Just over two hours by train you can reach Tobu Nikko Station from Shinjuku Station with beautiful scenary. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is located in the Nikko National Park and the style of Nikko Toshogu is characterized by its colorful carvings. Now it is one of the most photographed locations in Tochigi due to …
Visiting Kegon Falls and Lake Chuzenji in Tochigi
As a region of mountains and summer resorts, there are many places to visit in Nikko National Park. These are our favorite places to visit in Nikko. Irohazaka Winding Road Irohazaka winding road was said to have 48 curves to Kegon Fall and was called Iroha-zaka, Iroha slopes after Japanese Iroha which is a Japanese …
Best folk houses in Kanagawa
If you are a folk house nerd like me, you’ll love a nostalgic trip to visit arguably the most photogenic folk houses in Tokyo and Kanagawa. You’ll find a great collection of farms, samurai solder residences, old western style mansions and much more. Be sure to allow some time to ponder or perch yourself up …
Where to find the Best Views in Matsumoto
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 …
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 …