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The Shirakawa Ice Pillars is a natural phenomena that occurs every winter along one of the cliffs of Mt. Ontake. The water that naturally runs down the side of the mountain freezes over and by Januar...

Once the rulers of Matsushiro and an important family in both regional and Japanese history, the Sanada clan are synonymous with the town and its samurai heritage. The large Sanada Treasures Museum h...

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...

Matsukawa Valley is blessed with many 'onsen' (natural hot springs), known for their therapeutic properties set within the rural and alpine beauty of the region. Approximately 30 minutes by bus from S...

Chokoku-ji Temple is located away from the main area of attractions in Matsushiro but for those curious about Japanese temples, Chokoku-ji might be of interest. The main temple is quite distinctive, ...

A small and curious temple, Obakushu Zozan Emyozenji won’t hold your attention for long but is worth entering when passing-by, enroute and between the other attractions of  Matsushiro. Extensive...

Tucked-away behind residential buildings, the Takeyama Zuigo Inari Shrine is, in itself, not going to capture anyone’s attention for long. But for visitors passing by, enroute to the Yamadera Jyosan ...

Officially known as the 'Matsushiro Daihonei' or  ‘Matsushiro Underground Imperial Headquarters’, the Zozan Tunnels are a series of extensive subterranean passageways, bunkers and living areas e...

The most important of the five shrines making-up the Togakushi Shrine complex, the 'Okusha' or 'Upper Shrine' is accessed via a 2km trail through the forest. Along the way, visitors pass through the ...