Articles
記 事 一 覧Travel stories from around Japan’s heritage — food routes, festivals, ryokan stays, hot-spring detours, and the histories behind the sites. Written from the field by our contributors, with practical access notes for visitors.
Explore Kenrokuen Garden, then refuel with Kanazawa Curry—thick dark roux, massive tonkatsu, and shredded cabbage on a steel plate. Student blogger Yuto shares a 90-minute route with budget tips, payment methods, English support, and portion advice. Essential Kanazawa food guide for international travelers.
Experience Zen meditation at Eiheiji Temple and relax at Awara Onsen hot springs in this 2-night Fukui journey. Join morning services, try sutra copying, savor Echizen crab, and enjoy geigi shamisen performances. A ryokan concierge shares insider tips on etiquette, packing, and booking to reset your mind and body.
Discover Saidaiji Eyo (Hadaka Matsuri), a 400-year-old midwinter blessing ritual in Okayama. Learn safe viewing methods, photography rules, and essential etiquette from festival comedian Wasshoi Tonegawa. Experience Japan's living religious tradition.
After visiting Aoshima Shrine's tropical vibes, cool down with rich Miyazaki mango soft-serve. Student-friendly 90-min route covering shrine visit, beachside café, budget tips, English menu info, and how to maximize your tropical getaway in Miyazaki.
Complete guide to Kagoshima's largest festival, the Ohara Matsuri. Festival comedian Wasshoi Tonegawa reveals highlights, participation tips, and safe viewing strategies for this grand parade featuring 20,000 dancers and 200,000 spectators. Discover the charm of this interactive festival where everyone can join the dance!
Discover Hirosaki Castle's cherry blossoms, samurai district, Tsugaru shamisen, and traditional crafts. A ryokan concierge shares insider tips on choosing accommodations (premium/standard/budget), local cuisine, and ideal stay timelines for first-timers.
Ryokan concierge Hana guides you through Hikone Castle (National Treasure) and Lake Biwa's best. Discover castle views, Omi beef cuisine, historic town accommodations, and Chikubu Island trips. Perfect timeline and tips for first-time ryokan guests included.
Climb the stone steps of Kotohira-gu Shrine in Kagawa, then learn authentic Sanuki udon-making. Experience foot-kneading, noodle-cutting, and savor your handmade creation.
Visit the National Treasure Zuiryuji Temple of the Kaga Domain, ride the Kurobe Gorge Trolley Train to Unazuki Onsen, and soak in outdoor baths overlooking the snowmelt-fed gorge. Experience Toyama's cultural heritage and natural beauty, with bathing etiquette, safety tips, and a half-day itinerary included.
Complete guide to Izumo soba (warigo buckwheat) right after Izumo Taisha shrine visit. Learn how to eat dark whole-grain noodles in 3-tiered lacquer boxes at monzen-machi shops, budget ¥900+, queue-skipping tips, and a practical 90-minute route from a student perspective. Combine matchmaking prayers with Shimane's humble local cuisine.
Complete guide to Aomori Nebuta Festival by festival comedian Wasshoi Tonegawa! Learn how to join as a haneto dancer, best viewing spots, photography etiquette, and safety tips for first-time visitors.
Ise Jingu's Shikinen Sengu is the world's only recurring ceremony that completely rebuilds shrine structures every 20 years. Conducted 63 times since 690 CE, it preserves traditional techniques and spirituality. Learn why 20 years, the deep meaning, historical background, and visiting tips from a historical writer based on primary sources.
Practical 90-120 minute food routes connecting 5 Important Cultural Properties and 11 kabuki actor-frequented restaurants near Tokyo's Kabukiza Theater. From ¥500 egg sandwiches to ¥15,000 eel dinners, with budget-friendly tips and crowd-avoidance strategies for 2025.
Complete guide to Esashi Ubagami Daijingu Togyosai, one of Hokkaido's oldest festivals. Experience 300+ years of tradition with 13 magnificent floats parading through town. Learn about dates, highlights, viewing tips, and access info from festival comedian Wasshoi Tonegawa. Includes safety guidelines and cultural etiquette.
Complete guide to Miyajima's Itsukushima Shrine: Experience the mystical floating shrine at high tide, walk to the Great Torii at low tide, and discover the magic of staying overnight on the island. Includes worship etiquette, access tips, local specialties, accommodation advice, and international visitor information for an unforgettable journey in Hiroshima.
Explore the 1865 "Discovery of Hidden Christians" at Oura Cathedral in Nagasaki. A detailed account of how faith survived 250 years of prohibition, based on historical sources and practical visitor information.
The Kazurabashi Bridge in Iya, Tokushima, is said to have been built by Heike fugitives fleeing pursuit after the Genpei War. This article explores the historical legends backed by primary sources, the bridge's structure, and proper visiting etiquette.
Complete 90-minute food route from Cafe Parry near Ohanabatake Station. Authentic omurice (¥800) in a 1927 registered cultural property building. Budget tips, queue-dodging strategies, and English menu available.
Practical guide to Yokohama's 3 national treasures, 23 cultural properties, and original iekei ramen. Queue-beating strategies, morning ramen culture, honest student perspective.
Complete guide to Tsuchiura City Museum's National Treasure tanto sword by Yukihiro (1350), the exceptional 83-sword Tsuchiya collection, annual exhibitions, and visitor information. Experience one of Japan's 122 National Treasure swords for just ¥200.