Fukuoka is a city that is relatively laid back compared to other big cities in Japan. If you are looking to add a natural spot for a break from the eating and shopping in the city center, consider Nokonoshima (能古島)! This island boasts a seemingly endless field of flowers throughout the year as well as […]
Nokonoshima Island – Fukuoka’s Perfect Weekend Getaway Read More »
If you plan to visit Nokonoshima Island in Fukuoka, ensure Nokonoshima Island Park (のこのしまアイランドパーク) at the northmost of the island is on your itinerary. It is the most beautiful part of Nokonoshima. Especially with its breathtaking view of the flower fields and magnificent ocean as the backdrop, the park of 150,000 square meters has been
Nokonoshima Island Park: The Must-Visit Spot on Nokonoshima Read More »
If you want to escape the bustling Hakata city center quickly, Rakusuien (楽水園) at the back of Sumiyoshi Shrine is the perfect place for a short break. The small garden is like an oasis in the city, allowing you to slow down and appreciate the beauty of nature. From mid-November to early December, the garden
Rakusuien Garden: The Must-Visit Japanese Garden in Hakata Read More »
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 »
If you are looking for the most magical photo spot in Saitama, the Kadokawa Musashino Museum (角川武蔵野ミュージアム) is likely at the top of your list. Often called the ‘Harry Potter library of Japan’ due to its towering 8-meter-tall shelves and ‘Hogwarts vibes,’ this architectural marvel by Kengo Kuma is a must-visit for book lovers and
Kadokawa Musashino Museum: Japan’s Harry Potter Library 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 »
