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 »
The World Heritage Shirakawa-gō is now a really popular tourist destination in Japan. Often, people visit this fairytale-like village by catching a bus or driving from Kanazawa. Many tourists take the normal highway. But unbeknownst to them (and us when we first visited Shirakawa-gō), there is also a really scenic toll road that goes through
Hakusan Shirakawa-gō White Road Complete Guide Read More »
Yufuin (由布院 or 湯布院) is an onsen resort town in Ōita Prefecture in northern Kyūshū. Unlike most onsen towns in Japan, this resort, backed by the scenic twin-peaked Mt. Yufu, has a wealth of boutiques, trendy cafes, and small museums. The small town, therefore, cleverly appeals to all types of travelers. Whether you are a
Yufuin Travel Guide: Onsen, Cafes, and Best Things to Do Read More »
There are plenty of “joyful trains” in Japan, but have you ever boarded one with live performances? Resort Shirakami (リゾートしらかみ) is the only joyful train in Japan with live performances, including shamisen (Japanese guitar), puppet plays, and Japanese folk tales told in the Tsugaru dialect (津軽弁)! The beautifully designed joyful train runs from Aomori to
The Ultimate Guide to the Joyful Train: Resort Shirakami Read More »
Plan your escape to Lake Towada (Towadako in Japanese, 十和田湖), the majestic caldera lake nestled in Japan’s beautiful Tohoku region. A premier destination within Towada-Hachimantai National Park, this spot is renowned for its stunning autumn foliage and the famous Oirase Gorge. From a scenic boat cruise on the deep, clear waters to hiking past dozens
Lake Towada Travel: Top 15 Must-See Attractions & Tips Read More »
The 14-km Oirase Gorge (Oirase Keiryū, 奥入瀬渓流) in Aomori Prefecture is known as one of Japan’s most scenic spots. No matter which season you visit Oirase Gorge, you will definitely be amazed by its beauty. Apart from the artificial walking tracks, the entire valley remains in its original form. The virgin forest, the rocks, big
Oirase Gorge: Japan’s Best Waterfalls & River Walk Read More »
Nunobiki Falls (布引の滝) is considered one of the Three Greatest Divine Waterfalls in Japan, together with the Nachi Falls (那智の滝) in Wakayama Prefecture and the Kegon Falls (華厳滝) in Nikkō National Park in Tochigi Prefecture. And of course, the Nunobiki Falls was also chosen as one of the Top 100 Waterfalls in Japan. So it
Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden and Nunobiki Falls Ultimate Guide Read More »
Apart from Kamikōchi, Norikura Kōgen (乗鞍高原) is another breathtaking place in Matsumoto. The best thing about the relatively off-the-beaten-path destination is that it isn’t as crowded as Kamikōchi, and you can drive there without relying on public transport. So read on, and find out more about the charm of Norikura Kogen!
Norikura Kōgen – Matsumoto’s Hidden Picturesque Destination Read More »
Since its listing as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995, Shirakawa-gō (白川郷), also known as Shirakawagō in Gifu Prefecture, has been considered one of the most popular getaway spots in Japan. Located in a remote mountainous region in central Japan, Shirakawago village and their people were known to be isolated and hidden from the
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The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route (立山黒部アルペンルート) is a scenic route that traverses the Japanese Northern Alps, connecting Toyama and Nagano Prefectures. Known as the Roof of Japan, Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route opens on April 15 and closes on November 30 each year. This spectacular route is renowned for its magnificent 20-meter snow wall at the
The Ultimate Guide to the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route Read More »