Places to Visit | Vegetarian's Japan Guide

Why Kaga Onsen is the Best Side-Trip from Kanazawa

March 20, 2026 / Hidden Gems, Hokuriku Region, Ishikawa Prefecture, National Places of Scenery Beauty, Onsen/Hot Spring, Pottery and Crafts

Tucked away in the mountains of Ishikawa Prefecture, Kaga Onsen (加賀温泉) is more than just a hot spring destination. It is a collection of four distinct resort towns dating back 1,300 years. Since the 2024 Hokuriku Shinkansen extension, these four historic hot spring towns, Yamashiro, Yamanaka, Katayamazu, and Awazu, have become effortlessly accessible, offering a serene alternative […]

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Kaisando and Nokyodo at Yamadera Yamagata Japan

Yamadera: The Best Natural & Spiritual Day Trip from Sendai

March 8, 2026 / Trekking/Hiking in Japan, Yamagata Prefecture

Perched precariously on the side of a jagged mountain in Yamagata Prefecture, Hojusan Risshakuji (宝珠山立石寺), is one of Northern Japan’s most sacred sites. It is a place where nature and spirituality collide, immortalized by the haiku poet Matsuo Basho and preserved by over 1,100 years of Tendai Buddhist tradition. Popularly known as Yamadera (山寺),

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Kerama Islands: Naha Ferry, Snorkeling & Vegan Tips

March 6, 2026 / Beaches/Water Sports, Hidden Gems, Okinawa

Discover the breathtaking beauty of the Kerama Islands (慶良間諸島), a subtropical island group just a short ferry ride from Okinawa’s main island. Renowned for “Kerama Blue”, a crystal-clear ocean hue found nowhere else, this national park is a bucket-list destination for snorkeling, scuba diving, and humpback whale watching in early spring. Whether you are planning a

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Geruma Island: Okinawa’s Stunning Hidden Gem Guide

March 5, 2026 / Beaches/Water Sports, Hidden Gems, Okinawa

Discover the ultimate off-the-beaten-path escape on Geruma Island (慶留間島), the smallest inhabited gem of Okinawa’s Kerama Islands. Connected to Aka Island by a scenic bridge, Geruma is a sanctuary of “Kerama Blue” waters, traditional red-tiled roofs, and the protected Kerama deer that roam its quiet lanes. Whether you are exploring the historic Takara House, a

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Cats-on-Ainoshima-Island-Shingu-Fukuoka-Japan

Ainoshima Cat Island Guide: Ferry, Transport & Tips

March 3, 2026 / Fukuoka Prefecture, Hidden Gems, Kyūshū Region, National Historic Site

Discover the feline-filled wonders of Ainoshima (相島), Fukuoka’s most famous “heart-shaped” cat island, with our comprehensive travel guide. Located just a short ferry ride from the mainland, this small fishing village is home to over 230 friendly cats and a community of residents who have lived alongside them for centuries. Whether you are a dedicated

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Bear bell at the side of the Wooden boardwalk trail in Kamikōchi forest

Taishō Pond to Kappa Bridge: Kamikōchi’s Stunning Trail

March 2, 2026 / Chūbu Region, Nagano Prefecture, Trekking/Hiking in Japan

Experience the most breathtaking scenery in the Japanese Alps with a journey along the walking trails from Taishō Pond to Kappa Bridge. This gentle, 3.5-kilometer path is the quintessential Kamikōchi hiking experience, offering a perfectly flat and accessible route that showcases the best of Chūbu-Sangaku National Park. Starting at the mirror-like waters of Taishō-ike, you

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Reflection of Hotaka Mountains in Taishō Pond

Taishō Pond: The Most Beautiful Starting Point in Kamikōchi

February 28, 2026 / Autumn Foliage, Chūbu Region, Nagano Prefecture, National Places of Scenery Beauty, Trekking/Hiking in Japan

Experience the ethereal beauty of Taishō Pond (Taishō-ike, 大正池), one of the most iconic and photogenic landmarks in the heart of the Kamikōchi highlands. Formed by the volcanic eruption of Mt. Yakedake in 1915, this stunning mirror-like lake is famous for its standing withered trees and the breathtaking reflections of the Hotaka Mountain Range. As

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Former-Chikurin-in-Light-up-Event-Sakamoto-Shiga-Japan

Sakamoto: The Best Kyoto Day Trip You Have Never Heard Of

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

Escape the crowds of Kyoto and journey into the heart of Sakamoto (坂本) in Otsu City, a serene and historic temple town nestled at the foot of Mount Hiei in Shiga Prefecture. Known as the gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage site Enryaku-ji Temple, Sakamoto is famous for its unique “Anozurazumi” stone walls, meticulously crafted by

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Yufunogo Saigakukan: The Best Yufuin Ryokan for Mt. Yufu Views

February 25, 2026 / Accommodation, Kyūshū Region, Ōita Prefecture, Onsen/Hot Spring

Experience the ultimate in Japanese hospitality at Yufunogo Saigakukan (柚富の郷彩岳館), one of the best ryokans in Yufuin. Perfectly situated to offer breathtaking panoramic views of the twin-peaked Mt. Yufu, Saigakukan blends traditional elegance with modern comfort following its 2022 renovation. From soaking in drinkable onsen water and relaxing in private mountain-view baths to donning

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Ichi-no-Yu-Kinosaki-Onsen-Tooyoka-Hyogo-Japan

Kinosaki Onsen and the 7 Tattoo-Friendly Public Bathhouses

February 25, 2026 / Hyōgo Prefecture, Kansai Region, Onsen/Hot Spring

Dive into the ultimate hot spring experience with our guide to Kinosaki Onsen’s seven public bathhouses. In this historic town, the streets are your hallways and the bathhouses are your destination as you partake in Sotoyu-meguri (bath-hopping) dressed in traditional yukata and geta. Whether you are seeking the healing cave waters of Ichi no Yu, the

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