Places to Visit | Vegetarian's Japan Guide

Hachimantai-Toshichi-Hot-Springs-Saiunso-Sunrise-Iwate-Japan

Hachimantai Jukai Line: Scenic Drive, Onsen & Fall Foliage

September 5, 2026 / 100 Famous Japanese Mountains, Autumn Foliage, Hidden Gems, Iwate Prefecture, Onsen/Hot Spring, Tōhoku Region, Trekking/Hiking in Japan

Winding through the dense, untouched forests of Iwate Prefecture, the Hachimantai Jukai Line (八幡平樹海ライン) is one of Northeast Japan’s premier scenic mountain drives. Translating literally to the “Sea of Trees Line,” this free alpine highway connects the historic hot spring villages of Matsukawa Onsen directly to the summit of Mt. Hachimantai. Whether you are chasing […]

Hachimantai Jukai Line: Scenic Drive, Onsen & Fall Foliage Read More »

How to Get to Hachimantai: Public Transport & Driving Guide

September 5, 2026 / Autumn Foliage, Iwate Prefecture, Tōhoku Region, Transportation in Japan, Trekking/Hiking in Japan

Nestled in the rugged heart of Northern Tohoku along the border of Iwate and Akita prefectures, Hachimantai is one of Japan’s most spectacular alpine destinations. Famous for its dramatic seasonal beauty, from the towering Spring Snow Corridor to brilliant autumn foliage, reaching this volcanic highland is an adventure in itself. Whether you are traveling by

How to Get to Hachimantai: Public Transport & Driving Guide Read More »

Hachimantai-Aspite-Line-Gozaisho-Wetland-Iwate-Japan-1

Hachimantai Aspite Line Guide: Iwate’s Best Scenic Drive

September 4, 2026 / 100 Famous Japanese Mountains, Autumn Foliage, Hidden Gems, Iwate Prefecture, Snow Scenery, Tōhoku Region, Trekking/Hiking in Japan

Spanning 27 kilometers across the mountainous border of Iwate and Akita prefectures, the Hachimantai Aspite Line (八幡平アスピーテライン) in Towada-Hachimantai National Park (十和田八幡平国立公園) is widely considered the most scenic drive in the Tohoku region. This toll-free highway offers sweeping views of Mt. Iwate, winding past alpine wetlands, panoramic observation decks, and volcanic peaks. Whether you are driving between

Hachimantai Aspite Line Guide: Iwate’s Best Scenic Drive Read More »

Obuse Travel Guide: Chestnut Sweets and Top Things to Do

August 30, 2026 / Autumn Foliage, Cherry Blossom, Chūbu Region, Hidden Gems, Nagano Prefecture

Tucked away in the scenic countryside of Nagano Prefecture, Obuse (小布施) is a charming historic town renowned for its sweet local chestnuts, rich Hokusai art heritage, and peaceful, uncrowded streets. Just 30 minutes from Nagano Station on the way to the Jigokudani Monkey Park, Obuse offers a rare glimpse of traditional Japan away from mass

Obuse Travel Guide: Chestnut Sweets and Top Things to Do Read More »

Mimuroto-ji Yorakuen Garden and Fall Foliage Uji Kyoto Japan

Mimuroto-ji Temple Guide: Uji’s Famous Flower Temple in Kyoto

August 2, 2026 / Autumn Foliage, Hydrangea, Kansai Region, Kyoto Prefecture, Plum Blossoms, Temples & Shrines

Nestled in the hills of Uji just outside central Kyoto, Mimuroto-ji Temple (三室戸寺) is affectionately known as Kyoto’s “Flower Temple”. Famous for its sprawling gardens featuring over 20,000 seasonal hydrangeas, 20,000 vibrant azaleas, and 250 weeping plum trees, this historic 8th-century sanctuary offers a picturesque escape in every season. Beyond its breathtaking floral displays and

Mimuroto-ji Temple Guide: Uji’s Famous Flower Temple in Kyoto Read More »

Nanukamachi Station and the Sightseeing Bus Haikara-san Aizu-Wakamatsu Fukushima Japan

The Best Guide to the Must-Visit Spots on Nanukamachi-dōri

July 26, 2026 / Fukushima Prefecture, Hidden Gems, Tōhoku Region

In Aizu-Wakamatsu City, if you want to walk on a street lined with buildings from over a century ago, head to Nanukamachi-dōri Street (七日町通り). The 800-meter-long street stretching west from Nanukamachi Station (七日町駅) was a busy street in Aizu from the Edo period to the early 20th century. Historical warehouses and Western-style buildings are carefully

The Best Guide to the Must-Visit Spots on Nanukamachi-dōri Read More »

Mt. Misen Guide: Miyajima Ropeway Prices, Hours & Trails

July 5, 2026 / Autumn Foliage, Chūgoku Region, Hiroshima Prefecture, Trekking/Hiking in Japan, World Heritage

Miyajima is famous worldwide for the iconic floating Torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine, but the true spiritual heart of the island sits 535 meters above: the sacred Mt. Misen (弥山). Whether you choose to glide over the treetops on the scenic Miyajima Ropeway (宮島ロープウエー) or challenge yourself on the island’s ancient hiking trails, reaching the

Mt. Misen Guide: Miyajima Ropeway Prices, Hours & Trails Read More »

Explore Itsukushima Shrine & Miyajima’s Floating Torii Gate

July 4, 2026 / Chūgoku Region, Hiroshima Prefecture, Temples & Shrines

The iconic floating Torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine (厳島神社) is one of Japan’s most recognizable and spiritual sights, famously appearing to float completely on the sea at high tide. Registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996, the shrine’s dramatic scenery changes completely with the ebb and flow of the tide, offering a particularly

Explore Itsukushima Shrine & Miyajima’s Floating Torii Gate Read More »

Guide to Daishōin Temple: Miyajima’s Most Magical Hidden Gem

June 28, 2026 / Autumn Foliage, Chūgoku Region, Hiroshima Prefecture, Temples & Shrines, Vegan and Vegetarian-Friendly Spots

If you want to experience the true spiritual side of Miyajima Island, look no further than Daishōin Temple (大聖院). Established in 806 AD by the founder of Shingon Buddhism, this stunning hillside complex is the oldest and most atmospheric temple on the island. From spinning the sacred Mani prayer wheels to walking through a cavern

Guide to Daishōin Temple: Miyajima’s Most Magical Hidden Gem Read More »

The Ultimate Guide to Miyajima and the Great Torii Gate

August 2, 2026 / Autumn Foliage, Cherry Blossom, Chūgoku Region, Hiroshima Prefecture, Trekking/Hiking in Japan, World Heritage

Miyajima Island (宮島), home to the iconic “floating” Great Torii Gate, stands as one of Japan’s most magical and spiritually significant UNESCO World Heritage Sites. From the moment you step off the ferry, you are welcomed by the island’s famous population of free-roaming, incredibly cute deer, who wander peacefully alongside travelers exploring this coastal paradise.

The Ultimate Guide to Miyajima and the Great Torii Gate Read More »