Weekend Diving Escape in Izu Peninsula
If you are a diver, you’ll want to explore every water within your reach, even if it’s not world-renowned. At least that’s why I went on a dive trip to Izu.
September 17, 2016
Area: Chubu (Page3)｜Taiken Japan
The Chubu area is the central part of Japan and includes eight prefectures: Aichi, Fukui, Gifu, Ishikawa, Nagano, Niigata, Shizuoka, Toyama and Yamanashi. The area is famous for its mountain resorts, and for Mount Fuji.
ALL 253Ishikawa 14Shizuoka 34Gifu 57Nagano 44Toyama 5Niigata 22Yamanashi 26Aichi 56Fukui 1
Ryugashi Cave - Hamamatsu
Ryugashi-Do is an hour’s bus ride from Hamamatsu. It was opened to the public in 1983, after explorers widened the cracks in the limestone to allow access and cleared away rubble. The length of the cave is about 1000 metres but only around 400 metres are developed and accessible to tourists. The stalagmites and stalactites at Ryugashido have been given whimsical names and are artfully lit so they appear resemble real things.
September 4, 2016
Gifu's No.1 Ramen Shop: Hakushin Ebisoba
There is one shop in the Gifu region that has reigned supreme three years in a row now, selling a pretty unique ramen. Finally, I had an opportunity to try it out myself, and as a ramen fan, I can testify that the quality and the hype are completely legitimate.
September 3, 2016
Sugakiya - Cheapest Ramen Chain in Japan
Our writer Jackson Lee talks about his love for ramen, of discovering new shops, trying new ramen at any chance he gets, writing and rating them. Check out his reviews on a popular chain in Gifu: the Sugakiya!
August 6, 2016
Beat the Heat: Japan’s Coolest Summer Retreats
It seems like the rainy season only lasted a few days this time around. The stifling heat and humidity of summer already seem to be upon us. An escape is probably the best course of action, but where can one escape to?
AttractionsChubuHokkaidoKansaiChugoku
August 5, 2016
15 Things to Do in Kanazawa, Ishikawa
Besides getting to know more about Japan through major cities like Tokyo or Osaka, Japanese culture also can be seen from historical prefectures, such as Ishikawa Prefecture, located in Japan's central Honshu. To visit Kanazawa, capital city of Ishikawa Prefecture, is to explore the well-preserved Edo Period districts, samurai culture as well as Japanese handicrafts products and beautiful nature.
August 4, 2016
Mt. Fuji: A Hike ANYONE Can Do
"Should I Climb Mount Fuji?" Answer that question here.
August 1, 2016
6 Things to Do at Lakes Kawaguchi and Saiko in Yamanashi Prefecture
Who doesn’t know about Lakes Kawaguchi and Saiko? Apparently anyone outside Japan. Famous lakes in Yamanashi prefecture, which have always been locations for tourists to take a photo with the beautiful Mount Fuji in the background.
NatureFood & DrinkCultureYamanashi
July 22, 2016
Wining and Dining in Downtown Toyota
Toyota city offers a lot more than you might imagine and you certainly won’t be wanting for places to get good food.
July 12, 2016
Journey to Aichi's Second Largest Island
My lungs thanked me as fresh air flooded my insides. Sun rays caressed my face, and droplets of water sprayed my hair as my head strained to glimpse Sakushima. The ferry ride was approximately 25 minutes long, from Isshiki Ferry Port.
July 9, 2016
Discover Japan's Fountain of Youth at Yoro Falls
Yoro Falls is a beautiful waterfall located in Yoro Town on the western edge of Gifu Prefecture. The spectacular waterfall is 32 meters in height and 4 meters wide, and has been famous since ancient times for its pure spring water and scenic beauty. It is ranked one of the “Top 100 Most Beautiful Waterfalls” in Japan.
July 7, 2016
A Culinary Journey Through Nagano
Like all Japanese cuisine, Nagano foods are based upon using the most fresh and simple ingredients of the season. Typical dishes are made from what Nagano people find fresh and local at the markets making many of them very unique. Surrounded with Japan Alps, Nagano is known for the fresh produce from the mountains such as buckwheat, honey and wasabi (they even have a few bold meals like grasshoppers and bee larvae). During my last Nagano visit, I had a wonderful chance to try some of these specialties.
July 6, 2016
Nagoya Castle, the Rival Not-to-be
According to some, had it not been destroyed by bombardments in World War II, the Nagoya Castle would have surpassed Himeji Castle, as Japan’s most impressive feudal castle. Nonetheless, its current ferroconcrete reconstruction from 1959 and surrounding Meijo Park with over 2,000 cherry trees makes for a marvelous sight in early spring. But the castle is a picturesque vision throughout the year with a variety of blooms.
July 4, 2016
Noritake Garden, Nagoya
Now that the weather has warmed up and a cool breeze is blowing through lunch dates, it’s a perfect time to visit Noritake Garden in Nagoya.
AttractionsCultureFood & DrinkAichi
July 2, 2016
Aore Nagaoka City Hall: Public Service At Its Best
Aore Nagaoka is a masterpiece structure based on art and convenience. Designed by world-renowned Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, it’s no wonder that this government office has become a tourist destination. It does not only serve aesthetic purposes but effectively caters to the needs of both locals and tourists. Every detail speaks not only of beauty but also function.
June 29, 2016
Red Megs: Painting Horror, Beauty & Wonder
Japan has a diverse art scene that spans far beyond stereotypes. There is a market for everything. Those opportunities exist in busy metropolitan cities but also in smaller cities and less-well-known prefectures. I recently interviewed an American artist who is originally from Minnesota. She lives in Gifu City and has been commissioned, sold, and continues exhibiting far and wide.
June 22, 2016
15 Things to Do in Gifu
If you are seeking to experience the older side of Japan away from the cities, here are my top 15 recommendations of what Gifu has to offer for your next visit!
EventsAttractionsCultureShoppingFood & DrinkNatureGifu
June 20, 2016
Nirayama Furnace: Where the Industrial Revolution Gained Heat
There are 19 sites registered as a World Heritage throughout Japan as of May 2016, with some Meiji Industrial Revolution sites recently registered in 2015 including the Nirayama Hansharo reverberatory furnace. Nirayama Hansharo is one of the Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution: Iron and Steel, Shipbuilding and Coal Mining registered by UNESCO, together with the sites in Kyushu, Yamaguchi and Iwate.
June 15, 2016
