Posted in : "2023 - March"

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  Magome-juku

  Posted in: Chubu, Gifu

  533 Views

  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.

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  Hida-Takayama Old Town

  Posted in: Chubu, Gifu

  742 Views

  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.

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  Mount Norikura

  Posted in: Chubu, Gifu

  1114 Views

  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...

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  Tsumago-juku

  Posted in: Chubu, Nagano

  534 Views

  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.

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  Akasawa Natural Recreational Forest

  Posted in: Chubu, Nagano

  735 Views

  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.

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  Togakushi Shrine

  Posted in: Chubu, Nagano

  1284 Views

  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.

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  Guest House LAMP Nojiriko

  Posted in: Chubu, Nagano

  746 Views

  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.

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  Matsumoto Castle

  Posted in: Chubu, Nagano

  765 Views

  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.

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  Kamikochi

  Posted in: Chubu, Nagano

  699 Views

  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.

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  Moegi-no-Mura Village

  Posted in: Kanto, Yamanashi

  1175 Views

  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...

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  Isawa Onsen

  Posted in: Kanto, Yamanashi

  1620 Views

  Of the many hot spring resorts in Yamanashi Prefecture, Isawa Onsen is one of the largest with a plentiful supply of hot spring water offering numerous health benefits that attract visitors from all over Japan. The alkaline simple hot spring is said to improve neuralgia, bruises, and sensitivity to cold. It is gentle to the skin, so families of all ages can relax and enjoy a bath. In the spring, the Sakura Onsen Street lined with around 160 cherry blossom trees becomes flushed with pink,...

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  Shingen-ko Festival

  Posted in: Kanto, Yamanashi

  1741 Views

  The Shingen-ko Festival is held every April when cherry blossoms bloom to commemorate Shingen Takeda, a warlord of Kai Providence (present-day Yamanashi Prefecture) during the Sengoku period (mid-15th to early 17th century), and a renowned samurai hero very popular in Japan. Over 1,000 participants from all around the prefecture, authentically dressed as Sengoku-period samurai troops, gather at Maizuru Castle Park and reenact the samurai procession to the famous battle site of Kawanakajima....

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