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 City (白山市) is a city in Ishikawa Prefecture filled with breathtaking scenery. One of Japan’s most sacred mountains, Mt. Hakusan, stands on one side of it. Naturally, the city has numerous hiking trails with various difficulties that suit a wide range of age groups. It also features one of Japan’s best places for paragliding. …
Hakusan City – A Paradise for Hikers and Paragliders Read More »
With an altitude of 2702 meters, Mt. Hakusan (or Mt. Haku (白山)) is one of the top three mountains in Japan, along with Mt. Fuji (富士山) and Mt. Tate (立山) of the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. With picturesque and magnificent scenery along the hiking trails, Mt. Hakusan is a popular hiking destination for any age …
Hiking Mt. Hakusan, One of Japan’s Top Three Sacred Mountain Read More »
Maizuru City (舞鶴市), facing the Sea of Japan, is located in the northern section of Kyoto Prefecture. While the rest of Kyoto is largely adorned with traditional buildings from eras up to the end of the Edo period, Maizuru City embodies the history of Japan after the modernization that occurred during the Meiji era.
Katayamazu Onsen (片山津温泉) is a small onsen town created by the reclamation of part of Lake Shibayama (柴山潟) during the Meiji period (1868 – 1912). The biggest appeal of the town is the stunning view of Mt. Haku or Mt. Hakusan (白山), reflecting on Lake Shibayama on a clear sunny day, which visitors can admire …
Katayamazu Onsen – The Town Overlooks the Mighty Mt. Haku Read More »
Because of other more renowned places in the region, Ayabe City (綾部市), almost in the center of Kyoto Prefecture, isn’t a famous destination in the Kansai region that receives much attention from the media. However, quite a few places in the city are worth your time in spring. What we are implying here isn’t cherry …
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If you are looking for resorts during your visit to Kansai, consider Kannabe Kōgen in Hyōgo Prefecture‘s Toyooka City! It is a plateau located in the outer ring of Mt. Kanabe (神鍋山) and is known as one of the leading ski resorts in Kansai. When the breath of spring releases the Kannabe Kōgen from the …
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Kaga City (加賀市), also commonly referred to as Kaga Onsen (加賀温泉), can be sub-divided into six areas, including three main onsen towns, each with unique selling points. The hot spring resorts have a history dating back 1,300 years. There are onsen ryokans with high-quality service and various beautiful local handicrafts waiting for you to discover …
Kaga Onsen – The Charming Onsen Resorts Close to Kanazawa Read More »
Yamashiro Onsen (山代温泉), the biggest onsen town in the Kaga region, is a popular hot spring destination for onsen aficionados. With facilities providing different types of onsen, tourists often spend most of their stay in Yamashiro Onsen, indulging themselves in one onsen pool after another. The town is also where Kutani ware was revived. Museums …
Yamashiro Onsen – An Onsen Town Where Kutani Ware Revived Read More »
Just like its name, Yamanaka Onsen (山中温泉) in Kaga City is located deep in the mountains next to a beautiful hidden valley. First discovered 1,300 years ago by an eminent monk of the time, Gyōki (行基), the place was developed into an onsen district in the late 12th century. Apart from the onsen with great …
Yamanaka Onsen – Where Hot Spring Meets Elegant Lacquerware Read More »