Kawazu-zakura are unique hybrid cherry trees that bloom earlier, and for much longer, than the famous Somei Yoshino species. For an entire month, usually from around February 10 to March 10, a festival showcases 8,000 trees that line the Kawazu River in Southern Izu. Although it takes about 2 – 2 1/2 hours to reach … More Izu’s Kawazu-zakura Festival – Early Blooming Cherry Blossoms
Many of Japan’s best tourist destinations have been preserved due to their locations well off the beaten path. The town of Tsuwano sits in a valley in western Shimane Prefecture near the border with Yamaguchi Prefecture. It is known as the Little Kyoto of the San-in Region and is highly recommended for travelers willing to … More ‘Little Kyoto’ – Tsuwano, Shimane Prefecture
Matsumoto, a lovely small-sized city in Nagano Prefecture, is home to one of Japan’s most beautiful castles and is well worth a visit.Matsumoto-jo has the oldest donjon remaining in Japan – construction began in 1592. It is one of five castles designated a ‘National Treasure of Japan’. It has also earned the name, Karasu-jo, or … More One Night in Matsumoto
If you have only one day to visit Hakone and are traveling by mass transportation, the ‘Hakone Circuit’ is the best way to see many of the area’s top sights. Starting and ending in Hakone Yumoto, travel is in a circle, with no backtracking, and is easy to follow even if you don’t speak or … More The Hakone Circuit
Filled with impressive sightseeing spots, both natural and man-made, Aomori and Akita prefectures are perfect for anyone wanting to ‘get away from it all’. Even during Golden Week, crowds are minimal and cherry blossoms are often still in bloom. This is a recommended 4 day, 3 night trip that can easily be adapted or shortened. … More 3 Nights/4 Days in Northern Tohoku
Only 90 minutes from Shinagawa, the quiet town of Misaki is an easy and enjoyable day trip from Tokyo. As a base for maguro fishermen, this is ‘the’ place to enjoy tasty, (incredibly) reasonable tuna. Misaki is a ‘rough around the edges’ fishing port that has a lot of charm. Nearby Jogashima boasts a scenic … More ‘Maguro-lovers’ day trip to Misaki Port & Jogashima
There are many places in the Tokyo area where one can view azeleas (つつじ, tsutsuji) in bloom. The flowers are usually at their most beautiful in mid-April to mid-May; and at higher elevations, into early June. Below is a list of some of the best locations to see them. CENTRAL TOKYO 1). Nezu Shrine, Bunkyo … More Azelea Viewing in Tokyo & its surroundings
Cherry blossom viewing is especially popular along the Meguro River. Most people don’t realize, however, that there are many interesting sightseeing spots to visit along, or near, the route – the Meguro Sky Garden, Sugekari Park, the Sato Sakura Museum, Rakanji Temple, Meguro Fudo-son, Meguro Gajoen, etc. Here is a detailed, do-it-yourself tour of ‘Meguro’s … More ‘Meguro’s Best’ – Cherry Blossom River Walk & (Much) More
Ohara is ‘countryside’ Kyoto – impressive temples, tasty cuisine, and interesting souvenir shops set among rice fields and the forest of a small village about an hour’s bus ride from Kyoto Station. For visitors who want to see a different Kyoto, Ohara is a great day or overnight trip from the city center. Ohara is … More Kyoto’s Ohara District
Omihachiman is overlooked by almost all non-Japanese traveling to the Kansai region. Located only one hour by train from Osaka Station or 40 minutes from Kyoto Station, the town has a lot to offer without the crowds of its more famous neighbors. In the 16th century, Hidetsugu Toyotomi (nephew of the powerful daimyo Hideyoshi Toyotomi) … More Top 10 – Historic Omihachiman
