Zuzuya: Ink Talismans at a Fuji Pilgrim's Inn
With a history of some 400 years, Zuzuya is one of only two pilgrim's lodgings in Kamiyoshida still offering rooms to Fuji worshippers preparing to climb their sacred mountain. It's also a great spot to make an ink talisman from an Edo Period wood block!
Discover Fruit & Fossils in Fukushima!
Welcoming visitors with open arms, Fukushima Prefecture offers strawberry picking, a fresh tomato theme park, and a fossil museum where you can try your hand at archaeology.
Japan's 8 Best-Preserved Castle Towns
While some ancient castles may be hard to find in Japan today, many of their surrounding villages are still standing strong.
Hakone Sekisho: Historical Checkpoint
The Hakone Sekisho was one of 53 checkpoints used by the Tokugawa Shogunate to maintain control over Japan's population. Now faithfully reconstructed, it makes for a pleasant visit while in Hakone, offering a nice view of Mount Fuji on a clear day.
Things to Do Around Hakone-Yumoto Station
Visitors to Hakone have to change trains at Hakone-Yumoto Station, meaning you always have a bit of time to kill. With temples, forest adventures, souvenir shopping and the Eva store, there's plenty to do while you wait!
Enter the 'Womb' of Mount Fuji
This system of caves beneath the surface of Mount Fuji are believed to represent the womb of Konohana Sakuya-hime, the goddess of the mountain. And you can climb right inside!
4 Great Day Trips from Kanazawa
Kanazawa is known for its gold, its historical streets and its top-ranked garden. It can also serve as a brilliant base for a number of incredible sights in the region!
Mishima: A Stroll down the Genbe River
Filled with fireflies in May, the Genbe River flows 1.5 kilometers through the heart of Mishima, from its source in a volcanic park to a reservoir with a lovely view of Mount Fuji. It's a lovely spot for a stroll filled with reminiscences of childhood.
World Heritage Sites & World-Class Mochi
Follow us on an exciting tour of Iwate Prefecture’s Hiraizumi World Heritage Sites and, while we were there, we took the chance to snack on delicious Ichinoseki mochi!
Odawara Castle: Last Stand of the Old Order
Located just south of Tokyo, Odawara Castle was known as an impregnable fortress—until it was taken down by a party!
10 Best UNESCO World Heritage Sites In Japan
Ranging from historical to natural to cultural, these 10 incredible UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Japan will make you want to travel there now!
Starbucks Opening at Two Surprising Locations
The global coffeehouse chain has two stunning stores planned close to these world-famous tourist spots.
Tohoku in Fall: The Ultimate Koyo Experience
Anyone who has visited the Tohoku region knows about the area’s unique and stunning beauty all year round, but during fall the area truly comes alive.
The Shrine with the Best View of Mount Fuji
Chureito Pagoda in Yamanashi Prefecture offers what is possibly the single most definitive view of Mount Fuji in Japan.
The Traditional 'Front Door' to Mount Fuji
Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha is the head of all Fuji-worshipping shrines, and the traditional 'front door' to the ascent up Mount Fuji.
Numazu Imperial Villa Memorial Park
Walk through a former imperial villa on the Numazu coast, featuring turn-of-the century furniture and woodwork.
Hakone Shrine: Home of the Nine-Headed Serpent
The mountains of Hakone have been worshipped for at least 2,500 years. Hakone Shrine venerates the three most important deities of the region: two legendary ancestors of the Japanese imperial line, and the goddess of Mount Fuji herself!
Mount Fuji's Northern Gateway
Said to date all the way back to the year 110, Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine marks the entrance to the Yoshidaguchi climbing trail on the north side of Mount Fuji.
Huge Mural & Ancient Ceramics in Hakone
Marked by swanky design in the midst of Hakone's mountains, the Okada Museum of Art features an impressive collection of East Asian ceramics and varied Japanese art.
Togawa Oshi House: Lodging for Fuji Pilgrims
'Oshi' houses traditionally provided lodging for worshippers preparing to ascend Mount Fuji. Reaching their peak in the 19th century, a number of these houses can still be seen in Kamiyoshida in Yamanashi Prefecture.
