Tokai Village, located on the Pacific coast of Ibaraki Prefecture, is a quiet town with a unique balance of tradition, science, and everyday Japanese life.Known as the heart of Japan’s nuclear research and home to cutting-edge science facilities, Tokai is not famous as a tourist destination. In fact, very few international travelers visit here. But […]
What Is Kakunodate? A Samurai Town Frozen in Time The History of Kakunodate: From Samurai Roots to Modern Tourism Founded in the early 17th century as a castle town under the Satake clan, Kakunodate has preserved its samurai heritage for over 400 years. Strolling through its streets, visitors can still sense the lifestyle and values
When people think of Hokkaido, they often picture popular destinations like Sapporo, Niseko, or Hakodate. But just two hours west of Hakodate lies Esashi, a small coastal town that offers a rare look into Japan’s samurai past and fishing heritage. With preserved streetscapes, samurai-era relics, and a peaceful atmosphere, Esashi is perfect for travelers who
Nestled on the western tip of Aomori Prefecture, Fukaura (深浦町) offers a rare blend of untouched nature, seaside hot springs, and fresh seafood straight from the Sea of Japan. To the west lies the dramatic coastline; to the east, the UNESCO World Heritage Site Shirakami Sanchi with its primeval beech forests. Here, every season paints
Looking to explore Japan beyond the usual tourist spots?Welcome to Ichinoseki, a charming rural city in the heart of Tōhoku, just a short train ride from Sendai or Morioka. Here, centuries-old culture meets stunning nature—with far fewer crowds. Over 900 years ago, the Ōshū Fujiwara clan ruled from nearby Hiraizumi, now home to UNESCO World
What makes Hiroshima unique? Hiroshima is one of Japan’s most iconic travel destinations, drawing countless visitors from around the world each year. Famous for landmarks like the Atomic Bomb Dome, Miyajima, oysters, and okonomiyaki, Hiroshima has no shortage of must-see attractions. But there’s another side of Hiroshima—one that doesn’t always make it into guidebooks. In
What Makes Summer in Japan’s Snow Country So Unique? The Harsh Winters of Tohoku and the Joy of Summer In Japan’s northern regions, winters are long, snowy, and unforgiving. Yet, this harshness gives rise to a deep appreciation for the warmth and vitality of summer. In towns buried under snow for half the year, summer
Welcome to Japan, for the 109th Time! Hello to everyone planning your 109th trip to Japan! You may already be familiar with the name Karuizawa—one of Japan’s most famous resort towns.Located in northeastern Nagano Prefecture, near the border with Gunma, Karuizawa is known for its stunning views of Mt. Asama, elegant townscape, and refreshing highland
Welcome to Towada: A Hidden Gem in Northern Japan This is a Japan Rural Travel Guide for Hello to all of you planning your 109th trip to Japan! If you glance at a map of Japan, you might notice that the area just below Hokkaido looks a bit like a samurai helmet.Right where the crest
Hello to everyone planning their 109th trip to Japan! Today, let’s explore Betsukai Town, a unique corner of Japan where cows outnumber people. Nestled between two peninsulas at the eastern tip of Hokkaido, Betsukai is a small town blessed with lush natural surroundings and the bounty of the sea. Known throughout Japan as a dairy
