Motosu City is in the countryside of Gifu, and the main attraction is the Usuzumi cherry blossoms. At the park, there is one very large, old tree on display. The explanation next to the tree, in all Japanese, explains that Usuzumi is over 1500 years old and is considered one of three great cherry blossom trees in Japan.

Japan has so many amazing foods to sample, but you would be missing out if you didn’t check out the Japanese dessert world. Being a self-diagnosed chocoholic myself, I have been sampling many Japanese sweets and here are some of my favorite place in Gifu!

While living in Gifu, my friends have introduced to me to a variety of restaurants that I would/could have never found on my own. It’s like the saying goes, locals know best.

Nagoya is one of the largest cities in Japan, and like all great cities, it has its fair share of great shopping. However, there are so many options that it can get a little confusing. But fear not, with my guide you will be well on your way to buying gifts, souvenirs, or a little something for yourself!

I think that Japanese autumn deserves special recognition, the Japanese fall leaves that color the skyline are some of the most gorgeous that I have ever seen in my whole life. The heavy rains that hit Japan during typhoon season really make for some bright yellow, red, and orange leaves in autumn.

It is rapidly becoming a popular destination for both Japanese and international travelers alike. Fun fact: this pond used to not have a name, but it received its name once it became a popular tourist destination.

Aichi Prefecture's Tennogawa Park will dazzle you with its exceptional wisteria displays during the Owari Tsushima Wisteria Festival, held between late-April and early-May. There's festival food and games, and at night the flowers are beautifully lit from below.