SEARCH RESULTS: 2024
TeamLab Borderless and TeamLab Planets
TeamLab has quickly become a major attraction in the art world in Tokyo. Offering one of a kind digital art experiences that are fun and engaging, it is easy to see why they have gained such popularity with both residents and tourists in Tokyo. TeamLab have expanded over the years, and now offer to main attractions located in different parts of Tokyo – TeamLab Borderless and TeamLab Planets. We highly recommend booking both as far in advance as you can as they are both extremely popular, and if you can avoid going on weekends it will be a lot quieter for you. Opened in June 2018, TeamLab Borderless is an […]
Ghibli Museum
Dedicated to the much-loved films of Japan’s most famous and successful animation company, Studio Ghibli, this is one of Japan’s most popular museums. Located in the Mitaka district in western Tokyo, tickets to the museum are in high-demand and can only be purchased online and in advance. We recommend setting alarms to remind you when to purchase tickets as they go on sale in batches every few months, and sell out almost instantly. Visitor numbers are tightly controlled and tickets are issued with a specific date and time they can be used. The museum is also strict on photography and no photos are allowed inside the museum, you can take […]
Omiya Bonsai Art Museum
Please note that the museum will be closed from around November 2024 to March 2025 in order to renovate the Bonsai Garden The ancient art of ‘bonsai’ is a traditional Japanese practice that many international visitors will be familiar with prior to arriving in Japan. Intricate and beautiful, bonsai can be appreciated by people of all ages, enjoyed as a hobby or elevated to a true artform displaying vision, patience and skill in manipulating trees into miniature form. The Omiya Bonsai Art museum is actually located in Sataima but can be considered a destination within Tokyo and one well-worth visiting. While it may not jump-out as an obvious attraction, this […]
Shop at Zenkoji’s Nakamise Street
The name of this street in Nagano City literally translates to “shops on the inside”, alluding to its location on the Zenko-ji Temple complex. This dynamic souvenir street leads the way to Zenkoji’s main hall (Hondou) and you’ll find everything from Japanese sweets and dumpling, to umbrellas, kimonos, Buddhist prayer beads and ornaments. Many visitors will come for the historic temple, but be surprised to see a number of traditional and modern shops that will mean you may spend more time than you anticipated! — Where is Nakamise Street? — Top Souvenirs at Nakamise and Zenkoji — Nakamise Street’s Best Street Food — Tours Visiting the Area Continue reading below […]
Enjoy Fresh Oyaki in Nagano City
When coming to the Nagano area, oyaki is definitely one thing you should try. These wheat/buckwheat buns filled with a variety of delicious filling are one of the areas specialties and are a great way to learn about the food culture of Nagano. But not all oyaki are made the same, and for the discerning connoisseur the difference between freshly baked and store bought oyaki will be obvious. — What is Oyaki? — How To Find Fresh Oyaki in Nagano City Luckily for the hungry traveler, we include an Oyaki tasting experience on several of our group tours in Nagano City. Read on for more! WHAT IS OYAKI? Made of […]
Magome-juku
Magome-juku is a historic post town—known as “juku” or “shukubamachi”—that once serviced the 500km “Nakasendo Road” that connected Kyoto and Edo (now called Tokyo). As one of five official highways between Kyoto and Edo, the road was busy with government officials, merchants and pilgrims, typically traveling on foot. As a result, post towns developed along the road to service the needs of travelers. Magome sits along a steep road, lined with guesthouses, restaurants and cafes, museum, and traditional craft stores, and is often considered one of the most charming towns along the Nakasendo Trail. Today, the town center has been restored to its former glory, including a broad stone walkway, […]
Kurobe Dam
The famous Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route stretches 37.2 kilometers across the Central Japan Alps with changes in elevation amount to a massive 1,975 meters. There are many interesting places to see, different modes of transportation to ride and food to eat in the region. Seeing it all in one go can be difficult but this page will give you an overview of one of those amazing sights, the Kurobe Dam. It is the tallest arch dam, at 186m, in Japan and is definitely something you don’t want to miss while in the area. It isn’t just the beauty but this dam also has a sad but interesting history. Learn more about […]
Hida no Sato (Hida Folk Village)
Hida no Sato, an enchanting open-air museum in Takayama, Gifu Prefecture, is a portal to Japan’s rural past. This meticulously preserved village showcases over thirty traditional buildings, including four nationally designated Important Cultural Properties. Unlike Shirakawa-go, which is famous for its exclusively gassho-zukuri houses, Hida no Sato features a variety of structures such as former village head’s houses, logging huts, and storehouses, each reflecting the unique architectural and cultural heritage of the Hida region. These buildings tell stories from the Edo Period (1603-1868), offering a comprehensive view of traditional life in the Japanese Alps. A Living Museum of Rural Life Explore the authentic atmosphere of a historic mountain village. Wander […]
ENZA CAFE
Enza Café is the perfect place to refresh yourself en route to the Snow Monkey Park. The cafe is surrounded by the beautiful forests of Northern Nagano and provides the perfect opportunity to relax and enjoy the variety of Japan’s four seasons. With indoor seating, terrace seating, and a to-go window for orders on the fly, Enza Cafe is ready to help you make the best of your trip to the Monkey Park. The food selection is wide, with popular items including ramen, pizza, apple pies, and more! Open every day of the week from 09:30 – 17:00 April through November, and 08:30 – 18:00 December through March, — Where is […]
