Hidden Gems

Towada Art Center Towada Aomori Japan

Towada Art center: A Must-Visit Contemporary Art Museum in Aomori

When people talk about going to an art gallery, an image of a wide space with viewers appreciating various paintings and artworks will most likely pop into your head. However, at Towada Art Center (十和田市現代美術館) in Aomori‘s Towada City, this is not the case. Inside each exhibition room, only one piece of artwork is displayed. […]

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Toraya-Kobo-Gotenba-Shizuoka-Japan

Toraya Kōbō: Where You Source the Best Japanese Sweets

Are you a sweet tooth? If yes, then you can’t miss out on the famous sweets maker in Japan, Toraya! Toraya’s history goes way back to the early 16th century Kyoto. It was chosen as a purveyor to the imperial court from the late 1500s. When Japan’s capital transferred to Tokyo, it also successfully established

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Dakigaeri-Gorge-Akita-Japan

Dakigaeri Valley And Its Mystical Turquoise Mountain Stream

When people visit Semboku City in Akita Prefecture for leisure, their preferred natural destinations will most likely either be Nyūtō Onsen (乳頭温泉郷), Lake Tazawa (田沢湖), or Tamagawa Onsen (玉川温泉). While those spots are definitely worthwhile places to visit, we would recommend that you also drop by the Dakigaeri Valley (抱返り渓谷) close to Kakunodate (角館) as

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Ukiki-Shrine-Lake-Tazawa-Akita-Japan

Lake Tazawa – An Unfrozen Beautiful Azure Lake

Lake Tazawa (田沢湖) in Semboku City in Akita Prefecture, with a depth of 422.4 meters, is the deepest lake in Japan. The 6 kilometers wide caldera lake was formed due to a volcanic eruption. Because of its depth, the lake can absorb a lot of heat in summer that even in the snowy winter, its

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Kurashiki-Haruyo-Akari-Okayama-Japan

Your Best Kurashiki City Travel Planning Guide

Kurashiki City (倉敷市) is more than just the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter (倉敷美観地区). Not too far from this popular attraction, there are a couple of unique spots that might excite you if you are a collector or a Japanese sword admirer. Just a 40-minute train ride away, you will be able to source Japan’s best

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Tsuga-no-Mokudai-Hakusan-Shirakawago-White-Road-Ishikawa-Japan

Hakusan Shirakawa-go White Road: Stunning Stops & Tips

The Hakusan Shirakawa-go White Road (白山白川郷ホワイトロード) is the ultimate scenic drive between Kanazawa and the historic village of Shirakawa-gō, but it is far from a standard highway. It is a specialized, automobile-only tourist route packed with sheer cliff drop-offs, free open-air footbaths, and iconic spots like the 86-meter Fukube Falls. Because the 33.3 km toll road

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Norikura-Kogen-Ichinose-Danchi-Dojo-Pond-Matsumoto-Nagano-Japan

Norikura Kōgen Travel Guide: How to Visit, Best Hikes & Tips

Nestled in the Japanese Alps, Norikura Kōgen (乗鞍高原) is a stunning, hidden destination known for its dramatic waterfalls, alpine meadows, and the soaring peaks of Mt. Norikura. It is the best off-the-beaten-path destination in Central Japan that isn’t as crowded as Kamikōchi, and you can drive there without relying on public transport! Whether you are

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Shoboji Temple Henjoto Pagoda Kyoto Japan

17 Best Hidden Gems in Kyoto: Off-the-Beaten-Path Guide

When most travelers picture Kyoto, they imagine the brilliant orange gates of Fushimi Inari or the crowded bamboo groves of Arashiyama. However, the true soul of the region lies far beyond the city center, tucked away in the misty mountains, historic samurai castle towns, and floating coastal villages of greater Kyoto Prefecture. Exploring these spectacular,

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Mangetsuji-Ukimido-Otsu-Shiga-Japan

Best Things to Do in Ōtsu: The Perfect Day Trip From Kyoto

After an off the beaten path destination in Japan near Kyoto? Just a short, 10-minute train ride from the bustling streets of Kyoto lies Ōtsu (大津市), the historic capital of Shiga Prefecture and the peaceful gateway to the majestic Lake Biwa. While most travelers skip this lakeside gem in favor of its famous neighbor, Ōtsu

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Sueyoshi-Park-Aja-River-Naha-Okinawa-Japan

Sueyoshi Park: The Hidden Jungle Park in Okinawa’s Capital

Did you know that there is a jungle-like area in Naha City? The area is also incredibly close to Yui Rail’s Shiritsubyōin-mae Station (市立病院前駅) and Gibo Station (儀保駅)! Sueyoshi Park (末吉公園) has a very spacious ground of around 19 hectares. Taking many by surprise, a large part of the park looks just like a tropical

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