Yamanashi, Nagano, Gifu, Shizuoka, Aichi
You might already be aware that to the Japanese, trains are sometimes more than just vehicles that carry you from A to B. Unlike most countries in the world, Japan’s Sightseeing Trains don’t just run between the tourist attractions in the rural areas. They operate on normal train tracks between cities and prefectures, and compared […]
Rokumon: The Sightseeing Train Connecting Karuizawa & Nagano Read More »
Besides Kids’ Ninja Village, Togakushi Ninja Museum and Ninja Trick Mansion (戸隠流忍法資料館 忍者からくり屋敷), close to the starting point of Togakushi Oku-sha Approach, is another ninja-related attraction in Togakushi. A ninja’s home is often filled with traps that help them get a leg up on their adversaries. If you are interested in visiting one of these
The Best Guide to Togakushi Ninja Museum・Ninja Trick Mansion Read More »
If you love naan bread, the best restaurant in Matsumoto to visit is Asian Station (松本アジアンステーション). Using a tandoor, the naan bread served in the restaurant will easily top the most delicious naan spots you might have been to. The place, run by Nepalese, also has vegan and halal options, making it suitable for people
Matsumoto Asian Station and Its Tasty Naan Bread and Curry Read More »
Karuizawa, one of Japan’s leading highland resorts, is a great place to stay for a day or overnight trip from Tokyo. Since the Meiji period, the post town, Karuizawa-Shuku, has received many foreign visitors, which is why the traditional township now has several Western-style villas and churches. The town, filled with delicious cafes and restaurants,
The Ultimate Guide to Karuizawa; Japan’s Top Highland Resort Read More »
While many scenic natural spots are not usually close to a train station, Kumoba Pond (雲場池) in Karuizawa is just a 20-minute walk from Karuizawa Station! The spot that was nicknamed Swan Lake (スワンレイク) by Westerners is a place with a very calm atmosphere that you will surely love!
Kumoba Pond: The Must-Visit Scenic Spot in Karuizawa Read More »
Compared to the neighborhood around Karuizawa Station, the Naka-Karuizawa area is less commercialized, so you might be worried about not being able to find vegetarian/vegan food there. Surprisingly, there are a couple of good options in Naka-Karuizawa. Although getting to them requires a degree of effort as they aren’t located close to the train station, the food
The Best Guide to Naka-Karuizawa’s Vegan-Friendly Restaurants Read More »
Just a station away from Karuizawa Station, Naka-Karuizawa has been gaining tourists’ attention! The area has abundant nature along the Yu River (湯川). But that doesn’t mean that heading into the wild is the only thing you can do there. In fact, it is the opposite! Starting with HARUNIRE Terrace, a modern commercial complex for
Your Ultimate Guide to the Naka-Karuizawa Area Read More »
Remaining unknown to many, the old post town, Oiwake-Shuku (追分宿), is just two stations away from Karuizawa Station. The area is filled with many historical buildings, so it is a perfect spot to escape from the crowd in Karuizawa‘s town center for a calm and traditional ambiance.
Oiwake-Shuku, the 20th Post Town On the Old Nakasendōndo Read More »
Whether you believe in God or not, when you come to Karuizawa, there are a couple of churches that you may want to visit. Even if you have nothing to pray for, you will be amazed by the architecture and might even gain some inner calmness during your visit!
The Best Guide to the Must-Visit Churches in Karuizawa Read More »
In addition to Uchimura Kanzō Memorial Stone Church (石の教会 内村鑑三記念堂), another church that can excite architectural buffs is Karuizawa St. Paul’s Catholic Church (軽井沢聖パウロカトリック教会). Designed by the famous American architect Antonin Raymond, the church is another landmark in Karuizawa. It was where the first Christian wedding for non-Christians was held in Japan, and nowadays, a
Karuizawa St. Paul’s Catholic Church: Karuizawa’s Landmark Read More »