Temples & Shrines Kamikochi Hodaka Shrine Tomoko Kamishima Hodaka Shrine, situated alongside Kamikochi’s Myojin Pond, has a special Shinto ritual on October 8 every year, to offer up pr..
Culture Bell Ami Doll Shop in Matsumoto Elena Lisina The Ami Doll Shop in Matsumoto used an old technique of oshie and is the only one studio-shop that still produces oshie dolls of..
15 Historical Matsumoto Castle in Photos Leslie Taylor Matsumoto Castle in Nagano Prefecture is not only one of Japan's most ancient castles, it is also one of the most beautiful.
12 Culture Inside Karasu-jo Elena Lisina Matsumoto Castle is one of Japan's five original standing castles. Its wood interior, darkened by time, is severe and functional...
Gardens & Parks Wasabi Special Elena Lisina Special place for those who like wasabi - you should visit it!
12 Culture Fukashi-jinja Shrine in Matsumoto Peter Sidell In Matsumoto in central Japan's Nagano prefecture, Fukashi-jinja is a lively Shinto shrine, with bright colours and some interesting..
Historical A Hokusai on the Ceiling Robert Grey Ganshoin Temple, located in northern Nagano's town of Obuse, contains one of the best kept local secrets around -- a large..
Historical Kamikochi and the Japan Alps Tomoko Kamishima Mountaineering as a leisure activity in Japan started after Westerners came here. Walter Weston left full records about his ex..