Author: travel shop

Okuhida Hot Springs is a term encompassing five hot springs nestled in the Northern Alps - Hirayu, Fukuji, Shin-Hirayu, Tochio, and Shin-Hotaka. The area attracts many local and international tourists who are seeking out high-quality hot springs surrounded by abundant, changing seasonal nature of the mountains, with fresh greenery in early summer, autumn foliage in fall, and snow in winter.

Gero Hot Springs in Yunoshima, Gero City, Gifu Prefecture, is one of Japan’s three most famous hot springs. While you can’t go wrong staying the night in the area, it’s also a great place to enjoy a day trip. There are also free foot baths and public baths, allowing visitors to casually enjoy bathing as they stroll around. The area is well-connected, and easily accessible by train. The silky-smooth, high-quality waters of Gero Hot Springs have long gained its many fans. You could stay over in...

Magome-juku is a former post town where travelers on the Nakasendo Route could rest at night, located in the present-day city of Nakatsugawa, Gifu Prefecture. Wanderlust-evoking cobblestone streets wind along the sloping terrain, lined with old-fashioned cafes and souvenir shops to snack and shop in as you immerse yourself in the Edo-period townscape. A 7 km hiking path to Tsumago-juku is one of the most popular areas along the Nakasendo walking trail.

A culinary tour is one great way to enjoy Hida-Takayama, in Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture. Dine in various eateries serving local Takayama delicacies that line the streets while looking for a souvenir. You could treat yourself to Hida Beef as part of your lunch and sample sake at local breweries. Take in the traditional atmosphere of the streets of Hida-Takayama as you enjoy its local delicacies, and you’re sure to leave with both your hunger and your mind satisfied.

Mount Norikura stands at the southern tip of the Northern Japan Alps. Although rising at the 3,000-meter level, the mountain range offers fun and easy trekking for beginners and families as well. A bus ride from Hida Takayama to the Tatamidaira bus stop at 2,700 meters takes just 90 minutes, and shuttle bus services are available every day during in-season. There is a bounty of beautiful nature to see, including the snow grouse, designated as a Special Natural Monument, and the exotic...

Nestled deep in the mountains, Tsumago-juku, which was the first preserved old town in Japan, retains the appearance of a historic post town from the Edo Period (1603-1868) as if time stands still. The ancient yet living, traditional Japanese scenery of the town captivates visitors. The local people of Tsumago still live their day-to-day life in the town while maintaining the old townscape from the Edo Period to pass it down to generations.

The Akasawa Natural Recreational Forest, which is considered one of the three most beautiful forests in Japan, is home to gorgeous natural Kiso Hinoki (Japanese cypress trees) of over 300 years old. In the mid-1600s, the forest was placed under a strict protection policy set by the Owari Domain, which is said to have led to the current forest. Today, walking trails have been paved, allowing you to enjoy a soothing forest bathing experience while strolling.

Located at the base of the mystic Mount Togakushi where the god of water Kuzuryu (or nine-headed dragon) is said to live, Togakushi Shrine has been appreciated as a sacred place since its founding around 2,000 years ago. Absorb the spiritual energy of the shrine blessed with abundant nature.

Situated on Lake Nojiri in Nagano, Guest House LAMP Nojiriko is the perfect getaway to enjoy a range of outdoor activities for all seasons, from mountain vegetable picking in the spring to stand-up paddleboard, kayaking, and rafting in the summer; mushroom hunting in the fall; and cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter. Be sure to also enjoy the delicious seasonal dishes and the Finnish sauna.

Matsumoto Castle stands watched over by the lofty mountains of the Northern Alps and Utsukushigahara Highlands. The national treasure was completed around 1593-1594, making it the oldest existing five structure-six story castle in Japan.

Kamikochi is one of Japan’s leading alpine resorts, located in Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture. The area’s famous bridges, Kappa Bridge and Myojin Bridge, cross over the Azusa River. The river’s pristine waters make for invigorating scenery that refreshes visitors’ bodies and minds. One must-see is Hotaka Shrine, located down the river across Myojin Bridge.

For anyone looking for a relaxing time in the great outdoors, the perfect place is Moegi-no-Mura Village in Kiyosato Plateau, expanding at the southern foothills of the picturesque Yatsugatake Mountains. In the village are a hotel with an authentic bar, restaurants serving all types of specialties such as curry and craft beer, as well as shops offering handmade goods and workshops. In addition, the village is famous for the ballet performance in the beautiful natural environment in the...