Summer

8 Best Summer Escape Destinations in Nagano and the Japan Alps area

Yes, Japan is hot in summer, but not that hot in Nagano and the Japanese Alps area (if you know the right places to visit)!

Things to Do and Eat in Matsumoto – Ultimate Guide to Visiting Matsumoto in 2023

Matsumoto city is known for its most famous landmark, Matsumoto Castle. But what you might not know is that there are plenty of fun and interesting things to do in Matsumoto. Let’s see what this city has to offer!

5 Best Places to Visit in the North Japanese Alps

Tokyo tower, Kiyomizu Temple, Mt Fuji, Hiroshima’ Atomic Bomb Dome, Hakone… Been there, done that? How about diving deep into Japan’s natural wonders in the Japanese Alps?

Kamikochi – 7 Spots to Visit in This Japan’s Picture-postcard Valley

Nestled in the magnificent Japanese Alps, Kamikochi is one of Japan’s many must-visit destinations. Here are 7 stunning spots in Kamikochi to drop by next time you visit Japan.

Climbing the Highest Peak of Mt. Norikura (3,026m) in Just 3 Hours

Climbing a 3,000m level mountain can be easier than you think, even for those who never hit the gym! Here is our guide to climb the peak of Mt. Norikura as a daytrip.

Nakasendo Hiking Tour & Narai-juku Post Town Sightseeing Bus

This sightseeing bus will bring you to discover “Narai-juku”, Japan’s longest post town, which has a 1 km-long townscape that looks as if you’ve slipped back in time to the Edo period. There are inns, souvenir shops, restaurants and more that make you feel the good old days, as well as museums, temples and other historic sights. It is a perfect one-day trip from Matsumoto!

A Must-Visit World Heritage Site! The Historical Village of Shirakawa-go

Hidden amid the mountains and forests of Nagano’s neighboring prefectures Gifu and Toyama, you will find a unique remnant of Japanese history: The Historical Villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama. Designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, these villages should definitely be on your must-visit list when travelling through Japan!

Take a Trip Back in Time to the Age of Samurai in Matsushiro

Samurai – Japanese warriors who were skilled in military strategy and swordsmanship. They were known for their mastery of the sword, their fearlessness in battle and their code of honor called “bushido” which dictated their way of life. Although everyone in the world has probably heard of them, many may not be able to imagine what a samurai’s house is like.

Matsumoto’s New National Treasure! The Former Kaichi School

Matsumoto is arguably most famous for its castle of the same name, which has been designated as a National Treasure of Japan over 80 years ago. For a long time, this was the only National Treasure in Matsumoto, but all of that changed in September of 2019 with the designation of another National Treasure: The Former Kaichi School.