Atsuta Shrine

Home Atsuta Shrine A First-Time Visitor’s Guide to Atsuta Shrine in Nagoya, Japan Atsuta Shrine is one of Japan’s most revered Shinto shrines, quietly nestled in the heart of Nagoya. While Tokyo and Kyoto often steal the spotlight, Atsuta offers something many first-time visitors dream of but rarely find: a deep sense of ancient Japan woven into everyday city life. Surrounded by dense greenery yet easily reached by train, this shrine is an ideal stop for international travelers who want to balance sightseeing with genuine cultural experiences. Why Atsuta Shrine Belongs on Your Japan Itinerary Atsuta Shrine, known in Japanese as Atsuta Jingu, is considered one of the most important Shinto shrines in the country. It is traditionally associated with the sacred sword Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi, one of Japan’s three Imperial Regalia. Although the sword itself is never displayed to the public, its presence makes Atsuta a powerful spiritual center and a key site in Japanese mythology. For first-tim

Karuizawa Town

Home Karuizawa Town Karuizawa Town Travel Guide: A Stylish Highland Escape from Tokyo Set in the cool highlands of Nagano Prefecture, Karuizawa Town is one of Japan’s classic resort destinations. For more than a century it has attracted diplomats, writers and Tokyo’s elite with its fresh mountain air, chic cafés and tree-lined lanes. Today, it is an easy and rewarding side trip for international visitors, offering a relaxed, walkable town that feels worlds away from Tokyo despite being only an hour away by bullet train. Why Visit Karuizawa? Karuizawa is a rare combination of nature, style and convenience. Long before the term “weekend getaway” became popular in Japan, wealthy families were building elegant summer villas here to escape the capital’s humidity. The town still has that leisurely, slightly European atmosphere: wide pavements shaded by tall trees, stone churches, terrace cafés and boutiques set in converted cottages. For first-time visitors to Japan, Karuizawa offers a gent

Kamikochi

Home Kamikochi Kamikochi Japan Travel Guide for First-Time Visitors Deep in Japan’s Northern Alps, Kamikochi is a highland valley of crystal-clear rivers, snow-capped peaks and quiet forests. Often called one of Japan’s most beautiful mountain landscapes, it feels worlds away from the neon of Tokyo and Osaka, yet it is surprisingly accessible for first-time visitors. This guide explains how to visit Kamikochi, what to see and do, how to prepare, and the cultural etiquette that will help you enjoy this remarkable corner of Japan responsibly. What Is Kamikochi? Kamikochi is a protected mountain valley in Nagano Prefecture, sitting about 1,500 meters above sea level inside Chubu Sangaku National Park. It follows the Azusa River, framed by dramatic peaks such as Mt. Hotaka and Mt. Yake. Rather than a single attraction, it is a long, walkable landscape with boardwalk trails, marshlands, larch and birch forests, and sweeping alpine views. The name “Kamikochi” can be translated as “where the

Matsumoto Castle

Home Matsumoto Castle Visiting Matsumoto Castle: A First-Timer’s Guide to Japan’s “Crow Castle” Matsumoto Castle is one of Japan’s most striking samurai-era fortresses and a perfect destination for travelers who want to go beyond Tokyo and Kyoto. With its black-and-white wooden keep reflected in a broad moat and the Northern Alps rising in the distance, this National Treasure offers both dramatic scenery and an intimate look at feudal Japan. Located in Nagano Prefecture, about 2.5–3 hours from Tokyo, Matsumoto Castle is easy to visit on a day trip yet rewarding enough to anchor an overnight stay. This guide explains what makes the castle special, how to get there, what to expect inside, and how to make the most of your visit as a first-time traveler to Japan. Why Matsumoto Castle Belongs on Your Japan Itinerary While many Japanese castles have been reconstructed in concrete, Matsumoto Castle is one of only a handful of original castle keeps left in the country. Its main tower (tenshu)

Ishikawa

Home Ishikawa First-Timer’s Guide to Ishikawa, Japan: Castles, Coasts and Culture On Japan’s northwestern coast, facing the Sea of Japan, Ishikawa Prefecture offers a refined blend of old samurai towns, quiet fishing villages, hot springs and dramatic coastal scenery. Less hectic than Tokyo or Osaka but rich in culture like Kyoto, it is an ideal destination for first-time visitors who want to see a more traditional side of Japan without traveling too far off the beaten path. Centered on the historic city of Kanazawa, Ishikawa has long been associated with fine crafts, elegant gardens and gourmet seafood. With the opening of the Hokuriku Shinkansen (bullet train) line, it has also become much easier to reach from Tokyo, making it a popular side trip or base for exploring Japan’s Hokuriku region. Where Is Ishikawa and Why Visit? Ishikawa stretches along the Sea of Japan, with Kanazawa in the south and the long, finger-shaped Noto Peninsula reaching north. The prefecture was once part of

Gero Onsen

Home Gero Onsen Gero Onsen Japan Travel Guide for First-Time Visitors Tucked into the mountains of Gifu Prefecture, Gero Onsen is one of Japan’s most beloved hot spring towns. Often counted alongside Kusatsu and Arima as one of the country’s “three famous onsens,” Gero offers wonderfully smooth hot spring water, nostalgic streets, and a laid-back atmosphere that feels worlds away from Tokyo and Osaka. For first-time visitors to Japan, it’s an easy and rewarding introduction to traditional onsen culture—and a perfect overnight escape from the big cities. Why Visit Gero Onsen? Gero Onsen is famous for its alkaline simple springs, nicknamed “beauty baths” because the water is said to leave your skin soft and silky. Unlike some hot springs that smell strongly of sulfur, Gero’s waters are gentle, clear, and comfortable even for onsen beginners. Beyond the baths, the town offers: A compact, walkable hot spring district along the Hida River Traditional ryokan (Japanese inns) with elaborate k

Takayama

Home Takayama Takayama Travel Guide: Timeless Streets in Japan’s Alps Hidden in the mountains of Gifu Prefecture, Takayama is a small city that feels like a perfectly preserved slice of old Japan. With Edo-era streets, wooden merchant houses, craft workshops, and nearby alpine scenery, it’s an ideal destination for first-time visitors who want to experience traditional Japan at a slower pace than Tokyo or Kyoto. This guide explains what to see in Takayama, how to plan your visit, and how to enjoy the city respectfully and comfortably as an international traveler. Why Visit Takayama? Takayama, often called “Hida-Takayama” to distinguish it from other places with similar names, was once a thriving castle town and merchant hub in the mountains. Because of its remote location, the city escaped much of the modernization that changed other parts of Japan, leaving an unusually well-preserved historic center. Today, Takayama is known for three main things: A beautifully preserved old town wit

Nagatoro

Home Nagatoro Nagatoro Travel Guide: Scenic River Town Near Tokyo Nestled in the Chichibu region of Saitama Prefecture, Nagatoro is a compact river town that blends dramatic natural scenery with quiet countryside charm. For international visitors, it is one of the easiest places to experience rural Japan as a day trip from Tokyo, complete with river cruises, hiking trails, seasonal flowers, and historic shrines. Unlike crowded big-city attractions, Nagatoro offers a slower pace and a chance to see how everyday life unfolds beyond Japan’s urban centers. Clear water, forested hills, and rocky riverbanks create a landscape that feels far removed from the capital, yet access is straightforward and foreigner-friendly. Where Is Nagatoro and Why Visit? Nagatoro lies along the Arakawa River in western Saitama, about 90 minutes to two hours from central Tokyo by train. The town is part of the Chichibu-Tama-Kai region, known for its mountains, rivers, hot springs, and traditional festivals. Nag

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine

Home Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine First-Timer’s Guide to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine in Kamakura, Japan Just an hour south of Tokyo, the coastal city of Kamakura offers a glimpse into Japan’s medieval past. At the heart of this former samurai capital stands Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, the city’s most important Shinto shrine and a must-visit for first-time travelers. Combining history, seasonal beauty, and living tradition, it’s an ideal introduction to Japanese culture beyond the big cities. Why Visit Tsurugaoka Hachimangu? Tsurugaoka Hachimangu is more than a photogenic landmark. It is deeply tied to the rise of the samurai, and still functions as a vibrant religious center today. Visiting gives you a chance to: Walk the same approach used by samurai lords over 800 years ago Witness authentic Shinto rituals in a grand yet welcoming setting Enjoy seasonal scenery: cherry blossoms, lotus ponds, and fiery autumn leaves Combine culture and nature in an easy day trip from Tokyo or Yoko

Kanagawa

Home Kanagawa Kanagawa Travel Guide for First-Time Visitors to Japan Just south of Tokyo, Kanagawa Prefecture offers a complete Japan experience in a compact, easy-to-explore area. From historic temples and sea views in Kamakura, to hot-spring retreats in Hakone and nightlife in Yokohama, Kanagawa is one of the best regions for first-time travelers to Japan. This guide explains where to go, what to see, and how to plan a Kanagawa trip as part of your wider Japan itinerary. Why Visit Kanagawa? Kanagawa is often described as Tokyo’s backyard, but it has a distinct character and many iconic sights of its own. It is ideal for travelers who want to: Escape Tokyo for a day trip without long train rides Combine city life, seaside towns, and nature in one region Experience onsen (hot springs) with views of Mount Fuji Explore samurai-era temples and shrines Enjoy coastal walks and local seafood Because of its excellent transport links, Kanagawa suits short stays: you can see a lot with one to