Japan Travel Guide
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Matsumoto, Nagano | Remnants of an elegant castle town and magnificent nature
Matsumoto is centrally located in Nagano and is surrounded by the Japan Alps mountains. The city is especially famous for Matsumoto Castle, which is one of Japan’s original historic castles.
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Hakuba, Nagano | Resorts including the largest ski resort in Japan
Hakuba in Nagano is one of Japan’s ski areas with several large ski resorts to choose from. The magnificent views and snow conditions make it very popular.
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Kamikochi, Nagano | A resort area that is a treasure trove of unspoiled, beautiful wilderness
Kamikochi is a remote mountainous highland in the northern part of the Japanese Alps, which has been preserved in its natural state. Hikers will love the great outdoors feeling they will get here.
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Karuizawa, Nagano | Surrounded by nature and adorable animals
Karuizawa has thrived as a very popular summer resort in Japan since the late 19th century because of its cool and comfy summer climate. This attractive town is a good stop on your way to the Nagano mountains.
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Nagano City | Beautiful nature in each season and historic townscape
Nagano city is a good place to stay as a base for making day trips in the area with its good bus and train connections. What is there to do in the city itself?
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Shiga Kogen, Nagano | People’s Lives in Harmony with Beautiful Nature
The Shiga Kogen Highlands were formed by volcanic activity and have a mountainous landscape. It stands as one of the world’s largest winter resorts and was home to many of the events of the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics.
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Tsumago Post Town | Elegant and beautiful streets with a sense of old Japan
Tsumago is one of the most popular old post towns to visit on the Nakasendo Trail because it is so well-preserved. Learn more about its history and what you can see there today.
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Yudanaka, Nagano | Beautiful hot spring resort with a long history that even monkeys visit
Yudanaka, rich in natural hot springs, is located deep in the mountains of the Yamanouchi area in Nagano. Some 200 monkeys live in this area. Watching them bathe just like humans do is fun!
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The History of Japan’s Pride of Mt.Fuji
The region around Mt Fuji has long been the inspiration for the works of many of Japan’s most celebrated writers, poets, and artists. How did this beautiful mountain with its nearly perfect symmetrical cone originate?
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Climbing Mt. Fuji was a great experience : A Personal Account
From the 8th station, the walk begins to get quite steep and by the time you get to the 9th station, the track will almost be so steep and rocky that at times it will feel like you are rock climbing…
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Fujisan World Heritage Center | Let’s learn more about Mt Fuji!
The Fujisan World Heritage Center wants to educate people on the geography and history of the popular mountain. Find out what to expect from a visit!
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Dewa Sanzan, Yamagata | Peak of the Gods
The people who practice Shugendo asceticism on Dewa Sanzan are called ‘yamabushi’, and they are probably the most rigorous and stoic people in the history of Japan.
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Tono City, Iwate | Michinoku’s three best cherry blossom viewing spots
Tono City in Iwate is not on the tourists’ Golden Route in Japan, but if you love horses or folk tales, it is a must-see destination. Not far from there is a park that’s one of the best cherry blossom spots in the country.
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Naha | An enjoyable trip to Okinawa starts here!
Naha is usually the first place tourists see in Okinawa after touching down in the archipelago. It’s a great place to spend a day or 3, so what is there to see and do there?
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Ishigaki Island, Okinawa | Beautiful sea and rich nature
Visitors to Ishigaki Island come for the island’s abundant nature, wonderful beaches, and gorgeous resorts. But there is more to do on the island than just staying in your resort!
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Taketomi Island, Okinawa | One of the most beautiful beaches in the world
Taketomi Island is a small island situated just off the coast of Ishigaki Island in the Okinawa Archipelago. Because of its size, it is often visited as a day trip from Ishigaki.
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Niseko Ski Resort, Hokkaido | A mecca for winter sports
Niseko is located a two-hour drive away from Hokkaido’s main airport New Chitose, and it is a much-loved destination for winter sports from late November until early May.
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Noboribetsu Area, Hokkaido | Unspoiled and beautiful wilderness and activities that make the most of it
The area around Noboribetsu is best known for its mineral-rich hot spring area, but there are other attractions in the region as well. Learn more about this attractive part of Hokkaido.
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Odawara | Various food cultures and beautiful nature can be enjoyed
If you like Japanese castles and history, you should try to make a stop in Odawara, a city that is located around 40 minutes away from Tokyo. Discover the famous Odawara castle and other interesting destinations.
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Kamakura | A town surrounded by historical shrines and temples and beautiful nature
Kamakura is only a one-hour train ride south of Tokyo, and offers plenty of interesting sights in a small area. Learn more about the central Hachimangu shrine and other cool spots in Kamakura.