From:Tokyo / Japan Travel Videos

Tokyo before Olympic Games

Tokyo is the hosting city of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games postponed to July 2021. The video shows how local people are living ordinary lives dealing with COVID-19 wearing masks in major towns in Tokyo during the state of emergency which was lifted as of June 21, 2021.

Street Shopping Park

Things to do in Tokyo on a budget

Tokyo is a sprawling metropolis with a number of iconic landmarks. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building has two free observation decks with an excellent view of Japan’s capital and its surroundings. Other landmarks and shopping complexes also have good views. Caretta Shiodome overlooks Tokyo Bay and Tokyo Solamachi includes a terrace at the base of Tokyo Skytree. The tall tower has the highest viewpoints in Tokyo. Popular places to visit and take pictures range from futuristic architecture like Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harujuku to traditional landscaping like the beautiful Rikugien Gardens. Explore the cityscape. Tokyo is always changing and reinventing itself.

View Free Garden Shopping Landmark

Tokyo sumo experience by rugby legends

Sumo has a long tradition in Japan and is the country’s national sport. There are six professional sumo grand tournaments held each year, three of them in Tokyo (January, May, and September) at the Ryogoku Kokugikan. Some sumo stables allow visitors to watch their morning practice sessions. Usually, only sumo wrestlers are allowed to step into a dohyo (sumo ring). At Raien Sumo Tokyo, you can try sumo yourself and dress and train like a sumo wrestler, a rikishi. A sumo experience lesson with former sumo wrestlers teaches sumo basics, including how to put on a mawashi belt.

Sumo Sports Training Culture

Asakusa, rugby legends' visit

Tokyo’s famous Asakusa district is home to the city’s oldest temple, Senso-ji. Many small shops, restaurants, and bars are located in the area surrounding the temple. Kappabashi Street is lined with shops that sell everything you might need in a kitchen or restaurant, including food sample imitations many stores use to show their menu. You can make some food samples yourself or learn how to cook real Japanese dishes here. For a special experience, go on a dinner cruise on Sumida River, which runs past Asakusa. Cruises include traditional Japanese meals and are a fun way to see Tokyo.

Fun Food Eat Culture Cruise

Tokyo, rugby legends' visit

Tokyo is a huge metropolis where old and new co-exist. It has many different areas. Roppongi Hills for example is the modern Tokyo, which you can see from Tokyo City View observation deck. In contrast, the Yanesen area is an old district with a retro feel that has escaped development. Tokyo has thousands of good places for eating and shopping and also excellent museums. The Samurai Museum is all about history, while a visit to the Mori Building Digital Art Museum: teamLab Borderless is like taking a trip to the future. Explore both sides of this fascinating city

View Museum History Samurai Culture Art Sushi

Central Tokyo, rugby legends' visit

Japan’s capital Tokyo is a city of contrasts where the old and new live side by side. Tokyo Tower has a great view, overlooking temples, old buildings, and modern architecture. Meiji Jingu Shrine for example is one of the quiet spots in Tokyo, but next to it is the kawaii, pop, and futuristic Harajuku district. A visit to Kawaii Monster Cafe Harajuku and Tea Ceremony Room Toko-an are worlds apart, but at both places you can experience Tokyo’s culture. The city is also changing for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020 and now has the new Japan Olympic Museum.

View Culture Shrine Tea Kawaii Museum

How to get to Tokyo Stadium

Rugby World Cup 2019 will be held in 12 venues in Japan and Tokyo hosts eight matches including the opening game. Here's a short video to show you the directions from Shinjuku station to Tokyo Stadium.

Sports Stadium Rugby

Tokyo westside

For a day trip away from the busy districts of Tokyo, take a train to the green western side of the city. Mt. Takao is a popular destination for hiking. Different trails lead to the summit - trail #1 goes past Mt. Takao Monkey Park and Takao-san Yakuo-in Temple. From the summit of Mt. Takao you can see Mt. Fuji on a clear day. After a long walk, relax with a leisurely onsen bath. Akigawa Keikoku Seoto-no-Yu is an onsen spa located near Ishibune-bashi Bridge, a spot known for its gorgeous view across Akigawa River in the Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park.

Nature Hiking National park View Temple Monkeys Onsen

Tokyo must see places

Japan’s capital Tokyo is a huge metropolis that is continuously reinventing itself. It is the main hub for Japan travel and offers seemingly endless options for eating out and shopping. Tokyo is also rich in culture, from traditional to kawaii, pop, and futuristic. The city combines new and old. From its iconic landmarks Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Skytree you can see how modern architecture and historic structures sit next to each other in the sprawling cityscape. The forested grounds of Meiji Shrine for example are surrounded with some of the busiest districts.

View Culture Play View Shrine

Best 10 Tokyo spots

More than 9 million residents live in the capital city of Tokyo. Tokyo has various kinds of tourist attractions. The latest cultural trends can be found in Shibuya or Harajuku, Shinjuku and Ginza are known for shopping, and Tokyo is full of traditional sites including Asakusa’s Sensoji Temple and Meiji Jingu Shrine.

Tokyo Shibuya Harajuku Akihabara Asakusa Temple Shopping Observatory

Hakone Day Trip

Hakone is a popular onsen hot spring resort where you can reach from Tokyo within two hours by train. After the suspension due to the massive typhoon in Oct. 2019, the Hakone Tozan Railways resumed operation in Jul. 2020 which connects Hakone Yumoto, the gateway of Hakone and Hakone Cable Car at Gora Station. The destination is still popular among domestic visitors despite of the pandemic since 2020 with a lot of attractions such museums, parks, shrines and a magnificent view from the Hakone Pirate Ship on Lake Ashi.

Park Shrine Museum Lake Ship

Kanagawa day trip, feeling of discovery

Kanagawa Prefecture is situated next to Tokyo. Yokohama, Kamakura, and Hakone in Kanagawa are popular destinations for short trips from Japan’s capital. Kanagawa’s coast along Tokyo Bay has many beautiful spots you can explore. Sarushima Island is one place with excellent views of Tokyo Bay. Kamakura is also located on the coast. The many shrines and temples here let you explore Japan’s history and architecture. More traditional buildings can be seen at the open-air museum Nikon Minka-en. Another destination in Kanagawa is Lake Ashi in Hakone. It has great views of Mount Fuji, that you can enjoy during a cruise.

View Nature History Architecture Cruise

Yokohama, rugby legends' visit

Yokohama, the seat of Kanagawa Prefectural Government is located next to Tokyo. It has been an important port, made up of several distinct districts. A cruise or taking the Sea Bass (water bus) are the best way to see Yokohama’s cityscape from the water. It is a mix of old and modern buildings, with a look and atmosphere that sets it apart from Tokyo. Yokohama is a great destination for foodies. You could eat your way through the Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum and Yokohama Chinatown then spend the evening exploring bars and jazz cafes in the Noge district.

Eat Ramen Nightlife Bars Cruise

Discover Yokohama, Kanagawa

Tokyo’s neighbor Yokohama is Japan's second largest city and a great destination for a day trip. It has historic districts and modern ones like Minato Mirai 21. The large Cosmo Clock 21 Ferris Wheel here has an excellent view of the bay. Yokohama has long been an international trading port and its atmosphere sets it apart from Japan’s capital. If you are a foodie, visit Cup Noodle Museum Yokohama, Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum and Yokohama Chinatown’s approximately 500 restaurants and stores. Great with kids, Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise is a whole island of fun including an aquarium and an amusement park.

Play Eat Ramen Museum View

Day trip to Kanagawa

Kamakura, Yokohama, and Hakone are very popular day trip destinations from Tokyo, all located in Kanagawa Prefecture. Yokohama is an international port and Japan's second largest city. Yokohama Chinatown is famous for its hundreds of restaurants. In contrast, Kamakura has an old city atmosphere with many temples and shrines like Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine and Kotoku-in Temple, home of Kamakura’s iconic Great Buddha. Hakone is famous for its nature and landscape. Hakone Shrine is hidden in the forest near Lake Ashi, a famous viewpoint for Mt. Fuji. On clear days Mt. Fuji can also be seen from Yokohama Landmark Tower.

View Eat Shopping Temple Shrine History Mt. fuji

Things to do in Hakone, Kanagawa

Hakone is a beautiful nature spot, close enough to the big cities for a day trip from Tokyo or Yokohama. The area is known for its views of Mt. Fuji, Lake Ashi, and onsen hot springs. The Torii gate built in the water of the lake belongs to Hakone Shrine hidden in the forest. Hakone’s mountain scenery also serves as background for the art exhibited at the Hakone Open-Air Museum. And in Owakudani Valley volcanic activity brings hot springs, bubbling mud, and steam to the surface. Getting around is part of the fun. Catch different views from Hakone Ropeway or the boats crossing Lake Ashi.

Nature Shrine Lake Museum Art Mt. fuji View

All about Yokohama, Kanagawa

Yokohama was the first port opened up to foreign trade in the mid-19th century. It is located south of Tokyo and can be reached in about 30 minutes from Tokyo by train. The Minato Mirai 21 area was developed in the late 20th century and features many tourist attractions such as hotels, shopping complexes, and amusement parks. The traditional international town atmosphere is alive and well in Chinatown which is also popular among visitors to Yokohama.

Kanagawa Yokohama Port Amusement park Museum Ramen Park

Kamakura, Kanagawa for first timers

Kamakura is one of the most popular day trip destinations from Tokyo. It is located about 60 km southwest of Tokyo and accessible by one-hour train ride. It used to be the seat of the Kamakura Government lead by Minamoto Yoritomo and his successors around the 13th century. Kamakura has an old town atmosphere similar to Kyoto with dozens of traditional temples and shrines. The Great Buddha at Kotoku-in is over 11-meters tall and is one of the most renowned landmarks in the town.

Kanagawa Kamakura Temple Shrine Buddha Shopping

Countryside in Chiba

Chiba Prefecture is known with Narita Airport, one of the two major airports as the gateway to Tokyo Metropolitan area. Not only the convenience of the transportation to the city, but the countryside places of the prefecture are worth visiting to experience traditional culture in Japan. Naritasan Omotesando Street is leading up to Naritasan Shinshoji Temple with many traditional shops and restaurants along the path. Sawara has historical streets and bridges over the river showing the old Japan atmosphere of the merchant city. You can experience Japanese traditional culture such as samurai and kimono at Sakura Bukeyashiki and Drum Village.

Sake Street Samurai History Kimono

Around the Airport in Narita

Narita International Airport in Chiba Prefecture is one of the two major gateways to Tokyo from overseas along with Haneda Airport. Naritasan Shinshoji Temple in Narita City is one of the popular Buddhist temples in Japan where about 3 million people visit in three days for the first prayer worship of the year. Strolling Omotesando Street leading up to the temple is a fun browsing many traditional shops and restaurants along the street. There are more historical towns and landmarks located in the surrounding Cities such as Sakae, Sakura, Katori and Shibayama.

Museum Temple History

Narita Airport transit & stay programs, Chiba

Within easy access from Narita International Airport are several interesting destinations for a short side trip. Naritasan Shinshoji Temple is one of Japan’s largest temples. Omotesando Street leading up to it has many traditional shops and restaurants. Stroll the historical streets of Sawara and enjoy the old Japan atmosphere of this merchant city. In the past goods where transported to Edo (Tokyo) by boat through its canals. Visit Tako Town and walk or cycle through its surrounding rice fields. Nichihon-ji Temple here is famous for the many hydrangea flowers on its grounds. Visit Boso no Mura museum in Sakae where you can walk through a town from the Edo Period dressed in kimono or as a samurai or ninja.

Temple History Shopping Walking Cycling Nature

Best Things in Saitama

Kawagoe in Saitama Prefecture is one of the most popular towns around Tokyo with its traditional architecture and old-fashioned streets that is called “Little Edo” named after the era of samurai feudal from 17th to 19th Century. Metropolitan Area Outer Underground Discharge Channel is a gigantic underground discharge channels stretching for 6.3km at 50 meters below ground constructed to prevent flood damage in Tokyo metropolitan area and surrounding prefectures. The guided tours are offered to the general public. Reservation is required here (https://gaikaku.jp/).

History Shrine Eat Walk Architecture View

Journey through Japan

Not far from Tokyo, there are a lot of attractive destinations where you can feel unique atmosphere that you can't feel in other areas. One of the options is "Northward Golden Route" which includes Saitama, Gunma and Niigata Prefectures. There are both Shinkansen Line and expressways between these three prefectures from Tokyo and each prefecture. The video shows unique attractions in the three prefectures.

Shrine Outdoor Activity Onsen Culture History View

Journey through Saitama

Saitama Prefecture is located just north of Tokyo, and has a well-developed transportation network including railways and expressways, making for convenient access from neighboring prefectures and international airports. The prefecture is blessed with a variety of sightseeing resources represented by "Little Edo" Kawagoe which retains its appearance from the Edo Era (17-19th century) and the greenery of Chichibu and Nagatoro, as well as other food, drinks, anime spots, nature, industries, history, traditional culture, sports, and various experiences. In addition, international events were held all around the prefecture, such as the World Bonsai Convention in 2017, the Rugby World Cup in 2019 and the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2021 (soccer, basketball, golf, and shooting).

History Shrine Drink Beer Outdoor Activity View

Saitama City

Saitama City is the center of Saitama Prefecture located just north of Tokyo. Omiya Station is about 30-minute ride from central Tokyo that several Shinkansen Lines stop at where is next to the Railway Museum. There are more museums in the city such as Bonsai Art Museum and Iwatsuki Ningyo Museum which display traditional items such as bonsai trees and Japanese dolls collections which are getting more popular among international tourists. Minuma Tambo is a green park covering a vast area of some 1,260 ha that is popular among the locals with its beautiful landscapes and the history.

Shrine Temple Bonsai Museum Train Railway Park Visit

Weekend in Saitama

Saitama Prefecture is located just north of Tokyo. Kawagoe is popular because of its traditional architecture and old-fashioned streets and shops, known as “Little Edo” named after the former name of Tokyo during the Edo Period (1603-1867). Nagatoro is another popular destination in Saitama for Nagatoro River Cruise surrounded by natural landscape which is within 2-hour train ride from Tokyo.

Temple River Street View

Tokyo to Chichibu and Kawagoe

Saitama Prefecture is located just north of Tokyo. Kawagoe is a popular town because of its traditional architecture and old-fashioned streets and shops, known as “Little Edo” named after the former name of Tokyo during the Edo Period (1603-1867). Nagatoro is another popular destination in Saitama for Chichibu Shrine and Hodosan Shrine which is within 2-hour train ride from Tokyo.

Shrine History View

Saitama, rugby legend's visit

Saitama Prefecture is located just north of Tokyo. Omiya in Saitama City is easily reached from major stations in the capital. Musashi Ichinomiya Hikawa Shrine gives Omiya its name, literally meaning large shrine. The city is also known for bonsai. The Omiya Bonsai Art Museum showcases the Japanese art of cultivating small bonsai trees. Kawagoe is another popular day trip destination in Saitama. It is known as “Little Edo” because of its traditional architecture and old-fashioned streets and shops. Edo is the old name of Tokyo and here you experience a little bit of the Edo Period (1603-1867).

History Culture Bonsai Museum Shrine Eat

Kiyosato, Yamanashi

The Kiyosato Highlands in Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture is located at the southern foot of the Yatsugatake mountains on the border between Nagano Prefecture. The resort town is popular for its old-fashioned atmosphere and beautiful views, especially famous for the Seisen-ryo Farm with its creamy ice cream. In several-minute ride from Kiyosato Station, JR Koumi Line passes the highest point of any JR line in the country. The view of the sunflowers in Akeno are observed between mid. Jul. and late Aug. Some others tourist attractions in the region are available during the limited period of the year. *The Yatsugatake Western Ranch suspended operation as of Apr. 2018.

Observatory Lift Railway Flowers Mountain View Nature

Things to do near Mt. Fuji

Mt. Fuji is the highest mountain in Japan and "Fujisan, sacred place and source of artistic inspiration" is designated UNESCO's World Heritage Cultural Sites in 2013, which consists of 25 sites such as Lake Kawaguchiko, Oshino Hakkai Ponds, Kawaguchi Asama Shrine and the mountain itself. You can find some of the best views of Mt. Fuji from Lake Kawaguchiko Sightseeing Boat, Tenku-no Torii, Fujiyosida City and Oshino Hakkai Ponds.

Shrine Lake Boat Pond Mountain Nature

Virtual Mt. Fuji Climbing Tour

The official climbing season of Mt. Fuji is usually from July 1st to early September. While the climbing routes are closed due to the pandemic in 2020, a mountain hut guide, Kenji started his virtual climbing tour to the summit of Mt. Fuji. Over a hundred enthusiastic guests from overseas participated in the 90-minute online tour.

World heritage Nature View Play Mountain

Tokyo westside, Yamanashi and Kanagawa

Tokyo’s west side is green and scenic and has many easily accessible day trip destinations. Explore Lake Sagami, take a boat out on the lake and visit the “Art Town” Fujino, famous for its huge outdoor Love Letter installation. For a panoramic view of the area and Mt. Fuji, go to the top of Mt. Iwadono in Otsuki. The unusually shaped Saruhashi Bridge here is a nationally designated place of scenic beauty. In Tsuru, water from Mt. Fuji creates the Taro Jiro Waterfall. And Kikuchi Wasabi Farm uses the fresh water to grow wasabi, an essential ingredient for making sushi.

Nature Hiking View Art Architecture Wasabi

Travel to Mt. Fuji, Yamanashi

Mt. Fuji is the highest mountain in Japan and has long been worshipped as a sacred place. Pilgrimages to the top traditionally started at Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine near Lake Kawaguchiko in the Fuji Five Lakes region (Fujigoko). You can find some of the best views of Mt. Fuji here within easy access from Tokyo. Great places to take pictures include the Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway and Arakurayama Sengen Park Chureito Pagoda. Another fun highlight in the area is Fuji-Q Highland, one of Japan’s best amusement parks with a huge haunted house and several record-breaking roller coasters and rides.

World heritage Nature View Shrine Play Lake Mountain

Nature, History, Culture and Life in Shizuoka

Shizuoka Prefecture located between Tokyo and Nagoya is famous as the home of iconic Mount Fuji. Not only the highest mountain in Japan, but a lot of onsen resorts such as Shuzenji Onsen in the Izu Peninsula attract the visitors from Tokyo and surrounding areas. Shizuoka is top in the number of catches of tuna from many fishing ports along the Pacific Coast such as Yaizu. Note that getting around multiple places in the video need a couple of days, staying at Shuzeji Onsen and Sumatakyo Onsen.

Onsen Train Bridge Port Castle History

Shizuoka, rugby legend's visit

Shizuoka Prefecture is located west of Tokyo on the Pacific Coast and is home of iconic Mount Fuji and the Izu Peninsula. The Old Tokaido Road linking Tokyo and Kyoto runs through Shizuoka. Now Shizuoka City, is situated just between Tokyo and Nagoya on the Tokaido Shinkansen Line. At the city center stand the remains of Sumpu Castle, built by Japan’s first Shogunate Tokugawa Ieyasu. Shizuoka is the top producer of green tea in Japan and also known for its excellent food. Many places on the coast such as Nihon-daira have fantastic views of Mount Fuji.

Castle Garden History View Park

【JAPAN TRAVEL NAGANO】Travel in the Countryside of Nagano(長野の旅)Part1

Nagano, the prefecture hosted the Winter Olympic Games in 1998 is popular with the ski resorts such as Nozawa and Hakuba among domestic and international visitors. Meanwhile, there are a lot of places worth visiting during other seasons. Historical landmarks such as Zenkoji Temple and Togakushi Shrine as well as old villages of Tsumago and Narai that used to be post towns centuries ago are popular destinations.

History Shrine Temple Street

Highlands in Nagano

Nagano Prefecture is located in the center of Japan’s main island. It has highlands and mountains with stunning scenery and excellent hiking. Kamikochi is one popular resort in the Northern Japan Alps with beautiful landscape. Take a walk along the river from Taisho Pond to Kappa Bridge or venture further up into the mountains. Away from the big cities, Nagano’s highlands like the Utsukushigahara plateau have stunning night skies. And Achi Village in Southern Nagano is known as the best place in the country for stargazing. For history, visit Matsumoto Castle in Matsumoto City, the oldest existing castle in Japan.

Nature Hiking History Views Mountains Stargazing

Nikko National Park, Tochigi

Nikko National Park has gorgeous nature with waterfalls, lakes, and forests. Among its famous scenery are Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Falls, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Japan. The park includes the UNESCO World Heritage “Shrines and Temples of Nikko”. One iconic spot is the red lacquered Shinkyo Bridge. Nikko is a popular trip from Tokyo and great as a two-day excursion. Stay overnight at Kinugawa Onsen and relax with onsen baths and local cuisine. In nearby Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura you can experience the Edo Period (1603-1868), walk the recreated Edo-period streets and dress up like a Samurai.

Nature Hiking National park World heritage History Play Onsen

Exploring Nikko, Tochigi

Nikko offers gorgeous nature and architecture. Located in Tochigi Prefecture, Nikko is a popular destination for a trip from Tokyo. The “Shrines and Temples of Nikko” are UNESCO World Heritage sites. The founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate that ruled Japan for over 200 years is enshrined at Toshogu Shrine, known for its intricately decorated buildings set among tall trees. Another famous spot is the red lacquered Shinkyo Bridge that belongs to Futarasan Shrine. Nikko National Park has good hiking and photogenic landscape. From the shores of Lake Chuzenji you can walk through Senjogahara Marsh to Yudaki Falls and Yumoto Onsen.

World heritage Architecture Shrine Nature Hiking National park

Seasons in Gunma

Gunma Prefecture is located over 100 km north of Tokyo. The prefecture is popular with its lots of major onsen hot spring resorts such as Ikaho, Shima and Minakami Onsen as well as remote onsen ryokan inns in Hoshi and Takaragawa Onsen. Kusatsu Onsen is one of the most renowned onsen resorts in Japan selected as the best onsen resort by professionals consecutively over a decade. You are advised to stay in multiple onsens in Gunma to enjoy bathing as well as walking around the traditional hot spiring resorts.

Lake Kayaking Outdoor Onsen

Journey through Gunma

Gunma is a mountainous prefecture in the center of Japan, two hours from Tokyo by car. In this short 4-minute video, you can see Gunma's natural blessings such as kayaking at Akaya Lake, Fukiware no Taki Falls and Kusatsu Onsen. You can feel the nature through the whole body through such activities and warm your heart by many kinds of onsen. Experience the deep emotions in Gunma that can't feel in big cities.

Kayaking Outdoor Onsen Lake Falls Craft Nature

Best things in Gunma

Gunma is a landlocked prefecture located over 100 km north of Tokyo. Kusatsu Onsen is one of the most famous onsens in Japan which offers various kinds of onsen inns, public bath houses and attractions such as Yumomi Show at Netsunoyu, cooling down the hot spring water in the traditional way adding no cold water. Tomioka Silk Mill was the first silk mill in Japan built in 1872 that developed the spinning industry during the Meiji Period. It was designated the World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2014. You can access most of the popular places in Gunma from Tokyo by the Shinkansen bullet trains and local buses.

Onsen Temple World heritage History Temple Craft

Hot spring town, Kusatsu Onsen, Gunma

Kusatsu is one of the most famous onsen (hot spring) resorts in Japan. The hot water field Yubatake at its center is the source of Kusatsu’s waters, flowing with the largest water volume of all hot springs in the country. An onsen visit is a typically Japanese way to relax and refresh with leisurely baths and local cuisine. Netsunoyu demonstrates the traditional Yumomi method of cooling down the water and Otakinoyu offers Awaseyu bathing in pools of different temperatures. Try it for yourself at one of Kusatsu’s public baths, a ryokan, or the big outdoor Rotenburo bath in Sainokawara Park.

Onsen Hot spring Spa Relax Nature

Hitachi Seaside Park, Ibaraki

Hitachi Seaside Park is located 120 km north-east of Tokyo. The 200-hectare park faces the Pacific Ocean and is flush with a variety of flowers of various colors that are in bloom all throughout the year. Among them are 4.5 million nemophilas (baby blue eyes) on hills that occupy some 3.5 hectares of the park’s total area. The flowers are very popular amongst international tourists who visit Japan.

Ibaraki Park Flower

Snow Time in Niigata

Niigata Prefecture has many ski resorts. Some of them in Echigo Yuzawa town such as Gala Yuzawa and Ishiuchi Maruyama Ski Resorts are accessible in less than two hours from Tokyo by Joetsu Shinkansen bullet train. Niigata is known as major producer of rice and has the most sake breweries in 47 prefectures in Japan! You can visit some of them such as Uonuma Jozo and Uonuma no sato to learn how they are brewing in traditional methods or in modern facilities.

Journey through Niigata

Only 70 minutes from Tokyo, after passing through a long tunnel, you will find another side of Japan different from Tokyo and Kyoto. Niigata Prefecture used to be a wealthy region that boosted its population to the largest number in Japan about 150 years ago. Due to the development of the national transportation networks, the economic center of the country shifted to the Pacific Coast side, leaving the region on the Sea of Japan side behind. However, the original culture, traditions, and sceneries preserved in the opposite side of Japan can be found in Niigata.

Museum History Culture Onsen Ryokan Sushi Gorge Observatory

Rural Japan, Niigata

Niigata is located along the Sea of Japan on Japan’s main island. Echigo-yuzawa is known as popular ski resorts as well as the gateway to Kiyotsukyo Gorge which is recently popular as one of the most grammable spots in Niigata Prefecture. Sado Island, off the coast of Niigata City is known for the history that once flourished by its gold mine as well as the unique culture such tub-bort ride.

Gorge tunnel Art Garden Sake Island History Boat

Must-visit destinations, Niigata

Niigata is one of the prefectures on Japan’s main island that are located along the Sea of Japan. Sado Island, off the coast of Niigata City, is known for its music festival and has a Taiko Centre where you can learn all about Japanese drumming. Explore Niigata’s coast or go hiking and skiing in the mountains - the region around Minamiuonuma is one of the world’s heaviest snowfall areas. And try the local cuisine. In Japan, Niigata Prefecture is known for its high-quality rice and sake. You can taste some of the leading local brands at the Ponshukan Sake Museum.

Niigata Sado island Taiko Japanese culture History Sake

Kitakata, Home of Sake and Ramen

Kitakata City is located 220 km north from Tokyo. The town is famous with traditional kura (storehouses) constructed centuries ago as the storages for sake, miso soy source or lacquer ware. Some of which are currently operated as sake breweries, shops or museums. There are over 100 ramen noodle restaurants known as Kitakata Ramen.

Ramen Sake Shrine Eat Drink Experience

Love Fukushima

Aizu is the westernmost region of Fukushima Prefecture. In the past, feudal lords ruled the area with their samurai warriors from Tsuruga Castle in Aizu Wakamatsu. The museum inside the reconstructed castle explains Aizu’s history. In Ouchi-juku you can feel like a traveller in old Japan. This post town was a stop on the route to Edo (Tokyo). In Kitakata, try local sake and the city’s famous ramen noodles. Lake Inawashiro near Aizu Wakamatsu is one of the largest lakes in Japan. It belongs to the Bandai Asahi National Park where you can enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, and watersports.

Nature National park Hiking Skiing Castle View History Samurai sake

Fukushima, must see spots

Aizu is the western region of Fukushima Prefecture. Aizu Wakamatsu City is a center of the region and as the city names themselves as "Samurai City", the area shows the samurai tradition at the landmarks such as Tsuruga Castle and Aizu Bukeyashiki (Samurai residence). It also has been a town of merchants with beautiful storehouses. Ouchi-juku is an old post town which is famous with its traditional thatched buildings that line its main street.

Fukushima Aizu Castle Old town Temple

Visit Kesennuma, Miyagi

Kesennuma is located on the Sanriku Coast in Miyagi Prefecture in the north of Japan’s main island, Honshu. The city has a large fishing port and its fish market is one of the biggest in Japan. Oshima island is part of the city. The tsunami caused by the 2011 Tohoku Earthquake hit Kesennuma’s waterfront area hard, but the city has been recovering. Now there are again many places where you can enjoy delicious local seafood and sake. For good views of the coast and the port, walk up Mount Anba. There are several viewpoints along the trail to the summit.

View Coast Eat Seafood Sake

Winter in Ginzan Onsen, Yamagata

Ginzan Onsen is an onsen area in Yamagata Prefecture. The traditional wooden architecture of Japanese style ryokan inns along the river depict a typical townscape of a Japanese onsen resort from years past.

Yamagata Ginzan onsen Onsen

Let's travel to Iwate

Iwate is located in the Tohoku region in the northeast of the country’s main island and it takes two hours and a little more from Tokyo to its prefectoral capital, Morioka City by Tohoku Shinansen bullet train. You can visit more popular places in the prefecture from other stations of Shinkansen such as Chusonji Temple, a component of the World Heritage “Hiraizumi – Temples, Gardens and Archaeological Sites Representing the Buddhist Pure Land”. The east coast of Iwate is a part of the Sanriku Fukko National Park that stretches out along the Pacific Ocean. Sanriku Railway runs along the coast line and stops at Kamaishi City, the host town of the Rugby World Cup 2019 and Myako City, a main fishing port where you can enjoy local seafood and scenic spots like Jodogahama Beach.

History Gorge Temple Ocean Beach Train

Journey to Iwate

Iwate is the second-largest prefecture in Japan, located in the Tohoku region in the northeast of the country’s main island. Iwate is known for its stunning landscapes from mountains and valleys to a spectacular coastline. Take a masterclass in Japanese culture and folk tales in Tono Valley, explore the Ryusendo Cave and its underground lakes in Iwaizumi, or visit the seaside. The coast is part of the Sanriku Fukko National Park that stretches out along the Pacific Ocean. In Miyako City, a main fishing port, you can enjoy local seafood and scenic spots like Jodogahama Beach and the Blue Cave.

Nature Scenery History Coast Culture Eat

Kamaishi, rugby legend's visit

Kamaishi is located on the Pacific coast in the northern part of Japan’s main island, Honshu. It lies in the Sanriku Fukko National Park in Iwate Prefecture, a region that was hit by the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami in 2011. Kamaishi is a fishing port, but also known as a steel town and a rugby Town. It has one of the UNESCO World Heritage “Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution: Iron and Steel, Shipbuilding and Coal Mining”. Kamaishi has a very successful rugby team and the Kamaishi Recovery Memorial Stadium was one of the 12 Rugby World Cup 2019 venues.

Eat Ramen Sake Rugby National park World heritage

Aomori trip

Aomori is the northernmost prefecture on the main island of Honshu but it takes about only three hours from Tokyo to Aomori City. The northern towns inherit traditional local culture such as Nebuta summer festival. You can experience the vibrant atmosphere of the festival all thought the year at Nebuta Museum WA RASSE near Aomori Station. Aomori Museum of Art and the Sannai-Maruyama Ruins are located in the walkable distance. The archaeological site is one of the 17 components of the UNESCO’S World Heritage Site “Jomon Prehistoric Sites in Northern Japan“ designated by UNESCO in 2021 as the sites contain ruins from the prehistoric Jomon Period (14,000 - 300 BCE).

Eat Market Culture Museum Ruins History Onsen

Aomori, Japan

Aomori is the northernmost prefecture on the main island of Honshu, Japan that shows beautiful landscapes in four distinct seasons. Hirosaki Park is a famous cherry blossom viewing spot in spring. In fall, hiking among the waterfalls and autumn foliage at Oirase Gorge in Towada-Hachimantai National Park is popular. In winter, you can enjoy skiing and snowboarding in Hakkoda Mountains and onsen hot spring at Sukayu Onsen.

Park Castle Onsen Mountain Snow Nature Eat

Trip to Kanazawa, Ishikawa

Kanazawa boasts many historical attractions such as restored residences and districts is accessible in two and a half hours by the Hokuriku Shinkansen bullet train began operation in 2015. Kenrokuen Garden is the most famous attraction filled with a variety of trees, ponds, and flowers that is considered one of the "three great gardens of Japan". Kanazawa boasts numerous former geisha houses in the Higashi Geisha District. wonderful cuisine including some of Japan's highest-quality seafood also attracts many tourists.

Museum Castle Garden

Many Wonders of Toyama

The Great Buddha of Takaoka, Gokayama, Kurobe Dam, Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, Kurobe Gorge

Buddhist statue Village Dam Mountain River View History