

Kanazawa is the city of gold, but that’s not all this historical town has to offer. History buffs will love the samurai quarter and traditional Higashi Chaya district.

Niigata city is a pleasant place, with plenty of open spaces, making the city feel more spacious and less cramped than other major cities of Japan. Some of the best sake is also brewed here.

There are more than 16 ski areas in Echigo Yuzawa and there are slopes for everyone from beginner to black piste expert. The area is known for its high-quality powder snow.

Outdoor activities, natural hot springs, and Japanese-style inns are what attract tourists to Suwa. The lake town is located in Nagano, and perfect as a base for day trips in Nagano prefecture.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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!

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?

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…

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!

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.

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.

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?

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!

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.