Hidden Gems

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Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden and Nunobiki Falls Ultimate Guide

Escape the urban bustle of Kobe for a breath of fresh alpine air at Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden and Ropeway (神戸布引ハーブ園/ロープウェイ), home to over 75,000 herbs and flowers. Your journey begins with a 10-minute scenic ride on the ropeway, offering panoramic views of the city skyline. Nature lovers can also hike the lush trails to […]

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Ine Bay: An Amazing Fishing Town North of Amanohashidate

Extend your exploration of Japan’s rural landscape from Amanohashidate to Ine Bay (伊根湾)! Also known as Ine no Funaywa, the quiet Ine fishing village is located in the northern part of the Tango Peninsula (丹後半島). Along Ine Bay, where the waves are calm, a unique townscape is formed by the type of private houses called

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Norikura Kōgen – Matsumoto’s Hidden Picturesque Destination

Apart from Kamikōchi, Norikura Kōgen (乗鞍高原) is another breathtaking place in Matsumoto. The best thing about the relatively off-the-beaten-path destination is that it isn’t as crowded as Kamikōchi, and you can drive there without relying on public transport. So read on, and find out more about the charm of Norikura Kogen!

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Discover Norikura Kōgen Ichinose Meadow: Hiking & Nature

The Ichinose Meadow (乗鞍高原一の瀬園地) in Norikura Kogen is an unspoiled gem in the Japanese Alps. Located in Nagano and surrounded by stunning mountain scenery, it is one of the best spots for easy, accessible hiking and cycling and connecting with nature. From seasonal wildflowers to peaceful ponds reflecting the peaks, this meadow is the perfect

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First Tadami River Bridge Mishima Fukushima Japan

Tadami Line: The Most Picturesque JR Local Train Line

Are you looking for a hidden gem that is too breathtaking to take your eyes off near Tokyo? While there are a couple of these spots, the one we love the most is the JR Tadami Line (只見線). It was chosen as Japan’s most scenic local train line. From the window of the local train

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Amanohashidate: One of the Top Three Scenic Places in Japan

Amanohashidate (天橋立), one of the Three Views of Japan (日本三景, Nihon Sankei), is a celebrated scenic site in Japan that many Japanese have on their bucket list to visit. It is the small Japanese towns to visit in Kyoto for stunning views throughout the year. There are cherry blossoms in spring and maple leaves in

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The Ultimate Guide to How to Enjoy Aka Island

While increasing in popularity as a day trip destination from Naha, Aka Island (阿嘉島) remains a relatively less-visited inhabited island amongst the Kerama Islands group. And the good thing is that Aka Island is connected to Geruma Island (慶留間島) and Fukaji Island (外地島) by bridges, so that you can explore three islands with a single

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A Guide to Zamami Island and the Michelin-Starred Beach

Aside from Tokashiki Island (渡嘉敷島), Zamami Island (座間味島) is also considered one of the best snorkeling spots in Okinawa. Why? Because one of the beaches on Zamami Island was given a two-star rating by the Michelin Green Guide Japan! In addition to the Kerama-Blue colored beaches where sea turtles linger, Zamami Island is another spot

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The Best Guide to Roadside Station Funayanosato Ine

Besides seeing Ine‘s unique Funayas by taking the Ine Bay Sightseeing Ferry, there is another way to adore the town’s rural scenery. The view from the Roadside Station Funayanosato Ine (道の駅 舟屋の里伊根) is the most spectacular in the area, and it doesn’t cost you anything to enjoy it!

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Konan Sanzan – The Three Most Scenic Temples South of Lake Biwa

At the south of Japan’s largest lake, Lake Biwa, three temples were erected in the early 8th century. Each has a worship hall designated as a National Treasure in its precinct. Together, the three Tendai sect temples have been known as the ‘Konan Sanzan (湖南三山)’ since 2005. But nowadays, instead of the national treasures, what

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