Activities Autumn Road Trip in Iwate, the "Last Frontier of Ja... Alena Eckelmann During a 3-day road trip I explored Tono and Kamaishi in Iwate Prefecture. Tono is surrounded by mountains and forests; Kamaishi..
Culture The Seven Wonders of Tainaisan Shrine Alena Eckelmann A shrine in the forest of Iwate has more to offer than the usual shrine buildings and torii gates. Here you find a massive rock,..
Food Visiting Mikan Orchards in Arida Alena Eckelmann Mikan (satsuma mandarin) orchards in Arida City, Wakayama Prefecture, date back to the beginning of the Edo Period (1600) and they..
Accommodation Koyo Ryokan in Kaminoyama Alena Eckelmann Koyo Ryokan in Kaminoyama Onsen near Yamagata City and near the Zao mountains is ranking amongst the best ryokan in Japan. The Ogami..
Culture Niwaka Lantern Festival 2026 Late Aug You might have heard of Kiriko in Wajima but do you know Niwaka? A procession of colorfully painted floats mark the end of sum..
Culture Dejima Island's Legacy Alena Eckelmann Dejima, once a small man-made island off the shores of Nagasaki, is now enclosed within modern Nagasaki City's hustle and bustle...
Activities Hyakkenzan Gorge Alena Eckelmann Hyakkenzan Gorge, a deep valley in the south of the Kii Peninsula, has your ideal summer hiking course. Why? It is a short trail..
Activities The Green Pheasant - Japan's National Bird Alena Eckelmann Did you know that the Green Pheasant is Japan's National Bird? This pheasant is endemic to Japan and one can still see it roaming..