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 […]
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 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 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
