Nagano is full of great cities to explore but if you ask me, Matsumoto is the most iconic city of Nagano. With sophisticated neighbourhoods to explore, there really is no shortage of things to do. This is the list of the most photogenic monuments, museums and cafes to help you find the best views in …
Modern Architecture in Yokohama
If you haven’t yet visited Yamate mansions near Yokohama Port in Kanagawa then you’re missing out on a nostalgic trip back to the glamourous early 20th century. Yokohama has a unique identity not emulated elsewhere, partly due to the influx of early 19th-century foreign settlement. The Yamate mansions are a series of modern homes that …
The best Ski Resorts in Japan
If you plan to visit Japan for a ski holiday, you really can’t beat this half-year round ski destination, though more can be found on offer on the mountain throughout the winter ski season. So if you’re a first time visitor, here is a complete guide to Japan ski resorts! 1. APPI Ski Resort in …
Your Guide to Visiting Kawagoe
Kawagoe is known as a little Edo and has the remains of Edo landscapes just a short one hour train ride from Tokyo. During the Edo era (17th to 19th centuries), Kawagoe had prospered as a port city with river networks to transport local products to Edo city. We can still see architectural resemblance of …
Hiking the Oshima Trail
Oshima Island is one of the most popular islands to visit from Tokyo and for good reason. This incredible island is located in Southern Japan, around two hours by high-speed ship from Tokyo. If you are planning a trip to Oshima Island I would recommend at least three nights here. There are a handful of …
Checking In to Kaitoku-maru in Shizuoka
Iwachi is only two hour’s drive from Mishima Station in Shizuoka. The town is nestled in the heart of the seaside of Shizuoka Prefecture, home to many of Shizuoka’s most recognisable beaches and fishing spots. Since I was a child, Iwachi has been one of the most memorable beaches to swim at and to gather …
Where to find the best “Hiyashi Chuka”
When you see posters announcing that a restaurant has started serving hiyashi chuka, you know that summer has arrived. Hiyashi means cold and chuka means Chinese, and hiyashi chuka is a chilled Chinese-style noodle dish. It consists of wheat noodles that have been boiled and then cooled in cold water, topped with thin stirips of …
Staying at Art Biotope GARDEN MIZUNIWA in Tochigi
Located 30 minutes drive from Nasu-Shiobara Station, Art Biotope Garden Mizuniwa is one of the prettiest gardens boasting the beautiful residence, a greenery and pale blue ponds. This is a place for architecture enthusiasts to spend time to see how architects can design new gardens. The architect of this artbiotpe is Ishigami Junya. I had …
What to see & do in Iwate
Tono is known as a folktale village and is located in the middle of Iwate Prefecture in an area which has beautifully preserved traditional culture. My friend who grew up in Tono proudly recommended visiting his hometown. But upon our visit I quickly came to learn that there is much more to see in Iwate …
Hiking the APPI Walk in Iwate
For a long time I’ve had my sights set on returning to APPI ski resort, as we have spent several New Year holidays here skiing. After experiencing the powder snow at APPI ski resort, I was excited to spend my third visit here in summer. Here you will find the ultimate guide to hiking APPI …