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Known as ‘Kiyotsukyo’ in Japanese, Kiyotsu Gorge is known for its unique rock formations created by a volcanic eruption around 16 million years ago. Today, the Kiyotsu River runs through the gorge, f...

The fully named ‘Horyu Gakumonji’ or ‘Learning Temple of the Flourishing Law’ is most commonly referred to as ‘Horyu-ji’ and is one of Japan’s most important Buddhist temples. Horyu-ji was founded by...

Located in the beautiful area of Matsunoyama – around 60 minutes drive for Echigo-Yuzawa Station – the ‘Echigo Matsunoyama Museum of Natural Science’ was one of the first major projects of Echigo-Tsu...

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...

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...

Any first-time visitor to Osaka who doesn’t make it to Dotonbori at some point during their visit really isn’t following the tourist rulebook. Bright, crass, loud and great fun! Dotonbori might be an...

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...

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 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...