Top Ranked Spots | Vegetarian's Japan Guide

Snow-Monster-Ani-Ski-Reosrt-Mt-Moriyoshi

Mt. Moriyoshi: The Stunning Nature & the Akita Snow Monsters

December 29, 2025 / 100 Famous Japanese Mountains, Akita Prefecture, Autumn Foliage, Hidden Gems, Snow Scenery, Tōhoku Region, Trekking/Hiking in Japan

Rising majestically in the heart of Akita Prefecture, Mt. Moriyoshi (森吉山) is among the top three locations in Japan for finding the “Snow Monsters” (Juhyo) that form as a result of the unique weather phenomenon. While Zao (蔵王山) is well-known, Mt. Moriyoshi offers a more tranquil, off-the-beaten-path experience for viewing these frozen volcanic trees. Accessible […]

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Akiu Otaki Fall Autumn Sendai Miyagi Japan

The Best Guide to Akiu Otaki Falls and Futakuchi Gorge

December 23, 2025 / Autumn Foliage, Hidden Gems, Miyagi Prefecture, National Places of Scenery Beauty, Tōhoku Region, Top 100 Waterfalls in Japan

Akiu Ōtaki Falls (秋保大滝), also known as the Akiu Great Falls (or simply Akiu Falls), is the must-see spot in Akiu Onsen. The 55-meter-tall waterfall is just spectacular, no matter which season you visit. It was thus chosen as one of Japan’s Top 100 Waterfalls and designated a National Place of Scenic Beauty.

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Tsuruga Castle Cherry Blossom Festival Aizu-Wakamatsu Fukushima Japan

Tsuruga Castle: The Only Red-Roofed Castle in Japan

October 18, 2025 / Cherry Blossom, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots, Tōhoku Region, Top 100 Japanese Castles

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

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Yufuin Travel Guide: Onsen, Cafes, and Best Things to Do

January 5, 2026 / 100 Landscapes of Japan, Autumn Foliage, Cherry Blossom, Hidden Gems, Kyūshū Region, Ōita Prefecture, Onsen/Hot Spring

Nestled in a verdant river basin at the foot of the twin-peaked Mount Yufu, the charming town of Yufuin (由布院 or 湯布院) is one of Kyushu’s most beloved hot spring retreats. Unlike the bustling geysers of neighboring Beppu, Yufuin offers a tranquil, “boutique” onsen experience characterized by misty morning views of Lake Kinrinko, and the whimsical,

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The Ultimate Guide to the Joyful Train: Resort Shirakami

October 10, 2025 / 100 Best Sunsets & Sunrise in Japan, Akita Prefecture, Aomori Prefecture, Tōhoku Region, Transportation in Japan

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

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Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden and Nunobiki Falls Ultimate Guide

January 31, 2026 / Hidden Gems, Hyōgo Prefecture, Kansai Region, Top 100 Waterfalls in Japan, Trekking/Hiking in Japan

Escape the urban bustle of Kobe for a breath of fresh alpine air at Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden and Ropeway (神戸布引ハーブ園/ロープウェイ), home to over 75,000 herbs and flowers. Your journey begins with a 10-minute scenic ride on the ropeway, offering panoramic views of the city skyline. Nature lovers can also hike the lush trails to

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The Best Guide to the World Heritage: Shirakawagō

October 10, 2025 / 100 Landscapes of Japan, Autumn Foliage, Chūbu Region, Gifu Prefecture, Snow Scenery, World Heritage

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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Snow-Corridor-Tateyama-Kurobe-Alpine-Route

The Ultimate Guide to the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route

September 24, 2025 / 100 Landscapes of Japan, Autumn Foliage, Chūbu Region, Hokuriku Region, Nagano Prefecture, Snow Scenery, Toyama Prefecture, Transportation in Japan, Trekking/Hiking in Japan

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

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Kawagoe-Castle-Honmaru-Palace-Kawagoe-Saitama-Japan

A Guide to Kawagoe Castle and the Historical Spots Nearby

February 20, 2025 / Kantō Region, Museums/Galleries, Saitama Prefecture, Top 100 Japanese Castles

To fully understand the history of Kawagoe, a visit to Kawagoe Castle (川越城) is a must. Whilst only the castle’s Honmaru remains today, a few museums were built where the castle’s outer citadel used to be. Together, these facilities paint a picture of the history behind the gorgeous old warehouse district. And the great news

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Statue-of-Date-Masamune-Sendai-Castle-Sendai-Miyagi-Japan

Sendai Castle – The Throne of Powerful Ruler, Date Masamune

January 31, 2025 / Miyagi Prefecture, National Historic Site, Tōhoku Region, Top 100 Japanese Castles

If you are a Japanese history buff, the first attraction you will want to visit once you arrive at Sendai must be the Sendai Castle (仙台城). The castle, situated atop Mt. Aoba or Aobayama in Japanese, was built by Date Masamune (伊達政宗), one of the most famous feudal lords in the late 15th to early

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