Nishizawa Keikoku (西沢渓谷) is a valley in Yamanashi Prefecture located in Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park (秩父多摩甲斐国立公園). If it is on your itinerary, prepare yourself for a feast of natural art! Once you step into this gorge, we promise you will immediately be captivated by its mysterious charm (^_-)-☆.
Nishizawa Gorge and the Picturesque Waterfalls Read More »
Anyone who has the slightest knowledge of Japan knows the mighty Mt. Fuji. But do you know which landscape closely follows? The scenery at Shōsenkyō Gorge (昇仙峡) in Yamanashi Prefecture will blow your mind off just as much as Mt. Fuji. It is a lot less packed, and you can get some of the best
Shōsenkyō Gorge and the Scenery Second Only to Mt. Fuji Read More »
If you are in Osaka from late February to early July and are after an off-the-beaten-path spot to enjoy nature and different kinds of flowers, consider heading to Osaka Garden of Floral Culture! The vast park is divided into several zones, each with a different type of flowers planted. Although getting there isn’t straightforward, you
Osaka’s Hidden Floral Spot: Osaka Garden of Floral Culture Read More »
If you are a cat lover and are after a cute cat cafe, visit Temari no Oshiro (Cat cafe てまりのおしろ) in Kichijōji Petit Mura! The cafe, home to around 20 fluffy and friendly cats, is basically a cat castle. Walking through the unusually cute door is like entering the world of cats!
Tokyo’s Most Fantastic Cat Cafe: Temari no Oshiro Read More »
Obuse (小布施) is a lovely town in Nagano Prefecture, famous for its delicious chestnuts and ukiyo-e artist, Katsushika Hokusai, from the 16th century. Apart from the super sweet chestnuts, the best thing about this town is that it isn’t filled with tourists (*’▽’). You are guaranteed that you won’t be pushed around while exploring the
Obuse – The Chestnut Town that All Sweet Tooths Must Visit Read More »
Want to appreciate the picturesque 2km gorge with cliff walls of more than 100 meters high on both riverbanks, and all you need to do is relax on a boat? Geibikei Gorge (猊鼻渓) in Iwate Prefecture is the perfect place for you! Adding to this unforgettable experience is the traditional Japanese ballad that your boatman
Geibikei Gorge and the Most Scenic Traditional Boat Ride Read More »
Genbikei Gorge (厳美渓) is one of the two most stunning nature spots in Iwate Prefecture. Like most nature spots in Japan, it offers picturesque autumn foliage views. In winter, it is a snowy wonderland! But the most eye-catching thing about Genbikei Gorge has to be the Dango rice cake that flies between the gorge’s steep cliffs!
Genbikei Gorge and the Fascinating Flying Dango Rice Cake Read More »
Kōgensha (光原社) was a publisher in Morioka who published the only fairy tale collection of Miyazawa Kenji (宮沢賢治), a famous Japanese novelist and poet in the early 20th century. In fact, Kenji was the one who named the company. After he passed away, the publisher was slowly transformed into a shop selling craftworks, clothing, and
Kōgensha: The Hidden Photogenic Spot in Morioka Read More »
Natayachō (鉈屋町) at the side of Kitakami River (北上川) was an area in Morioka that once flourished as a key point for shipping. Because of the high-quality natural water source from Daijiji Temple (大慈寺) and Gidaji Temple (祇陀寺), many sake breweries, tofu shops, soba noodle makers, and cafés surround the neighborhood. Besides the commercial facilities,
Natayachō: The Hidden Gems in Morioka for Sake Old Township Read More »
Nambu Ironware (南部鉄器) is Iwate Prefecture‘s most representative traditional craft. Ironware-making in Morioka started in the early 17th century. The lord of the Morioka Domain invited a tea iron kiln maker from Kyoto when he was building Morioka Castle. Since then, the ironware-making industry has prospered because of the availability of high-quality materials and the
The Best Spots to Visit for Nambu Ironware in Morioka Read More »
