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  • July 20, 2014

    Narai-juku

    Narai-juku is a historic post town - known as 'juku' or 'shukubamachi' - that once serviced a 70km trade route through the Kiso Valley, part of the greater 500km 'Nakasendo Road' that connected Kyoto...
  • August 13, 2019

    Togakushi

    Sitting quietly in the mountains bordering Nagano City and within the larger Myoko-Togakushi Renzan National Park, Togakushi is home to some of Japan’s most important Shinto shrines set among a...
  • July 30, 2019

    Walk as the Samurai did on the Nakasendo Trail

    During Japan's Edo Period (1603 to 1868) the Nakasendo was one of five major routes linking Kyoto to the new capital of Tokyo, then called ‘Edo’. Stretching over 500 kilometres between the two cities...
  • September 25, 2017

    Ise Grand Shrine

    The Ise Grand Shrine is the most important Shinto complex in Japan. Dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu-Omikami, the complex is made-up of multiple shrines—a total of 125—and other structures cent...
  • January 26, 2023

    Stay at a Traditional ‘Shukubo’ in Zenkoji Temple

    Located only 20 minutes walk from Nagano Station, Zenkoji is one of Japan’s oldest and most important Buddhist temples. The importance of Zenkoji is reflected by the large number of ‘shukubo’ (temple...
  • July 31, 2019

    Matsumoto Castle

    As a registered National Treasure, Matsumoto Castle is one of the region’s most important cultural assets. Set against the impressive backdrop of the Northern Alps, the castle dates back to the end o...
  • September 4, 2024

    Amaharashi Coast

    The Bay of Toyama stretches 147 kilometers across Toyama prefecture, which beautiful views of the mountains no matter where you are. In the western part of the prefecture, in the city of Takaoka is p...
  • September 6, 2024

    Myojoji Temple

    In the most southern region of the Noto Peninsula, Hakui City was a center of power for centuries. Up the coast from the Chirihama Beach on a small peninsula is both Noto Ichinomiya Shrine, the forme...
  • September 5, 2024

    Oshima Island

    The northwest part of Fukui prefecture is famous for its dramatic coast, especially the Tojinbo Cliffs. Close by is Oshima Island with some equally impressive cliffs and rock formations. It isn't jus...