Volcanic Wonder: Feel the Awesome Power of the Earth at the Okama Crater in Zao

The Okama crater of the Zao volcano is accessible by bus, by car, and on foot. Okama wows from any angle, but approaching it on foot is a rare opportunity to experience the radical transformations caused by a volcanic eruption.

Mountains Miyagi Yamagata

Jackie Imamura

October 9, 2018

Winter Light-up Festival: A Travelers’ Town Made of Snow in Shizu

To enjoy winter properly, one must get into the snow. Literally. Here in Japan’s northeast, it’s been snowing since December, which means there is now enough accumulation (reaching over 5 meters) to start building things with snow.

Festivals Yamagata

Jackie Imamura

February 14, 2018

Mount Zao in Yamagata: It's Time For The Snow Monsters!

Winter is upon us, and the distinct phenomenon of the juhyou or “snow monsters” of Mount Zao in Yamagata prefecture are not to be missed as one of Japan’s top winter wonders.

Onsen Travel Tips Yamagata

Jackie Imamura

January 5, 2018

A Walking Tour of Downtown Yamagata

If you’re coming to Yamagata for the International Documentary Film Festival, to go skiing in winter, or cherry picking in early summer, most highlights of the city itself are within a 15-30 minute walking distance of Yamagata Station.

Area Guide Event Yamagata

Jackie Imamura

October 3, 2017

Fall Foliage and Hiking in Yamagata: A Palette of Beauty

Tohoku’s mountains are ablaze with autumn color earlier than the Kansai or Kanto regions, giving hikers and “leaf peepers” a perfect jump on the season.

Nature Yamagata

Jackie Imamura

September 23, 2017

Dancing in the streets: Celebrate summer nights with Tohoku’s August festivals

The pulsing drums, the grandiose floats, the colorful costumes: it’s all on parade in Japan’s northeast during the first week of August. Festivals in six different cities draw over one million visitors.

Festivals Tohoku

Jackie Imamura

July 28, 2017

Mount Haguro: The Beating Heart of Japanese Animism

Depending on where you begin, a cedar-lined 1.7 km path (2,446 steps to be precise) leads either to the main shrine (三神合祭殿) at the summit, or to Gojunoto, a five-story pagoda that is registered as a national treasure.

Area Guide Heritage Mountains Yamagata

Jackie Imamura

July 26, 2017

The Secret to Kyoto’s Imperial Palace

The inner sanctuaries of Japan’s original capital are high on anyone’s list when visiting Kyoto. Yet walk out beyond the inner walls and into the surrounding public park and you will be rewarded with just as many discoveries.

Parks Kyoto

Jackie Imamura

June 10, 2017

Yamadera Temple in Yamagata: Ascent to The Temple of Standing Stones

Officially called Risshakuji (temple of standing stones), the training ground for monks of the Tendai sect was founded here over eleven centuries ago.

Mountains Yamagata

Jackie Imamura

June 1, 2017

A Pink Wave Approaching: The Yamagata Cherry Blossoms

And there’s no better place to enjoy sakura than in Japan’s northeast, where you can take in the blooms with a backdrop of snow-capped mountains.

Nature Yamagata

Jackie Imamura

April 3, 2017

It’s Time to Soak in Winter Wonderland

An onsen nestled in the mountains outside Sendai will transform you to another world

Onsen Miyagi

Jackie Imamura

January 17, 2017

Transiting in Yamagata: 5 Things to Do Near the Station

You may find yourself at Yamagata station with some time on your hands. Don’t worry; there is plenty to do.

Area Guide Scenery Snacks Souvenirs Yamagata

Jackie Imamura

December 29, 2016

Kyoto’s Northeast Momiji Walk: An Itinerary Through the Extraordinary

Late November marks the beginning of fall colors in western Japan, and there is no better place to enjoy them than Kyoto. This three-hour walking tour guides you through the city’s northeast Sakyo ward without paying any entrance fees.

Nature Scenery Kyoto

Jackie Imamura

November 26, 2016