Culture Matsumoto Castle Ice Sculpture Festival 2026 Jan 23rd - Jan 25th The Matsumoto Castle Ice Sculpture Festival has been running for over 30 years now, with a variety of skillfully designed works..
Activities Iiyama Nanohana Festival 2026 Early May Iiyama's aptly-named Nanohana Park comes alive during spring, and their annual nanohana festival is held during the latter half..
Activities Azumino Park Illuminations 2025-2026 Nov 1st - Jan 31st From early November until early January, Nagano's Alps Azumino National Government Park will host their annual illumination..
Culture Blades of Shinanomachi Nathan Eden I visited a knife and blade maker in Shinanomachi to see how he forges his traditional craft's products. It was both fascinating..
Accommodation The Bathhouses of Shibu Onsen Linka Wade Shibu Onsen in Nagano Prefecture is a lovely onsen town in a gorgeous natural area. But it also has something more to offer - 9..
Activities Straddling the Skyline in Shibu Toge Pass Linka Wade Driving on Route 292 around Gunma's Kusatsu Onsen offers stunning views as well as interesting places like the highest point..
Activities Takato Castle Park Sakura Festival Kim Bergström From around early to mid April each year, Nagano's Takato Castle Park is filled with the pretty pink color of 1500 sakura trees..
Activities Sakura Season at Komoro Castle Park Kim Bergström From around Early to mid-April each year, the Komoro Castle Park is home to a sakura festival to celebrate the beauty of around..