off the beaten path

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…

5 years ago

Niigata | Delicious rice and rich, beautiful nature

Niigata city is a pleasant place, with plenty of open spaces, making the city feel more spacious and less cramped…

5 years ago

Noto Peninsula, Ishikawa | Morning markets, fantastic festivals, and strong traditions

Noto Peninsula is known for its coastal scenery, particularly along the Okunoto Coast and the Kongo Coast, as well as…

5 years ago

Lake Hamanako, Shizuoka | Fun leisure facilities and beautiful scenery

Lake Hamanako is a resort area, with an amusement park and onsen with lake views. Located on the way between…

5 years ago

Shimoda, Shizuoka | Beautiful subtropical beaches

You don't need to go all the way to Okinawa if you want to go to a white sandy beach…

5 years ago

Nagoya, Aichi | The Center of Japanese Industry

Nagoya doesn't feature often on tourists' itineraries, but If you would still find yourself in Nagoya, there are plenty of…

5 years ago

Toyota, Aichi | A City that is at the Cutting Edge of the Car World

Toyota City is known for the great Toyota Museum and car factory, but did you know that the city also…

5 years ago

Okunoshima is Filled with the Cutest Rabbits in the world

Okunoshima is better known as 'rabbit island' for its many cute furry inhabitants. Learn more about this animal-lovers paradise near…

5 years ago

Matsue | Natural city with rich fisheries and agriculture

Matsue is not a famous tourist destination, but it has plenty to offer. What to think of viewing Matsue Castle,…

5 years ago

Tsuwano | Beautiful Castle Town Boasting Traditional Crafts and Literature

Tsuwano in Shimane is a small castle town that prides itself on traditional arts, crafts, and literature. Find out what…

5 years ago

Kurashiki takes you back in time to Japan’s Feudal Era

The preserved canal town of Kurashiki is a great place to visit if you want to be transported back in…

5 years ago

Okayama | a very livable and sunny place

Besides the famous Okayama Korakuen garden and the reconstructed castle, there are some great museums and a nice bicycle opportunity…

5 years ago

Hagi, Yamaguchi | A hidden Gem of a Former Castle Town

Hagi in western Japan is a nicely-preserved former castle town with traditional walls. Local Hagi pottery, ranked among Japan's finest,…

5 years ago

Yamaguchi City | A town with a lot of historical heritage and great nature

Yamaguchi City is not a famous tourist destination, but there's enough to see here. What would you think of a…

5 years ago

Iya Valley, Tokushima | A Secluded Place Surrounded by Mountains

The Iya Valley region is a scenic area known for its dramatic mountain valleys and old vine bridges. Find out…

5 years ago

Tokushima famous for the Awa Odori dance and the Nature’s Whirlpools

Tokushima City is the capital of Tokushima Prefecture in Shikoku, and there are two reasons to go here; the Naruto…

5 years ago

Kotohira | the most Popular Shrine in Shikoku and Famous for its Udon Noodles

Kotohira is a small town in Kagawa Prefecture, which is famous for Kompirasan, Shikoku's most popular shrine. Find out what…

5 years ago

Takamatsu | the Transportation Hub of Shikoku

Takamatsu is home to Japan's largest garden, Ritsurin-Koen. This garden is a fine example of landscaping, borrowing the pine-clad scenery…

5 years ago

Matsuyama | A Beautiful Town that Flourished as a Castle Town

Matsuyama is the largest city in Shikoku and is especially famous for the beautiful Dogo hot spring that's housed in…

5 years ago

Kochi | Prosperous Agriculture and Beautiful Nature

Kochi is a major city in Shikoku, one of Japan's lesser-known islands. But it is very much worth a visit…

5 years ago