SEARCH RESULTS: 2024
Water Activities at Three Lakes of Nishina
Located 13 kilometers directly north of Shinano-Omachi Station, the Three Nishina Lakes of Aoki, Nakatsuna, and Kizaki are best known for its azure waters and the lake activities that can be done therein. Whether you are looking to dip into the waters to escape the summer heat, or do other types of activities like fishing, boating, or firefly viewing, these three lakes offer alluring activities at any time of year. Although all of the lakes offer standard outdoor activities like fishing, camping, and SUP, each lake has something unique that sets it apart from the other options which we will cover below: LAKE AOKI – LAKE NAKATSUNA – LAKE KIZAKI […]
Seki-juku
Seki-juku is a historic town in Mie Prefecture and the 47th post town on Tokaido road. The post town still contains nearly 200 townhouses from the Edo Era and has been selected as a nationally important preservation district. Tokaido road was the most important route in Edo-era Japan as it linked Kyoto, the imperial capital, with Edo, the seat of the shogunate. Seki-juku was one of the most important post towns along the Tokaido road as it served as one of the three major checkpoints (along with Fuwa-juku in Mino Province and Awatari-juku in Echizen Province) where shogunate officials inspected travelers and goods. While many post towns on the Tokaido […]
Seki City
The city of Seki in Gifu Prefecture is a blacksmithing town which was once known among samurai warriors as a place that creates blades that “never break or bend and are incredibly sharp.” During the Muromachi Period (1336-1573), there were over 300 blacksmiths concentrated in this picturesque region of Central Japan. Today, the city is regarded as one of the world’s three major cutlery centers (along with Solingen in Germany and Sheffield in the UK), and is still home to around 100 blade manufacturers, and 10 active swordsmiths. The city is surrounded by pristine nature including “Monet’s Pond” —named as it looks just like the French painter Monet’s water lily […]
Ashikaga Flower Park
Located in Tochigi Prefecture, north of Tokyo, the Ashikaga Flower Park makes for a great day trip from the city or any of the nearby Onsen towns. Most famous for its wisteria, which are of massive size and draw huge crowds when in bloom, the park also has a number of other flowering plants, coordinated such that there is almost always something in bloom. And in mid-winter, when there are no flowers, the park is illuminated at night by a romantic and spectacular array of colorful electric lights. There are many famous gardens around Japan, and few countries can surpass Japan’s traditions when it comes to cultivating ornamental plants. An […]
Iwamura Castle Town
Located deep within the Kiso Mountains of Gifu, the well-preserved castle town of Iwamura provides travelers with an image of ages past. Standing as one of the most culturally significant preservation districts in Japan—3rd in Gifu after Takayama and Shirakawa-go—this historical village remains relatively unchanged since the Edo Era. Though long gone, Iwamura Castle was once the highest mountain castle in all of Japan at 717m above sea level. Nicknamed the “Misty Castle,” the castle stood for over 700 years from the time of its construction during the Warring States Period until the government ordered its destruction at the start of the Meiji Era. One of the famous lords of […]
Yanagibashi Central Fish Market
Located in downtown Nagoya, steps away from Nagoya Station, Yanagibashi Central Fish Market is an active market where you can see giant tuna cut to size by long swords and glimpse professional chefs and restaurateurs negotiating prices with fishmongers as you navigate the stalls of this historic market. With around 130 shops selling fresh ingredients from Ise Bay and nearby farms, the market has become known as the “Pantry of Central Japan.” Yanagibashi differentiates itself from the famous Tsukiji and Toyosu Markets in Tokyo or Osaka’s Kuromon Ichiba in the fact that it remains true to its origins as a working fish market and is not your typical tourist destination. […]
Takayama Matsuri Yatai Kaikan: Showcasing the Grandeur of Takayama’s Festival Floats
Takayama Matsuri Yatai Kaikan is a must-visit museum for anyone interested in the rich cultural heritage of Takayama. Located in the heart of this historic city, the museum is dedicated to the preservation and display of the magnificent festival floats, known as yatai, which are a highlight of the renowned Takayama Festival. Held twice a year in spring and autumn, the Takayama Festival is one of Japan’s most celebrated events, drawing visitors from all over the world to witness its stunning parades and vibrant cultural displays. The museum offers visitors a chance to see some of the floats outside of the festival, allowing them to appreciate the intricate carvings, vibrant […]
Bessho Onsen
Bessho Onsen blends the historic and retro with pure relaxation, as one of Nagano’s best-known Showa Period (1926-1989) hot spring towns while also containing a beautiful collection of temples. Conveniently located near Nagano, Ueda, and Karuizawa, Bessho Onsen can be enjoyed as a daytrip from any of those cities or most enjoyably, as an overnight / multiday visit at all times of year. Any season in which you visit will have you finding something to enjoy, whether it be the cherry blossoms of Spring, the festivals of Summer, the colorful leaves of Autumn, or the snow and snowsports activities of Winter. — Where is Bessho Onsen? — How to Enjoy […]
Snow Monkey Resorts Tour Desk
Our Snow Monkey Resorts Tour Desk is located outside of the East Exit of Nagano Station. Accessible on foot in under 2 minutes, tours – including group tours, private tours and charters – can be booked directly at the office with English-speaking staff on-hand to assist you with enquiries. The tour desk is open every day of the year from 9AM until 6PM. On this page, you will find the following information: — Where is the Snow Monkey Resorts Tour Desk? — The Regions Covered Under Our Services — Tours and Charters Around Nagano and Japan Keep reading below for more information on how we can help plan your best […]
