Nowadays, a lot of people base their travel destination choice on whether or not it would look good on social networking sites (SNS) such as Instagram. For example, in Japan, tourists flock to “Instagrammable” spots like the Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo, the famed Glico Running Man sign in Osaka, and the path with thousands of…
Tochigi Prefecture is very famous for its history of pottery and pottery production and is beginning to attract many tourists for its more traditional and local feel. Mashiko is a town in Tochigi Prefecture where visitors can immerse themselves in the tradition of pottery making and also participate in other activities. This article will recommend…
Nagano Prefecture is best known for the Winter Olympics and for its popular winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding. Hundreds flock to this prefecture every winter to stay in ski resorts and enjoy the large snowfall that the area sees every year. The town of Okaya is about half an hour by train from…
About an hour away via train to the north of Tokyo is Saitama Prefecture. In this prefecture lies Chichibu, a city amidst the beauty of nature. The lush mountains that surround the town contribute to its peaceful and relaxing atmosphere. It was only recently that Chichibu started to actively promote itself as a tourist destination.…
Matcha (抹茶), or powdered green tea, is a staple in the Japanese daily life and is the only form of tea used in sado (茶道) or tea ceremony. It is grown in shade for three weeks and often covered in blankets. This growing process produces tea leaves with higher caffeine content. Hand picked at harvest,…
Soba (そば) is a delicious buckwheat noodle dish that can be enjoyed either hot or cold in various sauces and broths. You can get them in most parts of Japan, and like any food, they vary in freshness and quality. Surely most people would agree that fresher is better, and what could be fresher than…
Are you looking for a Japanese restaurant that is a little bit unusual? How about something that looks like one kind of food but turns out to be something completely different? Look no further than this quirky restaurant, where the meals aren’t quite what they seem! Unusual Food If you were to visit Baigetsudo (菓子工房…
Kamakura (鎌倉) and Enoshima (江の島) are areas in Kanagawa Prefecture (神奈川県) near the sea, popular with tourists and packed with things to do. Here are several things for you to do in these areas, and how to get them all done in one exciting, fun-filled day. 1. Get Up Early and Stroll Kamakura’s Sleepy Streets…
Nagano Prefecture (長野県) has always been known as the number one winter paradise in Central Japan. With its position surrounded by the Japanese Alps, Nagano Prefecture has become home to many world-class ski resorts and famous natural hot springs. The most famous ski resorts area is Hakuba (白馬), a former 1998 Winter Olympics site. But…
Odawara is attracting more visitors by re-opening Odawara Castle which recently renovated its viewing room. Located in the southwest of Kanagawa prefecture, Odawara has been playing a vital role since the Sengoku era (1493-1590). Due to the unique geographic nature, it was valued as a fortress and a gateway to Kyoto, especially during the Edo…
