MATSUMOTO CASTLE: Guide & Tips for Tourists!

It’s Japan’s oldest castle! Matsumoto Castle is one of the five castles designated as National Treasures of Japan. It’s over 400 years old, making it the oldest castle donjon remaining in the country.  Unlike many palaces in Japan, its original structure was, fortunately, not bombed during WWII. That’s why it was able to keep most of its original wooden donjons and walls intact. It … Continue reading MATSUMOTO CASTLE: Guide & Tips for Tourists!

CENTRAL JAPAN: Awesome 5-Day Itinerary to Explore Central Japan! (Day 1-2)

  Central Japan, the old country, has so much more to offer than the famed Shirakawago UNESCO Heritage Site, 400-year-old Matsumoto Castle, and the dazzling Snow Wall of Kurobe Alpine Route. Discover Central Japan as you’ll find beautiful fields of tulips, fun activities like food replica and soba making workshops and trying out fantastic food … Continue reading CENTRAL JAPAN: Awesome 5-Day Itinerary to Explore Central Japan! (Day 1-2)

CENTRAL JAPAN: Nagano’s Matsumoto Castle & Soba Making Workshop! (Day 5)

  Nagano Prefecture besides having the most accessible snow resort in Japan, it is surrounded by sought after attractions like the famed 400-year old Matsumoto Castle, Zenkoji Temple, and the cute wild snow monkeys! Fun Fact: Nagano, known as the prefecture of longevity is blessed with fresh air and clean water from the soaring 3000-meter … Continue reading CENTRAL JAPAN: Nagano’s Matsumoto Castle & Soba Making Workshop! (Day 5)

CENTRAL JAPAN: Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route & Toyama Bay Sushi! (Day 3-4)

Day 3 was highlighted by the famed Snow Wall of Kurobe Alpine Route, Daio Wasabi Farm one of the largest wasabi producers in Japan, and the mouthwatering michelin star quality sushi of Toyama Bay. Here’s a photo essay of our Day 3-4 Central Japan experience… Central Japan Blog Series • CENTRAL JAPAN: 5-Day Sample Itinerary! … Continue reading CENTRAL JAPAN: Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route & Toyama Bay Sushi! (Day 3-4)

SHIRAKAWA-GO: The Historic Villages of Shirakawa-gō!

  Shirakawa-gō (白川郷) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for the highest number of gasshō-zukuri style houses located in one area. “Gassho”, meaning “hands in prayer,” refers to the unique steep thatched roofing feature that is made to withstand heavy snowfall.   Located in Gifu Prefecture in the heartland of Japan, it’s central location means … Continue reading SHIRAKAWA-GO: The Historic Villages of Shirakawa-gō!

TONAMI TULIP GALLERY: The World’s Only Tulip Garden Where It Blooms All Year Round!

(Copyright of Tonami Tulip Fair) Blooming tulips signal that spring has arrived! But in Toyama, these beautiful flowers bloom throughout the year! The Tonami Tulip Gallery is the only facility in the world where you can appreciate tulips in all four seasons. The amazing facility is home to a museum and garden where you can … Continue reading TONAMI TULIP GALLERY: The World’s Only Tulip Garden Where It Blooms All Year Round!

MY WAX TEMPURA: Food Sample Workshop in Gujo City!

  Delicious-looking, life-like ramen, sushi, steak, and beer. Have you ever noticed food replicas of these things on display while walking along restaurants and shops in Japan? It’s said that 60% of these replicas are made here in Gujo City.   At Sample Kobe, visitors can get a first-hand experience of watching artisans make food … Continue reading MY WAX TEMPURA: Food Sample Workshop in Gujo City!