Nikko National Park Beyond the Temples: Waterfalls, Lakes & Hidden Trails
Most visitors to Nikko spend their day at Tosho-gu and return to Tokyo by evening β entirely reasonable…
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Noboribetsu Onsen: Hell Valley & the Best Onsen Resort in Hokkaido
Noboribetsu Onsen (η»ε₯ζΈ©ζ³) has a legitimate claim to being the finest onsen resort town in Hokkaido β and…
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Obon Festival in Japan: What It Is & Where to See Bon Odori Dancing
Obon (γη) is Japan's most significant traditional summer observance β a Buddhist-derived festival, typically held in mid-August (though…
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Oze National Park: Japan’s Largest High-Altitude Marshland in Full Bloom
Oze National Park (ε°Ύη¬ε½η«ε ¬ε) β spanning the borders of Gunma, Fukushima, Niigata, and Tochigi prefectures β protects Japan's…
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Plum Blossoms (ζ’ ) in Japan: The Pre-Sakura Season β Atami & Odawara
Before cherry blossom captures Japan's national attention each spring, ume (ζ’ / plum blossom) quietly blooms first β…
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Sakura Train Journeys: The Most Scenic Cherry Blossom Train Routes in Japan
Cherry blossom season in Japan produces a specific travel opportunity available nowhere else on earth: the sakura train…
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Sapporo in Winter: Snow Festival, Susukino Night Market & Hokkaido Food
There are cities that tolerate winter and cities that embrace it. Sapporo (ζεΉ) β the capital of Hokkaido,…
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Sea Kayaking in Japan: Izu, Seto Inland Sea & Okinawa Routes
Japan's extraordinary coastline β 29,750 km of mainland coast plus the island chains of Izu, Okinawa, and the…
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Matsumoto Castle: Japan’s Oldest Wooden Castle & the City of Mountains
Matsumoto Castle (ζΎζ¬ε) is visually unlike any other major Japanese castle. While the dominant color scheme of most…
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Matsushima: Japan’s Most Scenic Bay β 260 Islands, Oysters & Zen Temples
Matsushima (ζΎε³Ά) β "Pine Islands" β has been celebrated as one of Japan's most beautiful landscapes since the…
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