What Are the Top Festivals in Morioka

August 10, 2025 / Cultural Experiences & Activities, Iwate Prefecture, Tōhoku Region

As a city with a long history, there are a couple of representative festivals in Morioka that you could consider joining. During the festivals, the city is packed with visitors. Yatai stalls selling every kind of festival food you could hope for also fill the approach of the shrines that hold them.

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