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Matsumoto and Nagano — The Heart of the Japanese Alps
Surrounded by towering peaks on all sides, Nagano Prefecture is known as the "Roof of Japan." Host of the 1998 Winter Olympics, it is a premier destination for skiing and hiking. However, beyond the slopes, the cities of Matsumoto and Na... -
Shirakawa-go — The Fairytale Village of Gassho-Zukuri
Just an hour by bus from Takayama lies a destination that looks like it was plucked straight from the pages of a storybook. Shirakawa-go is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in a remote river valley in Gifu Prefecture. It is famous wo... -
Takayama — The Little Kyoto of the Japanese Alps
Hidden deep within the mountainous Hida region of Gifu Prefecture, Takayama (often called Hida-Takayama) is a city that has beautifully preserved the atmosphere of the Edo period (1603–1867). Because of its isolated location surrounded b... -
Toyama — The Roof of Japan and the Jewel of the Bay
Sandwiched between the soaring 3,000-meter peaks of the Northern Japan Alps and the deep, nutrient-rich waters of the Sea of Japan, Toyama Prefecture offers one of the most dramatic topographic contrasts in the country. It is a destinati... -
Kanazawa — The City of Gold, Gardens, and Samurai Heritage
Often called "Little Kyoto," Kanazawa is a city that rivals the ancient capital in traditional beauty but possesses a distinct, rugged charm of its own. Located on the Sea of Japan coast in Ishikawa Prefecture, Kanazawa was the seat of t... -
Nagoya — The Samurai Heartland and Gourmet Capital of Central Japan
Often overlooked by travelers rushing between Tokyo and Kyoto, Nagoya is a vibrant metropolis that deserves far more than a passing glance. As the industrial powerhouse of Central Japan (Chubu region) and the birthplace of Japan's greate... -
Yamagata — The Kingdom of Cherries and Nostalgic Hot Springs
Nestled on the Sea of Japan coast in the southern Tohoku region, Yamagata Prefecture is a destination that feels like a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. It is famous for possessing "hot springs in every single municipality," a testam... -
Akita — Land of Folklore, Deep Snow, and Hidden Hot Springs
Located on the Sea of Japan coast in the northern Tohoku region, Akita Prefecture is known for its deep winters, mysterious folklore, and some of the most rustic and authentic hot springs in the country. It is a place where ancient tradi... -
Aomori — The Land of Fiery Festivals, Ancient History, and Ocean Bounty
Located at the northernmost tip of Japan’s main island, Honshu, Aomori Prefecture is a land of rugged natural beauty, deep historical roots, and passionate culture. Far from the sprawling metropolises, Aomori offers travelers a chance to... -
Sendai — The City of Trees and Samurai Spirit
As the largest city in the Tohoku region, Sendai is a sophisticated metropolis that perfectly balances urban convenience with abundant nature. Known affectionately as the "City of Trees" (Mori no Miyako), Sendai offers wide, tree-lined a...
