Discover useful tips and guides to make your Japan travel experience unforgettable
Discover Narai-juku, Japan's longest historic post town on the Nakasendo Trail. Experience 400 years of Japanese history in this beautifully preserved 1km stretch of traditional wooden buildings in Kiso Valley.
Perfect for Nakasendo Trail explorers: Nezame-no-Toko is just 30 minutes from Agematsu Station. Experience the stunning white granite boulders carved by the Kiso River and emerald-green waters at this legendary Urashima Taro folklore site in the Kiso Valley.
This guide explains the history, highlights, and how to walk the Nakasendo trail. Learn about the charms of Kiso Fukushima, Tsumago-juku, and Magome-juku, as well as essential safety tips for your self-guided hike.
We show how to travel from Tokyo to Kiso Valley by train. Discover historic Nakasendo post towns like Narai-juku and Tsumago-juku. Includes ticket booking tips, route comparisons, and practical advice for first-time visitors to this traditional Japanese mountain region.
The schedule for the 2025 Atami Seaside Fireworks Festival has been announced. This very popular fireworks display is held throughout the year, not just in summer. We introduce the 2025 schedule as of July 2025.
A very old hot spring called Hashiriyu sits in Atami, Shizuoka. As one of Japan’s three oldest hot springs, it has flowed for some 1,300 years, sending 70 °C water sideways from a cave—a rare sight even in Japan. This hidden gem is only a five‑minute taxi ride from Atami Station.
Kiunkaku is an essential sightseeing spot in Atami, where Japanese architecture blends with Western and Eastern styles to create a unique aesthetic. Don't just pass through each room; take the time to appreciate the beauty of the decorations and all the details. Cash is essential! We recommend withdrawing cash at the station before heading there!
Tsumago-juku is a historic post town on the old Nakasendo Road, Located in Nagano, in the centre of Japan. It takes about 2.5 hours from Tokyo, or 2 hours from Osaka by train. A perfect spot for a day trip or an overnight stay!