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Bijinbayashi (Beauty Forest)
Translating as both Beauty Forest’ or ‘Forest of Beautiful Women’, Bijinbayashi is a small yet picturesque forest of 90-year old beech trees in the Matsunoyama area of Niigata. The slender and smooth...Hoshitoge Rice Terraces
Located in the Matsudai region of Niigata – not too far from Kyororo Forest School and Bijinbayashi – the Hoshitoge Rice Terraces are one of the region’s most photographable landscapes. Approximately...Shinsaibashi-suji
Shinsaibashi-suji is one of Osaka’s best-known shopping streets, a 600-metre long arcade running from Shinsaibashi Station to the equally famous Dotonbori canal. The seemingly endless shopping arcade...Autumn Leaves of Akiyamago
Tucked away in a quiet pocket of Niigata and Nagano prefecures, the area known collectively as ‘Akiyamago’ is a group of villages set among the beautiful forests surrounding the Nakatsugawa River. Be...Takayama Jinya: The Historical Jewel of Takayama
Takayama Jinya stands as a testament to Japan's feudal past, symbolizing the governance structures of the Edo period (1603-1868). Unique in its preservation, it is the only remaining provincial gover...Karuizawa Wild Bird Sanctuary
Located in the popular mountain resort town of Karuizawa, the Karuizawa Wild Bird Sanctuary is an open forested sanctuary covering around 100 hectares. Walking trails criss-cross the forest, an area ...Matsuri no Mori (Festival Forest) Museum
Matsuri no Mori, or Festival Forest, is a captivating museum that immerses visitors in the vibrant cultural heritage of Takayama's renowned festivals. This unique museum offers an in-depth look into ...Hida no Sato (Hida Folk Village)
Hida no Sato, an enchanting open-air museum in Takayama, Gifu Prefecture, is a portal to Japan’s rural past. This meticulously preserved village showcases over thirty traditional buildings, including...