Kamikochi is a popular resort and often associated with some of the best natural beauty that the central Japanese Alps—and indeed Japan—have to offer. Go for a hike on one of the many trails or follow the river and its crystal-clear waters. Kamikochi is usually only open during the warme..
Many people think of Matsumoto in Nagano prefecture as an overnight spot before heading to the Japan Alps or Utsukushigahara Heights. If not for my wife having a good friend who is a resident, the city probably would not have been on my list of places to visit. Before our trip I had not seen much ad..
Tokyo is a great city to enjoy, with its unfinishable array of sights, shops and restaurants, but sometimes it's nice to get away for a day or two to somewhere quieter, and enjoy a more tranquil pace. Very different in feel, slightly touristy but with interesting and varied sights, Karuizawa is ..
When we stay at Hotel Harvest Club Kyu-Karuizawa, we usually have breakfast at restaurant Avant. Although there are some options within 10 minutes walk, the hotel breakfast buffet is already included into the room rate so why not relax with a beautif..
Mikado is a famous coffee shop whose speciality is mocha soft serve ice cream. You can it eat it in a cone or in a cup, or in a coffee float (with iced coffee, of course). When served in a cup, mocha soft ice-cream is garnished with a dried Californi..
Oiishi (delicious) is definitely the perfect word to describe Japanese cuisine. Who does not want perfectly fried tempura, deliciously seasoned ramen, or freshly served sushi? Many people crave Japanese food for its extraordinarily good tas..
Hoshino Resorts KAI Alps lies in the deep Omachi onsen territory of Nagano's Northern Alps mountain range, and promises an invigorating mix of rejuvenation for body and mind, with unparalleled dining, soothing hot springs and local Shinshu cultur..
With only seven rooms, Ryokan Katsuraso is a lovely family-run inn located in the heart of Bessho Onsen. It sits beside a temple and is only a one minute walk to Bessho Onsen's old main street. Although the building itself is older, the ryokan ha..
When most people think of Japan, they tend to imagine the futuristic bustle of Tokyo or the traditional gardens and temples of Kyoto, but the gateway to the Northern Japanese Alps reveals another side of the character of this beautiful and varied cou..
After spending the night on top of Hinoki-dake’s barren peak, I awoke just in time to catch sunrise. As the morning sun rose higher, I could witness the spectacular sight of the mountain's narrow ridgelines and deep valleys being illuminate..
For anyone hiking along the Central Alps from Mount Kiso-Koma, (Kiso-koma-ga-take) up to Mount Utsugi-Dake, the first thing you will need to decide is where to stay overnight! Since this hike takes about 10-12 hours to complete it’s almost impo..
Zenkoji Temple in Nagano prefecture is considered one of Japan's most popular temples and the largest after Nara's Todai-ji. It is surrounded by a bustling religious district and is reached by following the lively Nakamise-dori avenue that is..
