The World Heritage Shirakawa-gō is now a really popular tourist destination in Japan. Often, people visit this fairytale-like village by catching a bus or driving from Kanazawa. Many tourists take the normal highway. But unbeknownst to them (and us when we first visited Shirakawa-gō), there is also a really scenic toll road that goes through …
With an altitude of 2702 meters, Mt. Hakusan (or Mt. Haku (白山)) is one of the top three mountains in Japan, along with Mt. Fuji (富士山) and Mt. Tate (立山) of the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. With picturesque and magnificent scenery along the hiking trails, Mt. Hakusan is a popular hiking destination for any age …
Hiking Mt. Hakusan, One of Japan’s Top Three Sacred Mountain Read More »
If you are looking for resorts during your visit to Kansai, consider Kannabe Kōgen in Hyōgo Prefecture‘s Toyooka City! It is a plateau located in the outer ring of Mt. Kanabe (神鍋山) and is known as one of the leading ski resorts in Kansai. When the breath of spring releases the Kannabe Kōgen from the …
Kannabe Kōgen – The Crater and Other Astonishing Landscapes Read More »
Just like its name, Yamanaka Onsen (山中温泉) in Kaga City is located deep in the mountains next to a beautiful hidden valley. First discovered 1,300 years ago by an eminent monk of the time, Gyōki (行基), the place was developed into an onsen district in the late 12th century. Apart from the onsen with great …
Yamanaka Onsen – Where Hot Spring Meets Elegant Lacquerware Read More »
In Yamanaka Onsen Town in Kaga Onsen Region, you will find a stunning gorge that you will want to visit all year round. The 1.3 km Kakusenkei Gorge (鶴仙渓) starts from the Korogi Bridge (こおろぎ橋) at Daishōji River’s (大聖寺川) upstream and is the best attraction in the gorgeous town.
Fukuchiyama (福知山), in northern Kyoto Prefecture, is a city blessed with abundant nature, hidden cherry blossoms, and fall foliage destinations. The city, known for its connection with the famous samurai – Akechi Mitsuhide, also is the best spot to admire hydrangeas in early May and also has a mountain where demons used to reside.
Tatsuno City (たつの市), also known as Harima Province’s “Little Kyoto” (播磨の小京都), is a lovely city with a historical and tranquil atmosphere. Situated along the coast, quite a few of the attractions in the city come with a panorama view of the Seto Inland Sea, including a forest of plum blossoms. The city is also where …
Tatsuno City – The Perfect Place to Enjoy the Four Seasons Read More »
If you are ever looking for a naturally cool and refreshing spot in Kyoto, then read on! Mt. Kurama and Kibune, located in the northernmost part of Kyoto City, are where the locals head to when they want to escape the summer heat. Why? Because the best way to spend a summer day in Kyoto …
Kurama & Kibune – The Hidden Gems in the Mountains of Kyoto Read More »
Shinjō Village (新庄村) is a village located in Maniwa District, Okayama Prefecture. While the village itself doesn’t have many attractions, it was still able to attract large crowds of visitors each year in spring! If you come to West Japan during the cherry blossom season, Gaisen Zakura Street in Shinjō Village is one of the places that you wouldn’t want …
Shinjō Village and Gaisen Zakura Street’s Cherry Blossom Read More »
Kanba Falls (神庭の滝), a 20-meter-wide waterfall with water falling from a 110-meter cliff, is the biggest waterfall in Western Japan and one of the Top 100 Waterfalls in the country! Together with the surrounding nature, the spot was also designated to be one of the 100 Landscapes of Japan (=ﾟωﾟ)ﾉ.