Chubu
The region of Chubu is composed of the prefectures of Gifu, Nagano, Aichi, Shizuoka, Ishiakwa.
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Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Routeー Cross Japan’s Roof in One Epic Day
How to best enjoy one of Japan’s most beautiful natural areas, the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route? Follow this itinerary to see the autumn foliage and high snow walls in Toyama.
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Gotemba Premium Outlets: Shopping with a View of Mount Fuji
Experience luxury shopping with breathtaking Mount Fuji views at Gotemba Premium Outlets. Discover 200 international and Japanese brands at discounted prices, tax-free shopping, and the perfect combination of retail therapy and natural wonder near Tokyo.
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Gokayama
What is Gokayama? Tucked deep in the mountains of Toyama Prefecture, Gokayama (五箇山) is a quiet village region renowned for its iconic gassho-zukuri farmhouses—steeply pitched thatched roofs designed like “hands in prayer” to withstand heavy snowfall. These villages are part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for their historical importance and architectural ingenuity. Unlike…
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Mitsukejima
What is Mitsukejima? Mitsukejima (見附島), often called “Battleship Island”, is a solitary rock formation standing roughly 30 meters high off the coast of Suzu City in Ishikawa Prefecture’s Noto Peninsula. From a distance, its long, flat shape resembles a warship emerging from the sea, which gives it the nickname Gunkanjima. Unlike the better-known Gunkanjima in…
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Shiroyone Senmaida Rice Terraces
What is Shiroyone Senmaida? Shiroyone Senmaida (白米千枚田) is a breathtaking series of over 1,000 small rice paddies carved into a steep hillside facing the Sea of Japan in Wajima, Ishikawa Prefecture. The name literally means “a thousand rice fields of Shiroyone,” and these terraces are famous for their intricate layout, scenic beauty, and traditional farming…
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Wajima, Ishikawa
What is Wajima? Wajima is a coastal city in Ishikawa Prefecture, nestled along the rugged Noto Peninsula. Known for its traditional lacquerware (Wajima-nuri), bustling morning market, and dramatic sea cliffs, Wajima offers visitors a glimpse of rural Japan shaped by artistry and the sea. Despite suffering damage in the 2024 Noto Peninsula earthquake, Wajima has…
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Chirihama Nagisa Driveway
What is Chirihama Nagisa Driveway? Chirihama Nagisa Driveway (千里浜なぎさドライブウェイ) is a unique 8-kilometer stretch of beach along the western coast of the Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa Prefecture. It is the only place in Japan—and one of the very few in the world—where you can drive directly on the beach with a regular vehicle. What makes…
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Tojinbo
What is Tojinbo? Tojinbo is a dramatic stretch of rugged sea cliffs located on the coast of Fukui Prefecture, Japan. These steep, pillar-like rock formations rise sharply from the Sea of Japan and are the result of rare geological activity—only a few similar formations exist worldwide. The cliffs extend for over one kilometer and reach…
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Eiheiji Temple
What is Eiheiji Temple? Eiheiji Temple (永平寺) is one of the two main temples of the Sōtō school of Zen Buddhism in Japan. Located in the forested mountains of Fukui Prefecture, it was founded by the revered Zen master Dōgen in 1244 as a training monastery. To this day, Eiheiji remains an active center of…
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Sabae
What is Sabae, Japan? Sabae is a small city located in Fukui Prefecture, along Japan’s western coast. With a population of around 68,000, it’s best known not for its size or location—but for its global impact in one very specific field: eyewear. Nearly all of Japan’s domestically produced eyeglass frames are made here, earning it…
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Mikata Five Lakes
What is Mikata Five Lakes? Mikata Five Lakes, or “Mikatagoko” (三方五湖), refers to five interconnected lakes nestled between the mountains and the Sea of Japan in Fukui Prefecture. This scenic region is designated as a quasi-national park and is known for its unique mix of saltwater, freshwater, and brackish lakes—each with its own ecosystem and…
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Obama Japan
What is Obama, Japan? Located in Fukui Prefecture along the Sea of Japan, Obama is a small coastal city known for its historic connection to traditional Japanese culture and cuisine. Despite its modest size, it gained global attention due to its shared name with former U.S. President Barack Obama—an association the locals proudly embraced. Obama…
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Zenkoji Temple
What is Zenkoji Temple? Zenkoji Temple is one of Japan’s most welcoming and inclusive Buddhist temples—famous for accepting all visitors regardless of religious affiliation. Located in the heart of Nagano City, this ancient temple has stood for over 1,400 years and continues to attract pilgrims, history lovers, and spiritual seekers from around the world. What…
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Shibu Onsen
What is Shibu Onsen? Tucked away in the Nagano mountains near Yudanaka, Shibu Onsen (渋温泉) is a charming and historic hot spring town known for its cobblestone streets, traditional ryokan inns, and nostalgic atmosphere. With over 1,300 years of history, this small onsen village continues to offer an authentic glimpse into Japan’s bathhouse culture. Though…
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Jigokudani Monkey Park
What is Jigokudani Monkey Park? Jigokudani Monkey Park, located in the mountains of Nagano Prefecture, is one of the most unique wildlife spots in Japan—and in the world. The park is famous for its wild Japanese macaques (commonly known as snow monkeys) that bathe in natural hot springs during the winter months. Set within the…
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Nagoya Castle Travel Guide
What is Nagoya Castle? Nagoya Castle is one of Japan’s most iconic castles, located in the heart of Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture. Originally built in 1612 by Tokugawa Ieyasu—the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate—it served as a strategic stronghold to secure control over central Japan. The castle became the seat of the Owari branch of…
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The Perfect Shirakawa-go Travel Guide – Gassho Houses & Winter Magic
Tucked away in the mountains of Gifu Prefecture, Shirakawa-go is one of Japan’s most iconic rural destinations. Famous for its gassho-zukuri farmhouses—steep thatched roofs designed to shed heavy snow—it’s a place where time slows down and tradition lives on.The village is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and draws visitors year-round for its fairytale-like…
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The Perfect Takayama Travel Guide 2026 – Old Streets & Hida Beef
Tucked away in the mountains of Gifu Prefecture, Takayama is one of Japan’s best-preserved traditional towns. Known for its historic wooden architecture, morning markets, and regional cuisine like Hida beef, Takayama offers a peaceful yet immersive cultural escape. Strolling through the streets of Sanmachi Suji, you’ll find Edo-period homes, sake breweries, and local artisans still…
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Ghibli Park Nagoya | Experience a Spiritual and Fantastic World
Next to the extremely popular Ghibli Museum in Mitaka, Tokyo a new pilgrimage destination for fans of the dreamy Studio Ghibli franchise has been opened in November 2022. The Ghibli Park is even larger and you can truly disappear in a wondrous different world
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Nakasendo Kiso-Fukushima Post Town | Largest lodging town in Kiso area
Kiso-Fukushima was a post town on the Nakasendo trail during feudal times. You can find many attractive preserved historical sites including the old town, magistrate office, checkpoint, and a beautiful Zen garden here.