Hidden Gems

Mt.-Rokko-Tenran-Observatory-Kobe-Hyogo-Japan

Mt. Rokkō and Mt. Maya Ultimate Getaway Guide

Mount Rokkō (六甲山) and Mount Maya (摩耶山) are two mountains in Kobe City’s northeast, popular weekend getaway destinations for locals and international travellers alike. The mountains aren’t your typical natural beauty; they also offer Japan’s best city views at night. In summer, it is an excellent escape from the summer heat in big cities. On […]

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Akiu Otaki Fall Autumn Sendai Miyagi Japan

The Best Guide to Akiu Otaki Falls and Futakuchi Gorge

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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Tenshukaku Natural Park North Gate in Autumn

Tenshukaku Natural Park: A Hidden Gem in Akiu Onsen, Sendai

If you are like us, who love traditional Japanese gardens, afternoon tea in a nice cafe, or even camping, Tenshukaku Natural Park (天守閣自然公園) is a must-visit spot. In autumn, the park is beautifully illuminated, making the visit to Akiu Onsen more worthwhile. Moreover, there are two free foot spas and a public onsen bathhouse for

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Jigokudani-Snow-Monkey-Park-Nagano-Japan

Jigokudani Wild Monkey Park and the Hot Spring Monkeys

The Snow Monkey Park, or Jigokudani Yaen Kōen (地獄谷野猿公苑), formally in Japanese, is the world’s only wild monkey onsen resort. The park, nestled in the snowy mountains of Nagano Prefecture, Japan, was established in 1964. It offers an unforgettable glimpse into the unique lives of the Japanese hot spring monkeys. This world-famous attraction is the

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The Three Arch Bridges from Miyashita Arch Sankyodai Bridges Viewpoint Near JR Aizu Miyashita Station in Fukushima Japan

Beyond the 1st Bridge: The Ultimate Tadami Line Travel Guide

While the First Tadami River Bridge is undoubtedly the “postcard shot” of Fukushima, the true magic of the Oku-Aizu region lies in the lesser-known spans that most travelers overlook. From the unique three-tiered view at the Miyashita Arch Sankyodai to the remote, striking red truss of the Kanozu River Bridge, these “hidden” locations offer breathtaking

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Yufuin-Lake-Kinrinko-Autumn

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

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 Best Guide to the Usui Pass Observation Platform

Karuizawa‘s natural spots aren’t just about waterfalls and lakes. Driving up the Usui Pass, there is a park close to the summit at 1,200m. The Usui Pass Observation Platform (碓氷峠見晴台) in the park is one of our favorite places to visit in Karuizawa. The observation platform offers a spectacular panoramic view of the ragged mountain

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Minoo-Falls-Autumn-Minoh-Park-Osaka

Minoh Park & Minoo Falls: The Best Osaka Day Trip Spots

Whether you are a regular visitor or are discovering Minoh Park (箕面公園) in Minoh City in Osaka for the first time, the Takimichi Hiking Course (滝道ハイキングコース) should be on your itinerary. Completed in 1886, this well-maintained 2.7 km course (which takes around 40 – 50 minutes) starts at Hankyū Minoh Station (阪急箕面駅) and ends at

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Yuragawa Bridge: An Spot That Came Out of Spirited Away

In the rural part of Kyoto Prefecture in Miyazu City, there is a bridge that excites many Ghibli fans. Whether you are the cameraman trying to snap a photo of Yuragawa Bridge (由良川橋梁) or a passenger in the train carriage, if the weather is good enough, you are guaranteed to get a couple of astounding

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The Best Guide on What to Do and Where to Go in Togakushi

If you are looking to enjoy the stunning nature of rural Nagano Prefecture, Togakushi (戸隠), which receives approximately 150 thousand visitors yearly, will be one of your top options. The village situated at the foot of Mt. Togakushi in Myōkō-Togakushi Renzan National Park (妙高戸隠連山国立公園) is a must-see in Nagano. The small Japanese village has a

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