I’ve been to a fair amount of coffee cafes and shops in cities such as Los Angeles, Seattle, Denver, Portland, Singapore, Seoul, and Tokyo. I love the vibe of independent shops, especially when they purchase, roast, and grind the beans themselves. I wouldn’t consider myself a coffee expert by any means, but I do love a good cup of coffee and the relaxed atmosphere coffee shops offer. Recently, I visited a small shop in Fujieda, Japan. It’s owned by an…
Many tourists flocks to Japan’s major cities—Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka, Kyoto, and Hakone to name a few (click on the cities to view my travel guides!)—for obvious reasons. After my family’s visit to Japan, I realized that many visitors feel overwhelmed from spending a majority of their time in the larger urban areas and could benefit from a couple days in lesser-frequented regions of the country, such as Shizuoka, Nagano, and Yamanashi Prefectures. Hiking, fruit picking, and tea picking are all…
Jigokudani Monkey Park is a famous location in Japan where snow monkeys openly bathe in natural hot springs in the winter. It’s located in the Yokoyu-River Valley in Nagano Prefecture and is part of Joshinetsu Kogen National Park. Winter is the best time to visit, as they turn to the hot spring to keep warm in the harsh winter months. Top Tips for Visiting Jigokudani in Winter #1. Dress appropriately: Temperatures in Jigokudani can drop significantly—sometimes as low as -15…
Looking for some amazing fall colors while visiting Japan? Depending on what part of the country you’re in, the leaves will change color during different times of the season. This can make it tricky to plan some foliage spotting, but it is definitely worth the time and planning. Northern Japan is probably the best part of the country to witness the autumn leaves’ vibrant colors due to its numerous locations. Yet, there are other well-known places scattered throughout Japan to…
What is there to do in Gifu City? Although not a major tourist destination, Gifu City is a nice place to relax and take a break from Japan’s bustling city centers. Located only twenty minutes by train from Nagoya, it’s an easily accessible destination. Here are three things you should experience while in Gifu City: 1. Kawaramachi Street This quaint street embodies Japan’s traditional charm through wooden shophouses, stores, and restaurants. Learn about Gifu’s art of paper making, as well…
Nihondaira is a gorgeous location in Shizuoka Prefecture and has some laidback activities to appreciate the region’s natural scenery and mild year-around climate. It is known as being one of the best places to get a panoramic view of majestic Mount Fuji, complete with the Pacific Ocean for a backdrop. I had been patiently waiting for a clear, cloud-free day to journey up the hilltop to Nihondaira. The day finally came at the end of October! Travel tip: Late spring…
Japan is full of geothermal activity; the country’s numerous onsen (hot springs) perfectly exemplify this. Specifically, Hakone is a hotbed for geothermal activity due to its proximity to Mount Fuji. For this reason, it’s aptly known as an onsen-town where local and international visitors frequent to soak in the piping hot water. However, Hakone is also famous for Owakudani, called “the valley of hell” by some. Owakudani is an open crater which formed 3,000 years ago from a volcanic eruption. To this…
One of the best places to experience a piece of Japan’s unique cultural history is in northern Gifu Prefecture. Tucked away in the mountainous area of northern Gifu is a small village called Shirakawa-go, lined with special gassho-zukuri houses. Shirakawa-go was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995, preserving the village’s integrity and value as a cultural asset. If you’re into history and are interested in seeing a lesser known part of Japan, Shirakawa-go should definitely be on your…