Places to Visit

Hachimantai-Dragon-Eye-Akita-Japan

Hachimantai Guide: Attractions, Scenic Drives & Onsen Tips

September 5, 2026 / 100 Famous Japanese Mountains, Autumn Foliage, Iwate Prefecture, Snow Scenery, Tōhoku Region, Trekking/Hiking in Japan

Spanning the mountainous border of Iwate and Akita Prefectures, Hachimantai (八幡平) in Towada-Hachimantai National Park (十和田八幡平国立公園) is one of Northern Japan’s most spectacular nature destinations. From the towering 27-kilometer Hachimantai Aspite Line to volcanic mud baths at Goshogake Onsen and easy alpine hiking loops, this high-altitude haven offers year-round outdoor adventure. With plenty of alpine […]

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Naniwa Kumano Shrine and Its Gorgeous Plum Blossoms

December 30, 2024 / Hyōgo Prefecture, Kansai Region, Plum Blossoms, Temples & Shrines

If you have heard about or have been to the Kumano Shrine in Wakayama Prefecture, you might wonder if Naniwa Kuamno Shrine (なにわ熊野神社) is related to the renowned Kumano Shrine. And your guess is correct! So, if you don’t have time to complete the pilgrimage, start your journey from Naniwa Kumano Shrine and get blessings

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Mt.-Akita-Komagatake-Moomin-Valley-Akita-Japan

The Best Guide to Mt. Akita-Komagatake and the Moomin Valley

July 19, 2024 / Akita Prefecture, Hidden Gems, Tōhoku Region, Trekking/Hiking in Japan

For anyone out there who wants to be at the summit of a mountain the lazy way but doesn’t want to splurge on some fancy transportation mode (i.e., a gondola lift), check out Mt. Akita-Komagatake (秋田駒ヶ岳) in Akita Prefecture! Although you have to hike a bit longer than Mt. Iwaki in Aomori Prefecture, it only

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Tsurunoyu-Pool-Nyuto-Onsen

Nyūtō Onsen and the 7 Unique Ryokans Deep in the Mountain

September 17, 2024 / 100 Hidden Scenic Spots, Accommodation, Akita Prefecture, Autumn Foliage, Onsen/Hot Spring, Snow Scenery, Tōhoku Region

Nyūtō Onsen (乳頭温泉郷) is a rural hot spring resort in Akita Prefecture (秋田県) that consists of six ryokans and one hotel, each having its history, style, and spring quality. Listed as one of the 100 Japan Hidden Scenic Spots (日本の秘境100選), the resort is quietly nestled deep in the mountain at the base of Mt. Nyūtō.

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Kyukamura-Nyuto-Onsen-Gate

Kyūkamura: The Only Western-Style Hotel in Nyūtō Onsen

July 19, 2024 / Accommodation, Akita Prefecture, Onsen/Hot Spring, Tōhoku Region

Kyūkamura Nyūtō Onsenkyō (渡假村 乳頭溫泉鄉) is one of the 37 hotels owned by the National Park Resort Chain. Although the hotel itself doesn’t have the secrecy element like the other six ryokans in Nyūtō Onsen, the facilities in Kyūkamura are suitable for families or the elderly due to its level of service, modern facilities, and

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Tae-no-Yu-Nyuto-Onsen

Tae no Yu and the Luxurious Onsen Experience in Nyūtō Onsen

July 19, 2024 / Accommodation, Akita Prefecture, Onsen/Hot Spring, Tōhoku Region

If comfortability is more important to you when staying in a hot spring town, consider spending a night at Tae-no-Yu (妙乃湯). The luxurious ryokan offers high-quality service and facility. Soon after you enter this ryokan, you should be able to smell a strong woody aroma from its wooden interior decoration, making it popular amongst female

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Tsurunoyu-Nyuto-Onsen-Gate

Tsuru no Yu: Nyūtō Onsen’s Oldest But Most Popular Ryokan

July 19, 2024 / Accommodation, Akita Prefecture, Onsen/Hot Spring, Tōhoku Region

If you plan to visit Nyūtō Onsen, one of the top hot spring towns in Akita Prefecture, we highly recommend booking a night with Tsuru no Yu (鶴之湯). It is the oldest ryokan in town and was once a spa for the lords of the Akita domain. Thus, besides the guestrooms and public baths, a

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Tsunashiki Tenmangu Plum Blossoms Kobe Hyogo Japan

Tsunashiki Tenmangū: The Plum Blossoms & Interesting Rituals

January 1, 2025 / Hyōgo Prefecture, Kansai Region, Plum Blossoms, Temples & Shrines

Speaking of plum blossoms in Japan, many Japanese would think of Sugawara no Michizane (菅原道真). The famous scholar from the Heian period (794 – 1185) is known for his love towards plum blossoms. Therefore, most, if not all, of the Tenmangū shrines in Japan have plums planted. The Tsunashiki Tenmangū (綱敷天満宮) in Kobe isn’t an

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Kitanocho-Square-Kobe-Hyogo-Japan

Kitano Ijinkan-gai and the Most Interesting Old Houses You Will Ever Find

August 22, 2024 / Hyōgo Prefecture, Kansai Region, Museums/Galleries

If sightseeing is what you are after in Kobe, stopping by the Kitano Ijinkan-Gai (北野異人館街) is a must, even if you come from a European country with similar house features. The old houses open to the public have all been renovated into museums with different themes. From the ones where you get to peek into

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