Culture Kimono & Ninja Cosplay/Rental Shop Akira Matsuo In Matsumoto, in Nagano Prefecture, a local beautician recently opened a fantastic shop of kimono (traditional Japanese clothes)..
7 Temples & Shrines Suwa Taisha (Suwa Grand Shrine) Brian Wood-Koiwa Suwa Taisha (Suwa Grand Shrine) houses the four largest logs of the Onbashira festival and a tree that snores when it lowers its..
9 Culture The Takahashi Samurai House Peter Sidell In the historical castle town of Matsumoto in central Japan's Nagano prefecture, the Takahashi Residence is a restored samurai..
12 Temples & Shrines Kozenji Temple Bryan Baier Kozenji is a gorgeous Buddhist temple nestled against the Chuo Alps in Komagane Nagano. It perfectly blends human construction with..
Culture Blades of Shinanomachi Nathan Eden I visited a knife and blade maker in Shinanomachi to see how he forges his traditional craft's products. It was both fascinating..
23 Culture Hanami Season in Japan Elena Lisina Hanami season in Japan. Photos taken throughout the day in various cities in the country.
Entertainment Unique Things To Do in Suwa Featured We take a look at some of the more bizarre locations in and around the Suwa area of the city including hot springs, freshwater eel..