Traditional Narai Post Town Elena Lisina Narai is one of the best preserved post towns of the Edo Period on the Nakasendo route.
Culture A National Treasure: Matsumoto Castle Varsha Vaswati Also known as the 'Crow Castle' for its black stony exteriors, Matsumoto castle is iconic in being one of the only 4 castles..
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..
16 Arts & Crafts Matsumoto Crafts Elena Lisina Samples of crafts such as oshie dolls popular in Matsumoto city.
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..
Museums The Original Matsumoto Castle Leslie Taylor Matsumoto Castle in Nagano Prefecture is not only one of Japan's most beautiful castles, but it is also one of the few originals,..
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..
Culture Komagane's Cedar Shrines Arlene Bastion Komagane's Kozenji and Omiya Isuzu Shrines exemplify how sacred cedars can augment a shrine's already holy atmosphere.