Shimane Prefecture is rarely on the radar for foreign travelers. When it does, it usually conjures up images of the…
Claudia MitsuboriFebruary 22, 2022
In Gunma (群馬県), beneath the forest canopy halfway up a great mountain, we ascended an ancient stone staircase, crumbling from…
Todd FongJanuary 12, 2022
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
There is a lot to discover in the Kanto region around Japan's capital Tokyo, and it can be hard to…
Claudia MitsuboriDecember 14, 2021
In shrines and temples of Japan, you’ll find omamori, or amulets, of all kinds. While some places of worship may…
Ariel LeeNovember 9, 2021
The legendary island of Enoshima (江ノ島) is just a stone’s throw away (or one hour by train) from Tokyo, and…
Cherise FongAugust 31, 2021
Death. That mystery yet to be solved. That unanswered phenomenon that all cultures try to understand. The path to the…
Maria PeñascalMay 26, 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
We came to Shimane Prefecture to explore the former Iwami Ginzan silver mine and the historic village of Tsuwano. However,…
Clémentine CintréApril 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
There are two majority religions in Japan, Shinto and Buddhism, which are part of Japanese people's daily lives. Religion and…
Gaël FaulconnierApril 17, 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
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 Kii Peninsula (紀伊半島) is a vast region that extends across the prefectures of Nara (奈良), Wakayama (和歌山) and Mie…
Clémentine CintréMarch 4, 2021
When my mother decided to visit me in Japan at the end of the year, she asked for one thing:…
Joachim DucosFebruary 25, 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
For well over a thousand years, the Japanese have been making ascetic and symbolic pilgrimages along the mountainous trails of…
David McElhinneyFebruary 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
Just outside the crowds of Kyoto city is a world of serene nature, vibrant culture, and deep history that you…
Don KennedyFebruary 3, 2021
Recently gaining popularity as an art-centric, culture-rich destination, Kagawa’s Seto Islands are not short of attractions. The Setouchi Islands, or…
Lucy DaymanJanuary 29, 2021
‘Konnichiwa!” called the students enthusiastically, receiving my breathless replies with encouraging good humour. I was pedalling past each other on…
Lily Crossley-BaxterJanuary 19, 2021
Between beautiful views and fresh island produce, the Shimanami Kaido is an excellent cycling trip full of Japanese history. From Samurai…
Lily Crossley-BaxterJanuary 19, 2021
Not far from Kobe City in Hyogo prefecture, is the onsen resort of Arima Onsen (有馬温泉). With a history dating back…
Claudia MitsuboriNovember 28, 2020
Us horse lovers all have something in common. Even on vacation in a foreign country, we feel we can't survive…
Yvonne TanakaNovember 25, 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
I can’t help but feel overcome with nostalgia when I think about Oji (王子). It was in this neighbourhood where I spent…
Toshiko SakuraiAugust 21, 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
