It`s almost winter here, in Japan and it already smells like holiday, snow, stale air, oranges and cinnamon. The temperature keeps decreasing as days go by and we feel the need to make ourselves fuzzy and warm, rolling up in the soft shaggy blanket with our fluffy socks on while having a sip of hot…
Nagano is a northern prefecture in Japan that is often visited by people in winter for its many snowboarding and ski resorts. It is a prefecture of gorgeous natural beauty, with mountains that boast lovely views in autumn, and soba noodles are especially delicious and fresh-tasting here. Lake Suwa, locally called “Suwako,” is located near…
Nestled in the central part of Nagano Prefecture is Suwa, a gorgeous city rich in ancient history and nature. Though it is off the beaten path, it is a popular destination among local people and is especially enjoyable during the coldest times of the year. Here are three winter activities you can do in the…
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…
Karuizawa-machi in Nagano Prefecture is a popular summer destination because of its cooler weather. The town is considered as a highland resort known for skiing in winter, golf in summer, and shopping all year round. Though more popular in the summer season, Karuizawa is also a perfect autumn destination. If you love the explosion of…
When I heard that a lot of Australians come specifically to Japan every year to go skiing, I thought there must be something very special about its mountains. And so I did my little exploration and went on a ski trip to Hakuba, a ski resort area located in the Japanese Alps. Japan offers many…
Japan is a country that mixes tradition with futuristic innovation. Its rich culture, unique food, tourist hotspots, shrines, temples, and quirks make it a great choice for travelers. It is only a small country, but has many different kinds of landscapes such as mountains, beaches, forests, and even sand dunes, meaning that you’ll get a…
Have you ever heard of the onsen (温泉; hot spring) in the clouds? Takamine Onsen (高峰温泉) is 2000 meters above sea level and offers a vast view of the surrounding nature while allowing you to soak in its blissful hot spring water from the Asama Mountains (浅間山). Though located in a rural area where everyday…
Summer in Japan is known to be hot and humid. When you are in the city, the heat can be quite intense. To escape the heat, some travel to other areas so that they can enjoy a refreshing summer. In Nagano Prefecture (長野県) lies Karuizawa (軽井沢), a popular summer destination. The town is a mountain…
Obuse (小布施) is one of the peaceful towns located in the northern part of Nagano Prefecture (長野県), Japan. It is rich in art and culture and is popular for chestnuts, which is its local produce. You can find several chestnut-related products in the area such as chestnut rice, jelly, and ice cream. Its atmosphere is…
