MAGAZINE
Top 5 Spots in Shizuoka to See Mount Fuji at Its Most Majestic
To truly appreciate the grandeur of Mount Fuji, Japan’s sacred and symbolic peak, Shizuoka Prefecture stands as the prime choice. Located on the southern side of the mountain, this region offers panoramic views that extend from Fuji’s sweeping base to its iconic...
A 4-Day Journey from Tokyo to the Seaside and Hot Spring Paradise of Atami, Izu, and Shimoda
Only 40 minutes from Tokyo via the Tokaido Shinkansen, the Izu Peninsula begins in Atami, Shizuoka Prefecture. This enchanting region is a true “paradise,” offering a harmonious blend of hot springs, ocean views, gourmet cuisine, and breathtaking scenery. A 4-day,...
Embracing the Luxury of Disconnection in Kamikochi｜A Mindful Retreat into Nature
Located at the western edge of Matsumoto City in Nagano Prefecture, Kamikochi is a pristine mountain valley set at an elevation of around 1,500 meters. Recognized as one of Japan’s premier nature conservation areas, Kamikochi offers a rare luxury in today’s...
An Art and History Journey through Matsumoto Castle and the Utsukushigahara Open-Air Museum
Located in central Nagano Prefecture, the city of Matsumoto is a place where history and art exist in elegant harmony. A journey that takes you to two iconic yet contrasting destinations—the National Treasure Matsumoto Castle and the Utsukushigahara Open-Air...
Karuizawa Is Best Enjoyed Over Two Nights｜A Perfect Plan to Embrace the Charm of Japan’s Classic Summer Retreat
Located at an elevation of about 1,000 meters, Karuizawa in Nagano Prefecture has long been cherished as one of Japan’s premier summer retreats, where rich forests and refined townscapes exist in perfect harmony. While the town is just about an hour from Tokyo by...
A 3-Day Journey into the Sacred Mysteries of Suwa Taisha and Lake Suwa in Nagano
Nestled in central Nagano Prefecture, the Suwa region is known for its mystical atmosphere, where history and nature coexist in quiet harmony. At its heart lies Lake Suwa, with sacred views of the Yatsugatake Mountains, and surrounding it are the four shrines of Suwa...
A Summer Getaway in the Highland Resorts of Kiyosato and the Yatsugatake Area
Located at an elevation of around 1,200 meters in northern Yamanashi Prefecture, the Kiyosato and Yatsugatake area is one of Japan’s most beloved highland resorts—particularly popular as a summer retreat. Just a 2- to 3-hour drive from Tokyo, the region offers a...
Mt. Tsukuba: Japan’s Most Powerful Spiritual Spot｜Beginner-Friendly Hiking Routes Included
Standing at 877 meters in Tsukuba City, Ibaraki Prefecture, Mount Tsukuba may not be the tallest peak in Japan, but it has long been revered as a sacred mountain and is considered one of the country’s most powerful spiritual spots. With convenient access from Tokyo...
Seasonal Beauty in Ibaraki: Discover Fukuroda Falls and Kairakuen, One of Japan’s Three Great Gardens
Ibaraki Prefecture is home to several destinations that beautifully showcase Japan’s seasonal transitions. Among them, Fukuroda Falls in the Oku-Kuji region and Kairakuen Garden in Mito City stand out as places where visitors can experience both the grandeur of nature...
Breathtaking Views of the Fuji Five Lakes and Mt. Fuji Lodging｜Just 2 Hours from Shinjuku by Express Bus
Mount Fuji, Japan’s most iconic symbol, draws countless travelers year-round, and one of the best places to view its majestic form is the Fuji Five Lakes area. Located in the southern part of Yamanashi Prefecture, these five lakes—Kawaguchi, Yamanaka, Sai, Shoji, and...
Stay at a Retro Ryokan in Ikaho Onsen｜A Scenic Drive Model Trip on the Kan-Etsu Expressway
About two and a half hours by car from Tokyo, Ikaho Onsen lies just beyond the Shibukawa-Ikaho Interchange on the Kan-Etsu Expressway. Nestled in the mountains of Gunma Prefecture, this historic hot spring town is known for its nostalgic charm, making it a perfect...
Why Is Kusatsu Onsen Called One of Japan’s Three Great Hot Springs? Reasons and How to Enjoy It
Located in western Gunma Prefecture, Kusatsu Onsen is renowned as one of the “Three Great Hot Springs of Japan,” along with Arima Onsen in Hyogo and Gero Onsen in Gifu. While all three boast rich histories and exceptional water quality, Kusatsu stands out for several...
A Family Getaway in Nasu Highlands｜Enjoy Farms, Art Museums, and Hot Springs in a Japanese Resort Setting
Located in the northern part of Tochigi Prefecture, the Nasu Highlands is a popular resort area known for its diverse attractions—including nature, art, gourmet cuisine, and hot springs. Easily accessible by bullet train or car from the Tokyo area, it’s an ideal...
Experience Japan’s History and Nature at Nikko Toshogu Shrine and Kegon Falls｜A 3-Day Journey from Tokyo
Approximately two hours from Tokyo by limited express train, Nikko in Tochigi Prefecture is a cherished destination where history and nature coexist in perfect harmony. Ideal for a weekend getaway or a longer stay, it remains a beloved spot for travelers seeking the...
A Nature-Filled Escape in Tokyo: Discover the Valleys and Hot Springs of Okutama
Located about two hours by train from Shinjuku, the Okutama area is a hidden gem where you can experience the tranquility and natural beauty of Tokyo. Far from the city's noise, Okutama offers a peaceful retreat surrounded by clear mountain streams and lush valleys—a...