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  • February 26, 2018

    Takayama Morning Markets

    The Takayama Morning Markets – ‘asa-ichi’ – take place at two locations in the town, every morning of the year. The smaller of the two is held in front of the Takayama Jinya and mostly sells local pr...
  • November 17, 2022

    Ueda Castle & Yanagimachi

    Built in 1583 by Sanada Masayuki, Ueda Castle is renowned as the fortification that allowed the fearsome Sanada clan to twice repel the even more legendary Tokugawa clan – the eventual rulers of Japa...
  • November 17, 2022

    Traditions & Tastes of Ueda

    Most famous for its connection to the once powerful Sanada clan, Ueda is a city known-best for its castle and legendary samurai. Known throughout Japan, the legend of the Sanada samurai attracts visi...
  • November 17, 2022

    Stay & Explore Bessho Onsen

    Located only 30 minutes by train from central Ueda City, Bessho Onsen lays claim to being the oldest hot spring town in Nagano. Known as ‘onsen’ in Japanese, natural hot springs play a fundamental ro...
  • May 5, 2017

    Dotonbori

    Any first-time to Osaka who doesn’t make it to Dotonbori at some point during their visit really isn’t following the tourist rulebook. Bright, crash, loud and great fun, Dotonbori might be an Osaka c...
  • May 4, 2017

    Shinsaibashi-suji

    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...
  • February 25, 2018

    Hida-Furukawa

    Only a 15-minute train ride from Takayama Station, Hida-Furukawa – sometimes simply referred to as Furukawa – is a picturesque little town that is notably quieter than its famous neighbor of Takayama...
  • April 26, 2017

    Tempozan Harbor Village

    Situated on a man-made island on Osaka Bay, Tempozan Harbor Village takes a little time to get to but is hugely popular destination thanks to the number of attractions it boasts. Osaka Aquarium Kaiyu...
  • January 17, 2018

    Toyama Bay Seafood

    Nestled between the Tateyama Mountains and Toyama Bay, Toyama City is one of the best places in Japan to enjoy freshly-caught seafood. Most famous for its ‘Toyama Bay Sushi’, the fishing waters off t...