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6 Great Nature Hikes Close to the Shinkansen

Blaze the trails on these six hikes that are only a hop, skip and a jump away from the bullet train.

Rivers & Shaved Ice in Nagatoro, Saitama

Nagatoro in Saitama Prefecture is a lovely place surrounded by the nature of the Chichibuchi region. The natural scenery of mountains and rivers is beautiful, and the somehow wistful site of the mountain villages is relaxing.

Full List: Japan’s UNESCO Shrines & Temples!

Japan is home to thousands of historic shrines and temples, and a good few of them are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. A visit to just one can give insight into Japanese culture.

Wonders of Japan: Activities Amidst Nature

Experience a variety of sports activities carried out amidst nature.

5 Outdoor Autumn Activities in Karuizawa

Easily accessible from Tokyo and home to luxury resorts, shops and restaurants, Karuizawa is a gorgeous year-round getaway. But autumn is when the town shows its true colors!

Japanese Castles — A Backpacker’s Guide

Check out an interview with Julien Mentzer as he discusses how his book, 'Japanese Castles – A Backpacker’s Guide,' can help you discover all the castle treasures of Japan.

Hike the Yoro Valley

Chiba Prefecture's Yoro Valley (or Yoro Keikoku) offers rivers, waterfalls, seasonal vistas and even a black-water onsen!

4 Day Trip Destinations to Escape from Tokyo!

Tokyo is definitely one of the most exciting and interesting cities in Japan, but there are so many other places that are definitely worth visiting!

The Ultimate Group Tent

Enjoy your own personal space or chat it up in the communal meeting room in this outdoor tent!

A Visual Love Letter to Japan

There are Japan videos, and then there are things like this. Set to Yuzo Koshiro's sweeping "Cerulean Woodlands," this 10-minute piece of art is truly a love letter to Japan.

Promoting the Healing Power of Nature

The Kaminoyama Onsen Kurort project is a wellness and leisure spot in Yamagata Prefecture that focuses on medical science-based healthy outdoor walks and invigorating visitors through local culinary and hot spring resources.

Japan's Top 5 'Hanami' Hikes

Japanese culture is deeply tied to nature, and there's no better time to appreciate the Japanese wilderness than cherry blossom season.

5 Key Sights to See in Kobe

Kobe is a lovely, cosmopolitan city with a fascinating international past. Don't miss these top sites in Kansai's famous port city!

Hike the 'Road to Laputa'

High atop Mount Aso in Kumamoto Prefecture lies a hidden, winding path that leads you to a picture-perfect Ghibli-like view.

Top 6 'Hanami' Spots in Shikoku

While Shikoku might be a bit off the grid when it comes to mass tourism, this island region is full of hidden natural gems—including gorgeous cherry trees!

Take a Breakneck Video Tour of Japan!

Filmed during a three-week railway journey through Japan, this stupendously edited collection of memories reminds us of what can be so fascinating about this island nation.

There's a Touching Story Behind These Flowers

The background story of the man who planted these pink flowers in Miyazaki Prefecture is just as beautiful as the flowers themselves.

Day Trip to Hirayu Onsen

Follow a couple on a day trip to Hirayu Onsen in Gifu Prefecture!

Guided Mount Fuji Climbing Tour in English

Make your way to the top of Mount Fuji with an English-speaking guide. Catch the beautiful sunrise after a vigorous hike, all without worries about the language barrier!

6 Awesome Things to See & Do in Chichibu

Chichibu is located in western Saitama, just 90 minutes from central Tokyo. A popular tourist destination full of temples and shrines, it's known as a spot for delicious food and sightseeing.

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