Chubu

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.

Myotsu-ji is a temple with a very long history, which is said to have been built by general and shogun Tamuramaro Sakanoue in 806. Set deep in an ancient forest, the time-weathered main building and the three-storied pagoda, both designated a national treasure, are truly awe-inspiring. In addition, the temple enshrines some Buddha statues that are registered as important cultural properties.

Echizen oroshi soba, traditional cuisine of Fukui Prefecture, is a refreshing soba noodle dish served in dashi stock and topped with piquant daikon oroshi, or grated Japanese radish. Despite its simplicity, it is popular for its profound taste and also recently as a health food for longevity. There are three ways Echizen oroshi soba is served: serving the dashi stock and daikon oroshi separately; mixing the daikon oroshi into the dashi, and mixing the juice of daikon oroshi into the dashi.

An inn close to Zen, Eiheiji Hakujukan falls somewhere in between a traditional Japanese inn and a shukubo temple lodging, offering convenient facilities and services while introducing you to the world of Zen with authentic Buddhist vegetarian cuisine and sitting meditation experience. The inn's Zen concierges, trained at the Soto Zen sect's head temple Daihonzan Eiheiji Temple, will assist your journey to the world of Zen both at the Zen monastery and within Hakujukan.

Taking a tour boat is recommend to see Tojinbo in Sakai City, Fukui Prefecture. You can look up at the cliffs near the Lion Rock or the Candle Rock from sea level. Looking down from 25 meters above the sea-level and you will have one of the most splendid views in Fukui. The cliff wall has been honored since ancient times. It's said that there are only three places in the world, including Tojinbo, with rare geology such as unusually-shaped rocks stretched out about 1km along the coast and...

Nature tourism is a great way to enjoy the Mikata Five Lakes in Mikatakaminaka District, Fukui Prefecture. The Mikata lakes area is a highlight of Wakasa Bay Quasi-National Park, offering excellent views across picturesque scenery from the Rainbow Line Summit Park. Mikata Five Lakes is the collective term for the five lakes of Kugushi, Suigetsu, Suga, Mikata, and Hiruga. Each of the lakes has different depths and different types of water, such as salt water, fresh water, and brackish water....

Awara Hot Springs is the leading hot spring in Fukui Prefecture, boasting a 130-year history since they opened. The plaza in front of Awara-Yunomachi Station is lined with attractions such as a foot bath and food stands. At the Traditional Performing Arts Center, you can try dressing up as a geiko or a maiko. You can also casually try out taiko performances and o-zashiki asobi (parties with geisha entertainment), while being taught by real geikos. You can also watch songs and dances performed...

Founded 1,300 years ago, Yamanaka Onsen is a hot springs resort nestled in abundant nature and traditional culture. Experience the quality hot spring baths, the natural beauty of the Kakusenkei Gorge in the four seasons, traditional crafts like Yamanaka lacquerware and Kutaniyaki porcelain, and a variety of delectable dishes at onsen inns. The charming Yuge Kaido street offers a fun stroll with plenty of eats along the way. Even serving as an inspiration for master haiku poet Matsuo Basho,...