Living up to its fame as the best summer resort close to Tokyo, Karuizawa has a wealth of nature. And if you love exploring nature or are seeking a spot to cool yourself further down, there are two waterfalls in Karuizawa that you will want to visit. In fact, both spots are stunning throughout all
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Whether you are after an accommodation facility or not, Mampei Hotel (万平ホテル), close to Old Karuizawa Ginza Street, is worth a visit. With its top-quality hospitality, the well-kept hotel, partially Westernized and re-opened in 1894, is still one of the best hotels in Karuizawa. In addition, it is the hotel that John Lennon loved!
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While not as famous as Kappa Bridge or Taishō Pond, Tashiro Marsh (田代湿原) and Tashiro Pond (田代池) located between the two scenic spots are picturesque throughout the year. Especially in the morning of the colder months, you will find these two spots extra stunning because the plants are covered by a thin layer of frost!
The Best Guide to Tashiro Marsh and Tashiro Pond in Kamikōhi Read More »
A unique place to visit in Nakamachi Shopping Street (中町商店街) is the Matsumoto City Hakari Museum (松本市はかり資料館), which is full of measuring instruments. It is one of the best places to learn about various scales and weights used across the globe from various eras.
Matsumoto City Hakari Museum and the Weight from the Past Read More »
On a hot summer day, the best spot to visit on Nakamachi Street is Nakamachi Hyouka Ten (中町氷菓店). You will find phenomenal shaved ice made from natural ice made in Yamanashi Prefecture. We were a little bit hesitant to make an order because 1,500 yen isn’t exactly cheap. However, after taking the first bite, we
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The beckoning cat temple, Gōtokuji, is so famous among international tourists that the spot is already probably on your itinerary for Tokyo! If you are not in a hurry, we recommend stopping by one of the cafes or shops near Gōtokuji. Quite a few of them have cutely designed maneki-neko products too! The sweets created
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If you are a coffee lover, Chouette Torréfacteur Laboratoire (梟焙煎研究所) is the place to go close to Gōtokuji. You will find the locally rumored “ultimate espresso (究極のエスプレッソ)” there. Apparently, the owner, Takayama-san (髙山さん), previously worked at a Michelin three-star restaurant in France, hence the French café name and the delicious food and coffee served! Not
Chouette Torréfacteur Laboratoire: A Hidden Gem in Setagaya Read More »
You might have come across the beckoning cat, maneki-neko (招き猫). The Japanese waving cat figurine is often believed to bring good luck to the owner. Leaving the figurine’s ability to bring good fortune aside, the maneki-neko is a cute decor and might cheer you up when feeling down. If you are smitten by maneki-neko, the
Gōtokuji Guide: Tokyo’s Lucky Cat Temple & Nearby Vegan Spots Read More »
Even if you haven’t been to Japan before, your image of Shinjuku is most likely an area in Tokyo that is filled with skyscrapers and crowds. While the stereotype is true, Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden (新宿御苑) is where you can escape the crowds and adore Japanese and Western-style beautiful gardens. Although it is one of
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Zenkoji Temple is the landmark around Nagano Station. Speaking of temple, the term Shōjin Ryōri (精進料理) might pop into your head. The best place to try the monk cuisine close to the temple is Fuchinobō (淵之坊). It is one of the 39 sub-temples of Zenkoji Temple that allow visitors to stay overnight (Shukubō, 宿坊). If
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