Tucked away in the historic streets of Aizu-Wakamatsu, Café Aizu Ichibankan (會津壹番館) offers visitors the rare chance to literally sip coffee inside a piece of Japanese history. Housed in a beautifully preserved, Meiji-era Western-style brick building, this cozy coffee shop is much more than a retro local hangout. It is the former Kaiyō Clinic (會陽医院), […]
Aizu Ichibankan: The Historic Aizu Cafe & the 1,000 Yen Note Read More »
Strolling down the historic, 100-year-old streets of Nanukamachi-dōri Street in Aizu-Wakamatsu feels like stepping back in time. If you want to experience this beautiful art form firsthand, there is no better destination than Nanukamachi-dōri Street in Aizu-Wakamatsu. This scenic stretch is lined with beautifully preserved architecture and home to some of the region’s finest Aizu
3 Best Places to Buy Authentic Aizu Lacquerware on Nanukamachi-dōri Read More »
Strolling down the historic, century-old buildings of Nanukamachi-dōri Street in Aizu-Wakamatsu feels like stepping back in time, and no visit to this cultural hub is complete without experiencing its incredible food scene. Opened in 1887, Kumanoya Nanukamachi (菓子司 熊野屋 七日町店) is a beloved traditional confectionery maker famous for its vegan-friendly street-food-style Japanese sweets (wagashi). Unlike
Kumanoya and Nanukamachi’s Famous Japanese Street Sweets Read More »
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
Tadami Line: The Most Picturesque JR Local Train Line Read More »
Are you planning a trip along the historic JR Tadami Line and looking for the perfect stopover? Look no further than Tadami Town (只見町), Fukushima. Known affectionately as the “Capital of Nature,” this charming town in the Oku-Aizu region offers an authentic glimpse of rural Japanese life that most tourists miss entirely. From the challenging
Tadami Town: Exploring Japan’s Best Hidden Gem Railway Town Read More »
Tucked away in the lush, nature-filled mountains of Fukushima Prefecture, Mitsuishi Shrine (三石神社) in Tadami offers a captivating escape from the typical tourist trail. Located just a short hike from Tadami Station along Japan’s picturesque Tadami Line, this historic 12th-century sanctuary is famous for its three sacred giant boulders, each carrying its own mystical blessings.
Mitsuishi Shrine: Fukushima’s Hidden Gem & Unique Rituals Read More »
If there is a single image that captures the ethereal beauty of rural Japan, it is the sight of a lone train gliding across the First Tadami River Bridge. Nestled in Fukushima’s Mishima Town, this viewpoint has evolved from a local secret into a global pilgrimage site for photographers. Whether you are chasing the “ink
The Ultimate Guide to the First Tadami River Bridge Viewpoint Read More »
If you are seeking a truly authentic Japanese hot spring experience, Hayato Onsen Tsuru no Yu (早戸温泉つるの湯) in Mishima Town is a legendary sanctuary for both the body and soul. The charming ryokan combines traditional healing with some of Japan’s most stunning river views. Famous for its “Gensen Kake-nagashi” (100% free-flowing) medicinal waters discovered over
Hayato Onsen Tsuru no Yu: A Ryokan Overlooking Tadami River Read More »
Speaking of Aizu-Wakamatsu‘s tourist attractions, Tsuruga Castle has to be at the top of the list. Although the castle was largely damaged during the Boshin War (戊辰戦争), the castle keep was restored in 1965. After restoring the castle’s red roof tiles in 2011, Tsuruga Castle soon regained its glorious appearance before it was dismantled in
Tsuruga Castle: The Only Red-Roofed Castle in Japan Read More »
Planning a trip to Japan but want to escape the crowds of Tokyo and Kyoto? Look no further than the Tohōku Region. The Northeastern part of Japan is renowned for its stunning natural beauty. With two weeks in Japan, you will have enough time to experience a land of ancient samurai towns, breathtaking landscapes, and
2-Week Itinerary in Japan’s Stunning Tōhoku Region Read More »
