Places to Visit | Vegetarian's Japan Guide

Bitchū Matsuyama Castle Guide: Floating Castle & Sea of Clouds

June 16, 2026 / Autumn Foliage, Castles with Original Castle Keep, Chūgoku Region, Hidden Gems, Okayama Prefecture, Top 100 Japanese Castles

Imagine stepping onto a mountain ridge at dawn to find a 400-year-old feudal fortress completely suspended over a brilliant, white ocean of mist. Bitchu Matsuyama Castle (備中松山城) in Okayama Prefecture, famously known as Japan’s “Castle in the Sky”, is the country’s highest original surviving castle, and catching its ethereal unkai (sea of clouds) phenomenon is […]

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Takeda Castle Ruins: The Complete Castle in the Sky Guide

June 16, 2026 / Autumn Foliage, Cherry Blossom, Hidden Gems, Hyōgo Prefecture, Kansai Region, Top 100 Japanese Castles, Trekking/Hiking in Japan

Known as Japan’s mythical “Castle in the Sky,” the Takeda Castle Ruins (Takeda Jōseki, 竹田城跡) offer one of the most breathtaking views in Hyogo Prefecture. Perched 353 meters above sea level atop Mt. Kojōzan (古城山) in Asago City, these historic ruins appear to float on a breathtaking sea of clouds during clear autumn mornings, closely

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Garden of the Lord’s Residence (Oyashiki-no-Niwa) in Kokoen Garden, Hidden Gem in Himeji, Japan

The Ultimate Guide to Kōkōen Garden: Himeji’s Hidden Gem

June 14, 2026 / Autumn Foliage, Cherry Blossom, Hyōgo Prefecture, Japanese Garden, Kansai Region, Places to Visit, Snow Scenery

No trip to Himeji is complete without marveling at the iconic, brilliant white facade of Himeji Castle. But while most tourists head straight back to the train station after touring the fortress, those in the know step right next door into Kōkōen Garden (姫路城西御屋敷跡庭園好古園). Opened to commemorate the history of Himeji City, this stunning

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Mt. Shosha: How to Visit Himeji’s Hidden Mountain Temple

June 26, 2026 / Autumn Foliage, Hidden Gems, Hyōgo Prefecture, Kansai Region, Temples & Shrines, Trekking/Hiking in Japan, Vegan and Vegetarian-Friendly Spots, World Heritage

While millions of tourists flock to Hyogo Prefecture for the iconic white walls of Himeji Castle, few realize that an ancient, spiritual destination awaits just 25 minutes away. Rising quietly above the city, Mt. Shosha (書写山) is home to Engyōji Temple (圓教寺), a breathtaking 1,000-year-old Buddhist complex nestled deep within a dense, mossy forest. Famously

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Himeji Castle surrounded by blooming pink cherry blossoms in spring

Himeji Castle Guide: Attractions, Tickets, & Vegan Tips

June 13, 2026 / 100 Landscapes of Japan, Autumn Foliage, Castles with Original Castle Keep, Cherry Blossom, Hyōgo Prefecture, Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots, Kansai Region, Top 100 Japanese Castles, World Heritage

As Japan’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the country’s 12 remaining original keeps, Himeji Castle (姫路城), tops almost every traveler’s bucket list. Known as the “White Heron Castle Shirasagi-Jō (白鷺城)” for its brilliant white plaster walls and elegant, wing-like architecture, this 400-year-old masterpiece is the ultimate day trip from nearby Osaka or

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Nagatoya Top Seller Bite-Size Fig Traditional Sweets, Haruka

Aizu Confectionery Guide: Nanukamachi’s Best Sweet Shops

June 13, 2026 / Fukushima Prefecture, Sweets, Tōhoku Region, Traditional Confectionery

Stepping onto the charming, retro streets of Nanukamachi in Aizu-Wakamatsu feels like taking a delicious step back in time. Renowned for its beautifully preserved Edo and Taisho-period architecture, this historic merchant avenue is also the ultimate paradise for anyone with a sweet tooth. The neighborhood’s rich culinary heritage is kept alive by a collection of

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Nagatoya Shop Front, Nanukamachi's Must-Visit Traditional Sweets Maker

Nagatoya: Must-Visit Traditional Sweets in Aizu-Wakamatsu

June 13, 2026 / Fukushima Prefecture, Traditional Confectionery, Vegan and Vegetarian-Friendly Spots

In the nostalgic, historic streets of Nanukamachi in Aizu-Wakamatsu, Nagatoya (会津長門屋七日町店) is one of the top traditional confectionery makers in town. Their Nanukamachi shop, located on Nanukamachi-dōri Street, opened in 2011. Founded in 1848, this legendary sweets maker has spent over 170 years blending samurai-era tradition with innovative, modern artistry. Whether you are a

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Norikura Kōgen Travel Guide: How to Visit, Best Hikes & Tips

September 7, 2026 / Autumn Foliage, Chūbu Region, Hidden Gems, Nagano Prefecture, Skiing/Snowboarding, Top 100 Waterfalls in Japan, Trekking/Hiking in Japan

Nestled in the Japanese Alps, Norikura Kōgen (乗鞍高原) is a stunning, hidden destination known for its dramatic waterfalls, alpine meadows, and the soaring peaks of Mt. Norikura. It is the best off-the-beaten-path destination in Central Japan that isn’t as crowded as Kamikōchi, and you can drive there without relying on public transport! Whether you are

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Tanesashi Coast Guide: Hachinohe Hiking & Vegan Travel Tips

June 26, 2026 / Aomori Prefecture, National Places of Scenery Beauty, Tōhoku Region, Trekking/Hiking in Japan

Looking for a breathtaking coastal escape in northern Japan that perfectly balances wild nature with plant-based travel? Look no further than the Tanesashi Coast (種差海岸) in Hachinohe, Aomori Prefecture. Serving as the stunning northern terminus of the famous Michinoku Coastal Trail, this scenic 12-kilometer stretch of the Sanriku Fukkō National Park (三陸復興國立公園) features everything from

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Best Things to Do in Ōtsu: The Perfect Day Trip From Kyoto

June 26, 2026 / Hidden Gems, Kansai Region, Shiga Prefecture

After an off the beaten path destination in Japan near Kyoto? Just a short, 10-minute train ride from the bustling streets of Kyoto lies Ōtsu (大津市), the historic capital of Shiga Prefecture and the peaceful gateway to the majestic Lake Biwa. While most travelers skip this lakeside gem in favor of its famous neighbor, Ōtsu

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