Yamanashi, Nagano, Gifu, Shizuoka, Aichi
Matsumoto’s most valuable and perhaps most popular historical attraction is the national treasure, Matsumoto Castle. But if that is the only historical attraction on your itinerary, you might be missing out! Within 5 km of the castle, there are a couple more museums with different themes that you might want to check out when you […]
A Guide to the Fascinating Museums in Matsumoto City Read More »
While not existing anymore, Matsumoto City once belonged to a prefecture called Chikuma (筑摩県) between 1871 to 1876. Although the prefecture lasted less than five years, Chikuma Prefecture is known for its passion for education. In a short period of time, many schools were established with a high enrolment rate. Even after Chikuma Prefecture was
Explore the Old Schools in Matsumoto, Japan’s Education Prefecture Read More »
Among all the castles in Japan, only twelve have a castle keep from the Edo period (1603 – 1867). Furthermore, among the twelve, only five are designated national treasures. So if you are searching for the best castle to visit for your next Japan trip, consider Matsumoto City‘s symbol, Matsumoto Castle (松本城), a national treasure
The Ultimate Guide to Matsumoto Castle Read More »
If you are looking for a stunning place to visit in Japan that hasn’t been commercialized and has an abundance of nature, consider dropping by Kinasa in Nagano Prefecture! The quaint village is just around an hour away by bus from the city center of Nagano. It is also adjacent to both Togakushi and Hakuba,
Kinasa – A Village Filled with Myths and Amazing Nature Read More »
Okususobana Valley (奥裾花渓谷) is one of the most scenic spots in Nagano. Located in Kinasa Village‘s north, the picturesque valley was chosen to be one of the 100 Landscapes of Japan. Especially in October, when the 5 km valley is decorated with vivid fall color, it receives numerous visitors for the masterpiece created by mother
Okususobana Valley – One of the Most Stunning Places in Nagano Read More »
Important: Unfortunately, Itōya will close from the 1st of April 2025 with no plans to reopen currently. If you are looking for a vegan-friendly Izakaya (similar to a Western pub, a Spanish tapas bar, or a tavern) in Matsumoto, visit Itōya (小料理 いとう家). Here, you can enjoy homemade local dishes prepared using locally sourced ingredients,
Itōya: The Best Vegan-Friendly Izakaya in Matsumoto Read More »
Nishizawa Keikoku (西沢渓谷) is a valley in Yamanashi Prefecture located in Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park (秩父多摩甲斐国立公園). If it is on your itinerary, prepare yourself for a feast of natural art! Once you step into this gorge, we promise you will immediately be captivated by its mysterious charm (^_-)-☆.
Nishizawa Gorge and the Picturesque Waterfalls Read More »
Anyone who has the slightest knowledge of Japan knows the mighty Mt. Fuji. But do you know which landscape closely follows? The scenery at Shōsenkyō Gorge (昇仙峡) in Yamanashi Prefecture will blow your mind off just as much as Mt. Fuji. It is a lot less packed, and you can get some of the best
Shōsenkyō Gorge and the Scenery Second Only to Mt. Fuji Read More »
When people speak about tofu dishes, they often talk about bean curd or deep-fried tofu. At Sabō Mameya (茶房まめ家), you will be blown away by the large variety of menus. From appetizers to desserts, soybeans are used in each dish. But most of the time, you can’t even tell! We are sure you will be
The Best Vegetarian Course Menu at Sabō Mameya, Obuse Nagano Read More »
Obuse is a lovely town in Nagano Prefecture, famous for its delicious chestnuts and ukiyo-e artist Katsushika Hokusai from the 18th century. And it is also on the way to Jigokudani Monkey Park (=ﾟωﾟ)ﾉ. While the main street of Obuse is within a 10-minute walk from Nagano Dentetsu’s Obuse Station, to really explore Obuse properly,
Your Ultimate Bike Rental Guide in Obuse Nagano Read More »
