If you are after a less-known hot spring resort in the Kantō region where Tokyo is, Manza Onsen (万座温泉) in Gunma Prefecture can be your perfect destination. The hot springs that gush out of its 18 sources comprise 20 spring qualities, so since ancient times, people visited Manza Onsen for medical spa treatments to cure […]
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Shugakuin Imperial Villa (修学院離宮) at the west foot of Mt. Hiei (比叡山) is a facility belonging to the Japanese imperial family that has earned a 2-Star rating from the Michelin Green Guide. It was designed by the retired Emperor Go-mizuno’o (後水尾上皇) with the idea of a villa in the countryside with beautiful scenery in every
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The Katsura Imperial Villa (桂離宮) in Kyoto is regarded as the masterpiece of the Japanese garden. The strolling garden comprising over half of the 69,000 square meter-wide villa is amazingly designed with various traditional-style garden features. Furthermore, Katsura Imperial Villa has miraculously escaped from being damaged by fire or repeated wars, so the buildings and
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If Kyoto Imperial Palace iis on your itinerary, consider applying for a permit to enter Kyoto Sentō Imperial Palace (仙洞御所). The palace is renowned for its picturesque fall scenery. Many people also visit the palace for its garden view, decorated with blooming flowers in spring. As only 250 people are allowed to enter this part
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Amongst the many attractions in Kyoto, Kyoto Imperial Palace (京都御所) in the city center is definitely listed at the top of the tourist bucket list. The spot where Japanese imperial families resided from 1331 until 1869 is the best place in Japan to peek into the life of those of a high social status centuries
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You have probably heard of Shojin Ryōri, commonly found in Japanese temples. But how about Fucha Ryōri (普茶料理)? Fucha Ryōri is Shojin Ryōri introduced from China, so while they are both monk cuisines, the style slightly differs. Instead of having one plate per dish per person, Fucha Ryōri’s dishes are usually shared between 4 people.
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If you are a history and architecture buff, visit the Former Mikasa Hotel (旧三笠ホテル) when you travel to Karuizawa. It is a purely Western-style wooden hotel designed and completed in 1905 by only the Japanese. The hotel, equipped with the finest facility and furniture at the time, was loved by those with high social status
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If you want to discover the beauty of Japan’s countryside, consider listing Nakanojō Town in Gunma Prefecture as a place to visit on your next Japan trip. A large part of Nakanojō was the old Kuni Village, which was chosen to be the 41st village of Japan’s Most Beautiful Villages in 2005. With 92% of
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If you love hiking and plan to visit Kusatsu Onsen or Shima Onsen in Gunma Prefecture, consider having Yodate Eight Falls (世立八滝) on your itinerary. The waterfall group upstream of Shirasuna River (白砂川) in Kuni Village consists of eight waterfalls, each with its charm. If you understand Japanese or will be accompanied by an interpreter,
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Although moss is commonly seen across gardens in Japan, if you have a particular love towards the gorgeous green plant, visit Chatsubomi Moss Park (チャツボミゴケ公園)! The moss growing in the park isn’t one of the generic types as it can only be nurtured by the strong acidic mineral springs. It is a great off-the-beaten-path spot
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