Begin your journey through Aomori’s wild interior at Yakeyama (焼山), the scenic gateway to the world-renowned Oirase Gorge and the majestic Lake Towada. Located at the downstream entrance to the 14-kilometre Oirase Stream, this tranquil village is the primary hub for hikers and nature lovers seeking to explore one of Japan’s most beautiful river valleys. […]
Yakeyama – The Entrance of the Stunning Oirase Gorge Read More »
Discover a hidden coastal paradise at Yu Island (Yushima, 湯島), Kumamoto’s famous “Cat Island” floating in the serene Ariake Sea (有明海). Spanning just 4 kilometers in circumference, this tranquil car-free retreat is home to a feline population that famously outnumbers its human residents, making it a dream destination for animal lovers and photographers alike. Beyond
Yu Island: Exploring Kumamoto’s Secret Cat Island & History Read More »
Explore the breathtaking volcanic beauty of Aomori’s Hakkoda Mountains with a visit to Jigokunuma Pond, Suirennuma Pond, and the mystical Tsuta Nananuma (Seven Ponds of Tsuta). This trio of aquatic wonders showcases the diverse landscapes of Towada-Hachimantai National Park, from the steaming, sulfur-rich “Hell Pond” of Jigokunuma near Sukayu Onsen to the high-altitude marshlands and
Aomori’s Top 3 Ponds: Jigokunuma, Suirennuma & Tsuta Nananuma Read More »
Nestled in the pristine beech forests of Towada-Hachimantai National Park, the Tsuta Nananuma (Seven Ponds of Tsuta) offer a mystical landscape just steps from the historic Tsuta Onsen Ryokan. Formed by ancient volcanic activity, this cluster of serene waters is a sanctuary for rare birds and a premier destination for those seeking the quiet beauty
Tsuta Nananuma Guide: Exploring Aomori’s 7 Mystical Ponds Read More »
Retreat into the heart of Towada-Hachimantai National Park at Tsuta Onsen Ryokan (蔦温泉旅館), a historic sanctuary with a legacy spanning over a thousand years. This hidden gem of Aomori is world-renowned for its rare free-flowing hot springs, where thermal waters bubble directly up through the beechwood floorboards of the bathtubs, untouched by the air. The
Tsuta Onsen: The Ultimate Base for Tsutanuma & Oirase Gorge Read More »
Experience the pinnacle of Kyoto’s culinary tradition at Tōsuirō (豆水楼), a premier tofu specialty restaurant renowned for its authentic Kyo-ryori (Kyoto-style cuisine) and Kyo-Tofu. Nestled in the historic districts of Kiyamachi and Gion, Tosuiro is celebrated for its signature Oboro-tofu, served in traditional cypress wood tubs. Set within beautifully restored Taisho-era townhouses, the restaurant offers
Dining at Tosuiro: Kyoto’s Famous Riverside Tofu Restaurant Read More »
Discover the serene beauty of Fujita Memorial Garden (藤田記念庭園), the second-largest Japanese-style garden in the Tohoku region. Originally built in 1919 as the villa for local businessman Kenichi Fujita, this 21,800-square-meter landscape is a masterpiece of Taisho-era design, seamlessly blending Eastern and Western influences. The garden is divided into two distinct levels: a highland area
Fujita Memorial Garden: Landscapes & Aomori’s Best Apple Pie Read More »
Step into a storybook at Hattifnatt Kichijoji (ハティフナット), a whimsical “picture book cafe” that feels like a secret hideout for adults and children alike. Located just a short walk from Kichijoji Station, this enchanting space is famous for its tiny 130cm entrance door, requiring guests to “shrink” like Alice in Wonderland to enter. Inside, every
Hattifnatt Kichijoji: Tokyo’s Most Magical Storybook Cafe Read More »
Deep in the forested highlands of Nagano, Togakushi Shrine (Togakushi Jinja, 戸隠神社) is a sacred destination where ancient Japanese mythology meets breathtaking natural beauty. Comprising five distinct shrines, Hokosha, Hinomikosha, Chusha, Kuzuryusha, and Okusha, this spiritual complex is legendary for its association with the “Amano-Iwato” myth, where the sun goddess Amaterasu was lured from a
Hiking Togakushi Shrine: The 5 Shrines and Iconic Cedar Path Read More »
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
Apple Picking at Hirosaki Apple Park: Tips & Seasonal Events Read More »
