Culture Chinkoro Winter Markets, Tokamachi Rufus Starbuck The Chinkoro Winter Markets in Tokamachi take place on January 10, 15, 20 & 25. They are a traditional craft and farmers' market..
Culture The Ito Mansion Alexis Guiral A description of my experience at the Ito mansion in Niigata prefecture. This is a translation of my previous article, approved..
Spontaneous Day Trip to Murakami Bridget Ye As with quite a few places in Japan I visited, Murakami was a spontaneous visit. I’ll admit, I decided to get off the train at..
Activities Gon-chan: Melancholy Stones of Naeba Reynald Ventura The idea of big stones painted with mournful eyes and a gaze that petrifies -- to welcome and usher visitors to a rock festival..
15 Culture Tokamachi Snow Festival 2016 Rufus Starbuck Tokamachi Snow Festival is one of the best winter festivals in the whole of the country with snow sculptures, live music and a full..
Activities Matsunoyama Onsen Royal Backcountry Rufus Starbuck A backcountry ski tour retracing a route taken by an Imperial party in the 50s leaving from Matsunoyama Onsen Ski Area, through..
Culture Bishamondo Naked Man Festival, Urasa 2026 Mar 6th - Mar 7th The Naked Man Festival at Urasa's Bishamondo is one of the top bizarre festivals in Japan and a wonderful night out each year..
Activities Joetsu Kokusai Ski Resort - Niigata Sarah Chaney With a large number of slopes, breathtaking scenery, and a European style resort and hotel, Joetsu Kokusai is highly recommended..