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Located in the north-east of Nagano Prefecture and within the larger Joshinetsu Kogen National Park, Shiga Kogen Highlands covers approximately 30,000ha / 300km². A landscape formed by volc...

Japanese calligraphy or ‘shodo’ is an ancient practice which retains its importance as one of the most popular fine arts in the country. Literally meaning ‘way of writing’, shodo embodies the virtues...

Known throughout the world, the seemingly simple craft of ‘origami’ (paper-folding) is a great activity for visitors of all ages. From the first simple folds of paper, this ageless craft transcends t...

Gift-giving plays an essential role in Japanese culture as a sign of appreciation and respect. The presentation of gifts can be considered tantamount in importance to the gift itself, a cultural prop...

Tea ceremonies or ‘Sado’ in Japanese, offer a respite from the pace of modern life and provide time to relax and relish the sanctity of each moment and movement in life. Originally introduced from Ch...

Though a commonplace material today, paper was long considered a cherished item in Japan. Known as ‘kami’ in Japanese, the word is phonetically the same as the term for ‘god’, underscoring the revere...

Also referred to as the ‘Matsushiro Bunbu Gakko’ and ‘Old School for Literary and Military Arts’, the school was instituted in 1855 to educate the sons of high-status samurai in martial arts, traditi...

Formerly a school for the sons of samurai, the Matsushiro Bunbu Literary & Military Arts School is one of Matsushiro’s most interesting destinations and from Monday to Friday, offers visitors to ...

Home to the eighteen galleries and museums of the Azumino ‘Art Line’, along with multiple venues dedicated to providing holistic and therapeutic workshops, Azumino is an ideal destination for visitor...