SEARCH RESULTS: 2024
Takayama Historic Old Town
Hidden in the scenic mountains of Central Japan, Takayama offers a timeless journey through Japan’s past with its beautifully preserved Edo Period streets. This historic town, once a thriving hub of commerce and craftsmanship, was also under the direct control of the shogunate, making it an important center of governance. Visitors are invited to explore its charming alleys lined with traditional wooden buildings, local shops, and cultural landmarks. The old town is like a living museum, where every corner tells a story of the town’s rich heritage. Takayama’s vibrant festivals, held in spring and autumn, transform the town into a lively celebration of tradition. These events feature elaborate floats, traditional […]
Shirakawa-go & Gokayama
Shirakawa-go, the largest of the three famed gassho-zukuri farmhouse villages and designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1995, is nestled in the high mountains of Toyama and Gifu Prefectures. These villages retain their historic character and traditional ways of life, most pronounced in their ‘gassho-zukuri’ thatched-roofed farmhouses. Named for the steep pitch of their roofs, resembling hands held together in prayer (‘gassho’), many farmhouses are over 250 years old. Built to withstand heavy snowfall, these designs demonstrate ingenuity in adapting to the landscape. Adapted to withstand heavy snowfall, the gassho-zukuri design showcases the ingenuity of past generations in creating self-sufficient communities. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site […]
Shiga Kogen: Central Area
The central area of Shiga Kogen is by itself bigger than most Japanese resorts and your gateway to the entire resort. With the greatest concentration of accommodation, restaurants and bars, and services including ski schools and rental shops, currency exchange and a medical facility, the ski fields of the Central Area are the ideal place to base yourself when visiting Shiga Kogen in winter. This page includes: — Overview of the Central Area — Individual Ski Fields – who they suit & highlights — Season Dates, Operating Times, Lift & Ticket Information — Rental & Ski School — Accommodation in the Central Area — Book with Us! Accommodation & Ski […]
Hakuba: Happo One Snow Resort
If you could only ski at one of the ten resorts in Hakuba, which one would it be? Most riders would choose Happo One without a doubt. Hosted the ski jump and down hill competitions during the 1998 Nagano winter Olympics, It’s the most popular and the largest resort in the Hakuba area, widely regarded as the main attraction. Equipped with a complete package, including superb groomers, thrilling tree runs, a well-built terrain park, unparalleled backcountry, challenging moguls, and night skiing, you’re sure to find your favorite thrill here! — Overview of Happo One Snow Resort — Season Dates, Operating Times, Lift & Ticket Information — Rental & Ski School […]
Hakuba: Iwatake Snow Field
Lying to the immediate north of Hakuba Happo One, Hakuba Iwatake was for a long-time something of a well-kept secret. But not anymore… Known for its spectacular views of the North Alps and surrounding Hakuba Valley, Iwatake has been discovered by international visitors who now frequent the resort given its close proximity to Hakuba Village. — Overview of Iwatake Snow Field — Iwatake White Park at Hakuba Mountain Harbor — Season Dates, Operating Times, Lift & Ticket Information — Rental & Ski School — Accommodation at Iwatake Snow Field — Book with Us! Accommodation & Ski Packages in Hakuba — Getting To & Around Hakuba in Winter — Tours and […]
Ishii Miso Brewery
Located around 20-minutes walk from Matsumoto Station, Ishii Miso is a great option for visitors wanting to sample, buy or enjoy a meal at one of Nagano’s oldest and best miso breweries. Made from fermented soybean, miso is a staple of the Japanese diet and found in every kitchen and restaurant in the country. Operating since 1868, Ishii Miso is one of the few remaining breweries that still crafts its miso in the traditional way using wooden barrels and without use of modern methods to quicken the fermentation process, Ishii Miso produces some of the region’s best miso. — Where is Matsumoto? — What is Miso? — Join a Tour […]
Explore Shibu Onsen
Located between Yudanaka Station and the Jigokudani Monkey Park, Shibu Onsen is a historic hot spring town boasting a 1300-year history. Blessed with numerous thermal water sources, the town has long been known as a place of healing and refuge. Japanese have been venturing to Shibu for centuries to soak in its mineral-rich waters, said to remedy a variety of ailments. Now home to many guesthouses – most with their own in-house hot spring – Shibu Onsen is a quaint village nearby the monkey park and Japan’s largest ski resort, Shiga Kogen. — Where is Shibu Onsen? — How to Get to Shibu Onsen — 20 Things to Do Around […]
Traditional Tea Ceremony In Nagano City
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 China, these ceremonies were refined over centuries to take on a distinctly Japanese appreciation and retain their popularity and significance to this day. For guests wishing to participate in the meditative experience of making your own ‘Matcha’ and then drinking it along with your compatriots, Nagano City is a great place to do so. — What is Matcha? — Tea Ceremony in Japanese Culture — Participate in a Tea Ceremony on a Tour WHAT IS MATCHA? […]
Togakushi ‘Okusha’ (Upper Shrine)
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 Zuishimon Gate and grand cedar avenue – one of Nagano’s most iconic destinations and certainly one of Japan’s most important Shinto landscapes. — Where is Togakushi? — How to Enjoy the ‘Okusha’ — Join a Tour or Charter to Togakushi Togakushi is a spiritual destination for a reason – its beautiful and undisturbed natural scenery will bring a stirring of imagination to anyone’s soul. Keep reading below to learn how you can best enjoy the Upper Shrine. […]
