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 […]
Hakusan Shirakawa-gō White Road Complete Guide Read More »
Karuizawa‘s natural spots aren’t just about waterfalls and lakes. Driving up the Usui Pass, there is a park close to the summit at 1,200m. The Usui Pass Observation Platform (碓氷峠見晴台) in the park is one of our favorite places to visit in Karuizawa. The observation platform offers a spectacular panoramic view of the ragged mountain
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Whether you are a regular visitor or are discovering Minoh Park (箕面公園) in Minoh City in Osaka for the first time, the Takimichi Hiking Course (滝道ハイキングコース) should be on your itinerary. Completed in 1886, this well-maintained 2.7 km course (which takes around 40 – 50 minutes) starts at Hankyū Minoh Station (阪急箕面駅) and ends at
Minoh Park & Minoo Falls: The Best Osaka Day Trip Spots Read More »
If you are looking to enjoy the stunning nature of rural Nagano Prefecture, Togakushi (戸隠), which receives approximately 150 thousand visitors yearly, will be one of your top options. The village situated at the foot of Mt. Togakushi in Myōkō-Togakushi Renzan National Park (妙高戸隠連山国立公園) is a must-see in Nagano. The small Japanese village has a
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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
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Escape the urban bustle of Kobe for a breath of fresh alpine air at Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden and Ropeway (神戸布引ハーブ園/ロープウェイ), home to over 75,000 herbs and flowers. Your journey begins with a 10-minute scenic ride on the ropeway, offering panoramic views of the city skyline. Nature lovers can also hike the lush trails to
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Apart from Kamikōchi, Norikura Kōgen (乗鞍高原) is another breathtaking place in Matsumoto. The best thing about the relatively off-the-beaten-path destination is that it isn’t as crowded as Kamikōchi, and you can drive there without relying on public transport. So read on, and find out more about the charm of Norikura Kogen!
Norikura Kōgen – Matsumoto’s Hidden Picturesque Destination Read More »
Discover the pristine wilderness of the Japanese Alps with our comprehensive guide to Kamikōchi (上高地), Japan’s premier mountain highland destination. Located within the Chūbu-Sangaku National Park in Nagano Prefecture, this breathtaking glacial valley is world-renowned for its crystal-clear Azusa River, the iconic Kappa Bridge, and soaring 3,000-meter peaks like Mt. Hotaka. Whether you are a
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Your visit to Kamikōchi shouldn’t stop at Kappa Bridge. Trekking further for another hour upstream of the Azusa River from Kappa Bridge, you will reach the Myōjin Area. Here is the ground of God. Not sure if it is because this is where God lives, as the atmosphere around the area is distinctly different from
Trekking to the Mysterious Myōjin Area in Kamikōchi Read More »
The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route (立山黒部アルペンルート) is a scenic route that traverses the Japanese Northern Alps, connecting Toyama and Nagano Prefectures. Known as the Roof of Japan, Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route opens on April 15 and closes on November 30 each year. This spectacular route is renowned for its magnificent 20-meter snow wall at the
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