Area | Vegetarian's Japan Guide

The Best of Kamikōchi: Hiking, Scenery, and Logistics

March 1, 2026 / Autumn Foliage, Camping, Chūbu Region, Nagano Prefecture, National Places of Scenery Beauty, Trekking/Hiking in Japan

Discover the pristine wilderness of the Japanese Alps with our comprehensive guide to Kamikōchi (上高地), Japan’s premier mountain highland destination. Located within the Chūbu-Sangaku National Park in Nagano Prefecture, this breathtaking glacial valley is world-renowned for its crystal-clear Azusa River, the iconic Kappa Bridge, and soaring 3,000-meter peaks like Mt. Hotaka. Whether you are a […]

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Kamikochi-Information-Center-Autumn-Kamikochi-Nagano-Japan

How to Get to Kamikōchi: Best Way to Access the Japan Alps

March 2, 2026 / Chūbu Region, Nagano Prefecture, Transportation in Japan

Kamikochi, the crown jewel of the Japan Alps in Nagano Prefecture, offers some of Japan’s most spectacular mountain scenery. If you’re planning your trip to this famous alpine resort, figuring out the best way to get to Kamikochi is the first step. Since private cars are restricted year-round, you must rely on public transport. This

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Escalator-Kansai-International-Airport-to-Kansai-Airport-Station

How to Get From Kansai Airport to Kyoto, Osaka, and Kobe

January 7, 2026 / Kansai Region, Kyoto Prefecture, Osaka Prefecture, Transportation in Japan

Getting from Kansai International Airport (KIX) to the major hubs of Kyoto, Osaka, and Kobe is a breeze once you understand the best transport routes for your budget and schedule. Whether you are looking for the fastest direct train like the JR Haruka Limited Express, a budget-friendly limousine bus that handles your heavy luggage, or the unique high-speed

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Storyhouse Cafe & Bar Matsumoto Nagano Japan

The Recommended Vegan-Friendly Restaurants in Matsumoto

September 27, 2025 / Chūbu Region, Nagano Prefecture, Vegan and Vegetarian-Friendly Spots

Given that the city is home to the magnificent Matsumoto Castle and is located close to Takayama, Matsumoto receives more international tourists than the rest of Nagano Prefecture. To accommodate different dietary requirements, vegan/vegetarian-friendly restaurants are not uncommon in the city. We have compiled a list for you to review and pick for your visit!

The Complete Guide to Togakushi Shrine Chūsha

January 7, 2026 / Chūbu Region, Nagano Prefecture, Temples & Shrines

Among the five shrines of Togakushi, the area around Togakushi Shrine Chusha (戸隠中社) is the most lively. Along the Togakushi hiking trail, numerous restaurants and ryokans are situated near Togakushi Shrine Chusha. Togakushi Tourist Information Center (戸隠観光情報センター) is also situated near the Chusha shrine. If you plan to hike in Togakushi, we highly recommend

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The Complete Guide to Togakushi Hōkōsha Shrine

September 27, 2025 / Chūbu Region, Nagano Prefecture, Temples & Shrines

Coming from the center of Nagano City, the first sub-shrine of the Togakushi Shrine you will encounter is the Hōkō-sha (戸隠神社宝光社). Although the precinct of Hokosha is smaller than Togakushi Chusha Shrine, there are plenty of things to see at Togakushi Hokosha. Moreover, it might be the venue of the yearly Togakushi Soba Festival

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Mitsutaya: Where You Can Enjoy Miso Dengaku in Nanukamachi

September 25, 2025 / Fukushima Prefecture, Tōhoku Region, Vegan and Vegetarian-Friendly Spots

For a healthy meal on the Nanukamachi-dōri Street, head to Mitsutaya (満田屋). Opened in 1834 as a miso maker, miso dengaku (みそ田楽) has been served in the space at the back of the store since 1972. The space was renovated from a miso storehouse and has the perfect setting to enjoy the traditional dish. While

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Trekking to the Mysterious Myōjin Area in Kamikōchi

January 27, 2026 / Autumn Foliage, Chūbu Region, Nagano Prefecture, National Places of Scenery Beauty, Temples & Shrines, Trekking/Hiking in Japan

Your visit to Kamikōchi shouldn’t stop at Kappa Bridge. Trekking further for another hour upstream of the Azusa River from Kappa Bridge, you will reach the Myōjin Area. Here is the ground of God. Not sure if it is because this is where God lives, as the atmosphere around the area is distinctly different from

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Nagatoya: The Must-Visit Sweets Maker in Nanukamachi

September 25, 2025 / Fukushima Prefecture, Traditional Confectionery, Vegan and Vegetarian-Friendly Spots

Nagatoya (会津長門屋　七日町店) is one of the top traditional confectionery makers in Aizu. The maker, which opened in 1848, takes pride in its handmade sweets. Their Nanukamachi shop, located on Nanukamachi-dōri Street, opened in 2011. You will be amazed by the sweets on the shelf, especially by their infamous Fly Me to The Moon~Yōkan Fantasia! Apart

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First Tadami River Bridge Mishima Fukushima Japan

Tadami Line: The Most Picturesque JR Local Train Line

September 24, 2025 / Autumn Foliage, Fukushima Prefecture, Hidden Gems, Niigata Prefecture, Snow Scenery

Are you looking for a hidden gem that is too breathtaking to take your eyes off near Tokyo? While there are a couple of these spots, the one we love the most is the JR Tadami Line (只見線). It was chosen as Japan’s most scenic local train line. From the window of the local train

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