Things to Do

Chubu Region

Hida Takayama Old Townscape

The old streets of Hida Takayama are full of flavor.

Gifu / Famous Places / Sight-seeing Area

• 15 Apr 2018

  Gifu Prefecture – March Trip to Hida Takayama and Shirakawa-go [Day 2]

  I visited Hida Takayama and Shirakawa-go in Gifu Prefecture in March over 3 days and 2 nights. The area is great to visit in any season, but I decided to visit while the snow was still around this time. In this article, I’ll be introducing my day 1 travels from Shinjuku to Shirakawa-go as well as my walk through Shirakawa-go. This article will introduce Shirakawa-go in the morning on my 2nd day, as well as my walk through Takayama.

Kamikochi

Japan's most spectacular mountain scenery attracts 1.2 million people annually.

Nagano / Nature Spots / Mountain

Shirakawa-go (Historic Village)

A World Heritage Site that Offers Views of Japan’s Historic Scenery.

Gifu / Famous Places / Sightseeing Area

• 13 May 2021

  Recommended Photo Spots in Shirakawa-go

  Shirakawa-go is a World Heritage Site located in Gifu Prefecture’s Shirakawa Village. Many “gassho-zukuri” style buildings still stand in the area, creating stunning scenery reminiscent of Japan’s olden times. This article will introduce our recommended spots for taking beautiful photos.

• 12 May 2019

  See Remnants of Japan’s History Through Gassho-Zukuri Architecture at the World Heritage Site of Gokayama in Toyama Prefecture

  Gokayama is located in Nanto City, Toyama Prefecture, and is home to two gassho-zukuri settlements, Ainokura and Suganuma. “Gassho-zukuri” is the name of a historically valuable and unique type of architecture with pitched roofs that are similar in shape to hands clasped in prayer. Gassho-zukuri settlements can only be found in these snowy and mountainous areas. The Gokayama Settlement and Gifu Prefecture’s Shirakawa-go were registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1995.

• 23 Feb 2019

  World Cultural Heritage, Shirakawa-go (Historic Village)

  I went to World Cultural Heritage, Shirakawa-go (Historic Village).Shirakawa-go, a beautiful area where traditional Japanese scenery still exists, is home to the largest number of still-standing traditional “gassho-zukuri” Japanese homes.

Lake Yamanaka（Yamanaka-ko）

The closest lake to Mt.Fuji.

Yamanashi / Nature Spots / Lake

• 19 Nov 2019

  Lake Yamanaka, Yamanashi Prefecture - Sunset Shore & Autumn Leaves Festival

  I went to Lake Yamanaka in Yamanashi Prefecture to photograph the autumn leaves. It was a 20-min bus ride from the Fujikyuko Line's Fujisan Station to the Lake Yamanakako: Asahigaoka bus stop...

Lake Kawaguchi (Kawaguchi-ko)

Of the five lakes on Mt. Fuji, this is the most spectacular spot with the longest shoreline.

Yamanashi / Nature Spots / Lake

Arakurayama Sengen Park

A Popular Spot for Sakura Cherry Blossoms, a Pagoda and Mount Fuji

Yamanashi / Shrines & Temples / Notable Spots in Japan

• 10 Mar 2019

  Enjoying a Beautiful View of Mt. Fuji in Yamanashi Prefecture’s Fujiyoshida – Arakurayama Sengen Park

  If you walk about 10 minutes from the Fujikyuko Line’s Shimoyoshida Station, in Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi Prefecture, then climb 398 steps, you will reach Arakurayama Sengen Park, a must-visit location. This is an admission-free park giving where you can enjoy a fine view of Mount Fuji and commanding a panoramic view of Fujiyoshida.

• 26 Feb 2019

  Arakurayama Sengen Park Cherry Blossom Festival

  Arakurayama Sengen Park is the most popular view of Mt. Fuji in the Fuji Five Lakes area, and the beautiful scenery attracts tourists from within and outside of Japan.

• 12 Apr 2018

  It's Sakura Season at Arakurayama Sengen Park in Fujiyoshida City, Yamanashi Prefecture!

  All over Japan, Sakura (cherry blossoms) are reaching full bloom earlier than usual this year. Today, I'd like to introduce the Sakura at Arakurayama Sengen Park (nicknamed the Memorial Tower). It's located at the foot of Mount Fuji in Fujiyoshida City, Yamanashi Prefecture.

Mt. Fuji

World Heritage Site and Japan’s tallest mountain at 3,776 meters tall.

Yamanashi,Shizuoka / Nature Spots / Mountains

• 23 Jul 2019

  One day trip to Shizuoka prefecture centering on Mishima!

  Only 90 minutes from Tokyo. In Shizuoka prefecture, there is a small river called Kakitagawa at the bottom of Mt. Fuji. It’s a short river only 1.2 km long total, but with its water so transparent, you can clearly see the bottom of the river.

• 6 May 2018

  Climbing Mount Fuji, a World Heritage! (A Complete Guide to the Yoshida Trail)

  If you have climbed Mount Fuji (at an elevation of 3,776 m), the symbol of Japan, you definitely have a pleasant memory. And if you have seen the sunrise at the summit of Mount Fuji, it is absolutely an unforgettable experience! People hike up Mount Fuji usually between early July and early September, outside which climbing Mount Fuji is not permitted. Here we recommend the Yoshida trail that is safe and convenient even for first-time climbers.

Matsumoto Castle

A Stunning Black and White Castle Shining in the Northern Alps Mountains.

Nagano / Tourist Attractions / Castle

• 13 May 2021

  Take a Walk Through the Castle Town of Matsumoto Castle

  Matsumoto Castle, located in Nagano Prefecture’s Matsumoto City, is a historic castle that has been designated as a national treasure. If you’re planning a visit to Matsumoto Castle, be sure to take a walk around the castle town too! It is divided up into several areas with a retro-style atmosphere, each with its own history and unique points. Take a look!

Chubu Electric Power MIRAI TOWER　

From the Sky Deck, you can look down the whole city. Lodging in the symbol of Nagoya will be a special experience.

Aichi / Observatories / Observation tower, Lodging

Magome Inn

An inn town that still retains the atmosphere of the Edo period.

Gifu / Famous Places / Sight-seeing Area

Nagoya Castle

The castle tower (tenshukaku）has two shining Kinshachi, Golden Tiger-fish roof ornaments shining, and the majestic Hommaru palace is decorated with wall and screen paintings.

Aichi / Tourist Attractions / Castle

• 28 Dec 2017

  Enjoy Unique Experiences in 6 Popular Places in Aichi Prefecture!

  Located in the middle of the Japanese archipelago, Aichi Prefecture offers year-round sightseeing, thanks to its mild climate in all seasons. Starting with the LEGOLAND Japan theme park, and ending up with one of the gourmet dishes called, "Nagoya-Meshi", I'll tell you about all the popular spots to visit in Aichi Prefecture!

Kappa Bridge

A symbol of Kamikochi, this wooden suspension bridge is in beautiful harmony with the magnificent natural environment .

Nagano / Tourist Attractions / Bridge

Jigokudani Monkey Park

A famous hot spring known for wild monkeys that come to soak in its waters.

Nagano / Tourist Attractions / Monkeys, Hot Springs

Lake Suwa

The largest lake in Shinshu with a perimeter of about 16 km.

Nagano / Nature Spots / Lake

Hakuba Iwatake Mountain Resort

A mountain highland resort with spectacular scenery and a variety of activities throughout the year.

Nagano / Outdoors

Shirahone Onsen

It is a hot spring resort deep in the mountains at the foot of the Northern Alps. Enjoy the milky white soft hot spring water with nature's beauty mineral that is gentle on the skin.

Nagano / Famous Places

Narai-juku

Take a stroll through the townscape, which features rows of houses with "senbon-goushi" lattices and inns that evoke the Edo period.

Nagano / Famous Places / Townscape

Lake Motosu (Motosu-ko)

Of the five Fuji lakes, Lake Motosu offers the greatest sense of richness in nature.

Yamanashi / Nature Spots / Lake

Shiraito Falls (Shizuoka Prefecture)

Waterfall lovers unite! A Cultural World Heritage Site a strikingly beautiful, famous waterfall in Shizuoka.

Shizuoka / Nature Spots / Waterfalls, Nature Escapes

• 5 Nov 2016

  5 Must-See Nature Escapes in Shizuoka Prefecture

  Shizuoka Prefecture is home to a rich landscape of lush nature that’s hugged by the sea, many mountains, and of course, Mt. Fuji. The region is easily accessible from Tokyo by train, making it a great destination add-on for visitors to the big city. Here’s a roundup of 5 must-see nature escapes in Shizuoka Prefecture.

Atsuta Jingu (Atsuta Shrine)

The shrine that houses the sacred sword mentioned in “Kojiki” and “Nihon Shoki” (Chronicles of Japan including myths, legends, songs, genealogies and oral traditions).

Aichi / Shrines & Temples / Shrine

Shosenkyo Gorge

Shosenkyo is said to be “the most beautiful gorge in Japan”, and is a special scenic beauty of the country.

Yamanashi / Nature Spots / Gorge

Museum Meiji Mura Village

A museum famous for serving as a filming location for TV shows and movies, where visitors can experience the Meiji era.

Aichi / Museums / Museum

Kawazu-zakura blossoms along the Kawazu River

Early blooming cherry blossoms that bloom along the Kawazu River starting from the beginning of February through the end of February every year.

Shizuoka / Tourist Attractions / Blossoms

Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route

Ride a group of transportations and tour around the mountain route along one scenic beauty after another.

Toyama,Nagano / Tourist Attractions / Scenic area

• 17 Jan 2023

  [Encounter an overwhelmingly beautiful natural landscape] Kurobe Tateyama Alpine Route Tourist Guide

  On the Kurobe Tateyama Alpine Route, which runs through the 3,000-meter-high mountains of the Northern Alps, you can easily enjoy the dynamic scenery of the four seasons. This section provides all the information you need to enjoy the scenery of the Kurobe Tateyama Alpine Route, as well as highlights and recommended accommodations.

Lake Kawaguchiko Sightseeing Boat “Appare”

Views of Mt. Fuji while cruising Lake Kawaguchiko from this fully Japanese-style designed sightseeing boat.

Yamanashi / Figures / Sightseeing Boats