Area Kakegawa Kakegawa is a city in western Shizuoka known for its green tea production and is surrounded by green tea fields. There, visitors may see Kakegawa Castle, a reconstructed Edo castle that is the..
Shopping Nitori Shop Amanda Ho Nitori is the IKEA of Japan selling affordable furniture and interior goods. With more than three hundred stores in Japan, and about..
Culture A Day Tour of Shizuoka’s Best Elle Harris A designer day tour of Shizuoka in central Japan. A lovely day trip that included a nights stay at Hotel Century, a ride on Nihondaira..
9 Accommodation Bessho Onsen's Ryokan Katsuraso Sandra Isaka Lovely family-run hot springs ryokan in central Bessho Onsen, Ueda, Nagano Prefecture. Amazing home-cooked kaiseki meals using local..
6 Food Cafe A Table Kim Bergström Cafe A Table is a mom-and-pop style cafe situated in Minamiuonuma, Niigata Prefecture. The rustic and warm cafe serves up main meals,..
Culture Echigo-Tsumari Satoyama Museum Kim Bergström If you enjoy modern art, the Echigo-Tsumari Satoyama Museum of Contemporary Art is a fantastic spot to visit. It's filled with..
Culture Tokamachi Kimono Festival 2026 Sunday - May 3rd The Tokamachi Kimono Festival is held on the 3rd of May each year. The region is known for their kimono production, and it's..
7 Culture Bishamondo Through the Seasons Kim Bergström Urasa's Bishamondo Temple is a fantastic spot to witness Japan's distinct seasons in all their glory. From the colorful..