Although not as famous as Kusatsu Onsen, Ikaho Onsen (伊香保温泉) in Gunma Prefecture is a hot spring town well-known to the Japanese since ancient times. Appeared in the Man’yōshū (万葉集), the oldest extant collection of Japanese waka, the onsen town is a hidden gem filled with natural and cultural elements! So if you are after a […]
The Best Guide to the Must-Visit Spots in Ikaho Onsen Read More »
Besides Kids’ Ninja Village, Togakushi Ninja Museum and Ninja Trick Mansion (戸隠流忍法資料館 忍者からくり屋敷), close to the starting point of Togakushi Oku-sha Approach, is another ninja-related attraction in Togakushi. A ninja’s home is often filled with traps that help them get a leg up on their adversaries. If you are interested in visiting one of these
The Best Guide to Togakushi Ninja Museum・Ninja Trick Mansion Read More »
After visiting Kusatsu Onsen, you can drive up to Shiga Kōgen. The 43km-long scenic freeway connecting the two popular destinations is National Highway No. 292, also known as Shiga Kusatsu Kōgen Route (志賀草津高原ルート). The route goes as far as Shibu Onsen (渋温泉郷) in Nagano Prefecture, close to the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park. So if you
A Guide to the Picturesque Shiga Kusatsu Kōgen Route Read More »
In Kusatsu Onsen, there are 19 public bathhouses utilized by the locals. Different from the normal public houses, they are administered by the locals and are free to use. But apart from Jizō no Yu (地蔵の湯) and the other two bathhouses, they are not open to tourists. Before you get too excited about the word
Jizō no Yu: Kusatsu Onsen’s Free Communal Bathhouse Read More »
The coolest spot in Tokorozawa City is Tokorozawa Sakura Town. It was built by the city and Kadokawa Corporation, a Japanese media company. In particular, the Kadokawa Musashino Museum (角川武蔵野ミュージアム) is an awe-inspiring building. Not only does it have a magnificent appearance, but the museum’s interior is equally amazing.
Kadokawa Musashino Museum: The Must-Visit Spot in Saitama Read More »
Walking around Karuizawa, you might start to imagine a life of owning a villa in this wonderful town. While this isn’t practical for most of us, you can visit Café Susu no Ne (旧軽井沢Cafe涼の音). This national tangible cultural property was a private villa of an American diplomat, Edwin O. Reischauer. Because the furnishings were left
Café Susu no Ne and Murō Saisei Commemorative House Read More »
HARUNIRE Terrace (ハルニレテラス) is a commercial complex in Karuizawa operated by the famous Hoshino Resort. The traditional-look terrace has the Yu River (湯川) flowing on its right and is surrounded by a Japanese elm forest. With many trendy restaurants and boutique shops, the terrace is one of the most popular spots in Naka-Karuizawa for those
HARUNIRE Terrace, Where You Dine and Shop in Naka-Karuizawa Read More »
Karuizawa, Japan’s famous summer resort, is one of the most popular destinations close to Tokyo. In addition to the spots close to Karuizawa Station, such as Old Karuizawa Ginza Street, Karuizawa Hoshino Area in Naka-Karuizawa is gaining popularity. While the area north of Shinano Railway’s Naka-Karuizawa Station requires some walking to get to, the good
The Ultimate Guide to Karuizawa Hoshino Area Read More »
Karuizawa has many churches. While not locating in the town center, Uchimura Kanzō Memorial Stone Church in Karuizawa Hoshino Area is the one you have to visit, even if you don’t believe in god. The church is just like an artwork. Whether you understand architecture or not, the building will manage to amaze you.
The Best Guide to the Uchimura Kanzō Memorial Stone Church Read More »
On a hot summer day, the best spot to visit on Nakamachi Street is Nakamachi Hyouka Ten (中町氷菓店). You will find phenomenal shaved ice made from natural ice made in Yamanashi Prefecture. We were a little bit hesitant to make an order because 1,500 yen isn’t exactly cheap. However, after taking the first bite, we
Nakamachi Hyouka Ten and Its Amazing Shaved Ice Read More »
