Hidden Gems | Vegetarian's Japan Guide

Rokkō Garden Terrace: The Top Spot to Adore Kobe’s Cityscape

December 26, 2025 / Hidden Gems, Hyōgo Prefecture, Kansai Region

Perched atop one of Japan’s most iconic peaks, Rokkō Garden Terrace (六甲ガーデンテラス) offers one of the most breathtaking panoramic views in the country. Known for its “ten-million-dollar” night view of Kobe and the glittering Osaka Bay, this premier observation destination features unique architectural landmarks like the Rokko-Shidare Observatory. Visitors can stroll through English-style gardens, enjoy

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Enjoy a Feast of Music at Rokkō Mori no Oto Museum

December 25, 2025 / Hidden Gems, Hyōgo Prefecture, Kansai Region, Museums/Galleries

Nestled in the lush greenery of Mount Rokkō, the Rokkō Mori no Oto Museum (formerly the International Box Museum) offers a magical escape into the world of mechanical music. This unique Kobe destination invites visitors to wander through a serene “SIKI Garden” while listening to the delicate melodies of vintage music boxes and automated instruments.

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Mt. Rokkō and Mt. Maya Ultimate Getaway Guide

December 31, 2025 / Autumn Foliage, Hidden Gems, Hyōgo Prefecture, Kansai Region

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

December 23, 2025 / Autumn Foliage, Hidden Gems, Miyagi Prefecture, National Places of Scenery Beauty, Tōhoku Region, Top 100 Waterfalls in Japan

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

December 14, 2025 / Accommodation, Autumn Foliage, Hidden Gems, Onsen/Hot Spring

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 Wild Monkey Park and the Hot Spring Monkeys

December 21, 2025 / Chūbu Region, Hidden Gems, Nagano Prefecture, Onsen/Hot Spring

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

May 17, 2026 / Hidden Gems, Miyagi Prefecture, Tōhoku Region

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

January 5, 2026 / 100 Landscapes of Japan, Autumn Foliage, Cherry Blossom, Hidden Gems, Kyūshū Region, Ōita Prefecture, Onsen/Hot Spring

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

October 10, 2025 / Chūbu Region, Hidden Gems, Nagano Prefecture, Trekking/Hiking in Japan

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

September 16, 2026 / Autumn Foliage, Hidden Gems, Kansai Region, Osaka Prefecture, Trekking/Hiking in Japan

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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