Located around the middle between Suiren-numa Pond and Tsuta-numa Pond, Yachi Onsen (谷地温泉), which has a history of more than 400 years, is one of Japan’s Three Secret Onsen (日本三秘湯). The other two are the Iya Onsen (祖谷温泉) in Tokushima and Niseko Yakushi Onsen (ニセコ薬師温泉) in Hokkdaidō.
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Kurashiki City (倉敷市) is more than just the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter (倉敷美観地区). Not too far from this popular attraction, there are a couple of unique spots that might excite you if you are a collector or a Japanese sword admirer. Just a 40-minute train ride away, you will be able to source Japan’s best
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If you are looking for a shrine to visit when you come to Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, we recommend the Achi Shrine (阿智神社) at the top of Mt. Tsurugata (鶴形山) in its north. Not only the shrine has a history of more than 1,700 years, but there is also a super old and huge wisteria
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Unazuki Onsen (宇奈月温泉) in Kurobe City is a popular hot spring resort where you can enjoy the natural scenery of Kurobe Gorge. The hot spring town is the best place to base yourself in to take in what the picturesque gorge has to offer. Once you get there, it won’t be hard to understand why Kurobe
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As you approach Kurobe Gorge Railway‘s Unazuki Station, you will inevitably notice the three-story building that looks like an inn opposite the road. While it does look like a nice place to spend a night, it is actually a museum (only on the ground floor). You can learn about the mechanisms of hydroelectric power generation
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The most convenient spot to indulge your body in the nice hot spring of Unazuki Onsen is Yumedokoro Unazuki (湯めどころ宇奈月総湯). The public bathhouse is close to Unazuki Station, in the same building as the Unazuki Onsen Information Center. Opened in 2016, it is one of the newest hot spring facilities in the hot spring town.
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The Hakusan Shirakawa-go White Road (白山白川郷ホワイトロード) is the ultimate scenic drive between Kanazawa and the historic village of Shirakawa-gō, but it is far from a standard highway. It is a specialized, automobile-only tourist route packed with sheer cliff drop-offs, free open-air footbaths, and iconic spots like the 86-meter Fukube Falls. Because the 33.3 km toll road
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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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When most travelers picture Kyoto, they imagine the brilliant orange gates of Fushimi Inari or the crowded bamboo groves of Arashiyama. However, the true soul of the region lies far beyond the city center, tucked away in the misty mountains, historic samurai castle towns, and floating coastal villages of greater Kyoto Prefecture. Exploring these spectacular,
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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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