Tsuruoka City (鶴岡市) and its surrounding region are, without a doubt, one of Japan’s most unique, hidden gems for travelers.…
Richard MilnerDecember 27, 2021
If you have seen the Studio Ghibli anime Princess Mononoke and were wondering where the inspiration for the natural environment…
Don KennedyDecember 21, 2021
Aomori (青森) is well known for its gorgeous natural scenery. Being located at the northernmost tip of Japan’s main island…
Thomas SiebertDecember 21, 2021
The Aso-Kuju region of Kumamoto prefecture may be Japan’s poster child for what a volcanic landscape truly looks like. While…
Toshiko SakuraiDecember 10, 2021
When I think of Japan, I often picture a country whose technological and avant-garde side contrasts with a more traditional…
Daniela TravagliniNovember 26, 2021
International travelers often overlook the Tohoku region tucked between the populated Kanto area and the unpopulated but equally popular Hokkaido…
Burcu BasarNovember 16, 2021
I finally made peace with the fact that I must endure a wait for the fall colors to arrive in…
Burcu BasarNovember 11, 2021
A few years ago, I caught a glimpse of an unforgettable scene while traveling through Semboku (仙北) in Akita Prefecture…
Clémentine CintréOctober 19, 2021
Mount Fuji (富士山, Fujisan), Japan’s largest mountain and arguably its most famous symbol stand at 3,776 metres. Being snow-capped for…
Jonathan ReeveJune 1, 2021
At the boundaries of the Japanese archipelago, Hokkaido (北海道), whose kanji means “Path to the Northern Sea” is the northernmost…
Marie BorgersMay 14, 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
Despite numerous journeys across Japan and the constant quest to discover more off-the-beaten-track destinations, Tsuwano (津和野) in Shimane Prefecture, was…
Clémentine CintréApril 30, 2021
Ako City (赤穂市) is a small coastal town in Hyogo Prefecture along the beautiful Seto Inland Sea. Its location between…
Thomas SiebertMarch 20, 2021
Ako a smaller city in Japan that is perfect for a short stay if you are looking for an off-the-beaten-track…
Thomas SiebertMarch 20, 2021
This is Part 1 of a 3 part series of articles about the New Golden Route, a part of Japan…
Lucia TsujiguchiFebruary 12, 2021
This is Part 3 of a 3 part series of articles about the New Golden Route, a part of Japan…
Toshiko SakuraiFebruary 12, 2021
For well over a thousand years, the Japanese have been making ascetic and symbolic pilgrimages along the mountainous trails of…
David McElhinneyFebruary 10, 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
Just outside the crowds of Kyoto city is a world of serene nature, vibrant culture, and deep history that you…
Don KennedyFebruary 3, 2021
There’s something so alluring and almost enigmatic about Iya Valley, tucked up in the northern mountains of Tokushima Prefecture. Whether…
Lucy DaymanJanuary 29, 2021
I’ve lived in Japan so long now and travelled so much around the country that I thought I might have…
Mark Brazil Ph.DDecember 18, 2020
The mist was the defining factor of my experience on Rishiri Island (利尻島, Rishiri-tō). It became a welcome companion to my explorations,…
Lily Crossley-BaxterDecember 3, 2020
“Canceled?” I asked, looking out to the blue skies across our coast-side hotel breakfast. It seemed unlikely, but our boat…
Lily Crossley-BaxterDecember 3, 2020
Even as Japan and other parts of the world slowly begin to plan to reopen to tourism, there will continue…
Todd FongNovember 9, 2020
Noboribetsu Onsen (登別温泉) is a famous hot spring town located just a couple of hours from Sapporo (札幌). And for me,…
Kylie PlesterOctober 5, 2020
Japan's infamous Aokigahara "suicide forest" is a great place for a tranquil hike through nature, as well as for those…
Vicky TaylorAugust 31, 2020
Roughly an hour and a half away from central Tokyo lie Hakone, a favourite day trip or weekend getaway for…
Lia YewJuly 18, 2020
