Japan is known for its beautiful juxtaposition of the old vs new, with traditional architecture scattered amidst city skyscrapers. Every…
Lia YewJune 13, 2021
It all takes place in Gifu prefecture, in the heart of the Japanese Alps. Far from the urban frenzy, traditional…
Marie BorgersApril 30, 2021
Nestled in the mountains of Gifu prefecture, Gero Onsen (下呂温泉) is one of Japan’s top three hot spring destinations. Its…
Marie BorgersApril 30, 2021
Surrounded by a rich natural environment in the heart of the Japanese Alps, the historical district of Takayama (高山) perpetuates…
Marie BorgersApril 30, 2021
Situated in the west of the Japanese Alps, in the north of Gifu prefecture, the Hida (飛騨) region is home…
Marie BorgersApril 30, 2021
Ever since the remote village of Shirakawa-go (白川郷) was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995, it has…
Marie BorgersApril 30, 2021
In the culture of traditional Japan, the mountains have always held a deeply spiritual connection to the people. There is…
Todd FongApril 21, 2021
As the world begins its slow return to relative normalcy, you may be one of many ready to scratch that…
Todd FongApril 21, 2021
Growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area, I didn't see my first snow until I was five-years-old. Early in…
Todd FongMarch 20, 2021
One of the reasons I enjoy escaping from the confines of the big city is to remind myself of the…
Todd FongMarch 20, 2021
Japan is a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding with around 600 ski resorts across the country, many of which…
Mark WebsterMarch 13, 2021
Nagano (長野) in central Japan is surrounded by stunning mountain ranges where the mighty Chikuma River joins the Sai. It…
Mark WebsterMarch 13, 2021
The city of Kanazawa (金沢市), bordering the Sea of Japan, is a place where old and new harmoniously co-exist. During…
Mark WebsterMarch 13, 2021
Takaoka city, nestled between the mountains of Toyama prefecture alongside the traditional Gokayama village and the Sea of Japan, has…
Joachim DucosFebruary 26, 2021
This is Part 2 of a 3 part series of articles about the New Golden Route, a part of Japan…
Toshiko SakuraiFebruary 12, 2021
As the capital of Niigata Prefecture northwest of Fukushima, Niigata City sits on the west coast of Japan. The city…
Richard MilnerFebruary 10, 2021
Sado Island has a richly-diverse local tradition and community off the west coast of Japan near Niigata City (新潟市). Known…
Richard MilnerFebruary 10, 2021
Located off the west coast of Japan, Sado Island is a short ferry ride from Niigata city. Ferries depart throughout…
Richard MilnerFebruary 10, 2021
From pictorial villages of traditional thatched-roof houses to one of Japan’s beloved onsen hot spring towns, a visit to Gifu Prefecture…
Mika CunninghamFebruary 8, 2021
If a spacious botanical garden or a tunnel of pink cherry blossoms conjures up images of warmer months in Japan,…
Mika CunninghamFebruary 8, 2021
If you’ve ever wondered what it might be like to harvest your own food and then cook it for supper,…
Cherise FongFebruary 8, 2021
The lush mountainous landscape of Mie prefecture (三重県) is so vast and varied that sometimes, the best way to immerse…
Cherise FongFebruary 8, 2021
There’s something surreal about driving through the countryside of southern Niigata Prefecture and suddenly seeing a giant window — complete with…
Patrick St. MichelDecember 3, 2020
“It takes two entire years to pass a taiko apprenticeship. That means no drinking, no smoking, no social media. Do…
Lucy DaymanDecember 3, 2020
It’s that time of the year again. The New Year is awaiting us, and with it, one of the most…
Yvonne TanakaNovember 4, 2020
Generally, when I think of Japan, images of stunning temples and shrines, the majestic scenery of Mt Fuji, the sound…
Lia YewSeptember 26, 2020
Everyone has something that made them fall in love with Japan. For me, it was my love of kimono and sushi.…
Lia YewSeptember 21, 2020
