Category: Japan

(Japan) Kusatsu Onsen — Where The Hot Springs Flow

September 2026 A TOWN BUILT AROUND HOT SPRINGS I had heard of Kusatsu Onsen for a long time, but somehow, I had never visited. Having explored several Japanese onsen towns before, I assumed Kusatsu would be another pleasant place to soak in hot springs. I was wrong—or at least, pleasantly surprised. Nestled in the mountains… Continue reading (Japan) Kusatsu Onsen — Where The Hot Springs Flow

(Japan) Akaiwa ー A Glimpse of Old Rural Japan

September 2026 A HIDDEN MOUNTAIN VILLAGE Tucked away in the mountains of northwestern Gunma, Akaiwa is a small traditional mountain village that feels wonderfully removed from modern Japan. Located on a terrace above the Shirasuna River, the village is surrounded by steep green mountains, farmland, and forest. Its quiet streets are lined with traditional houses,… Continue reading (Japan) Akaiwa ー A Glimpse of Old Rural Japan

(Japan) Kyu-Taishi Station — A Journey Into The Past

September 2026 AN UNEXPECTED DISCOVERY Tucked away in the mountains of Gunma Prefecture, Kyū-Taishi Station is a fascinating glimpse into Japan’s industrial past. We actually discovered it by accident. While driving through the mountains, we spotted a roadside sign for the old station and decided to stop and take a look. Sometimes, the best places… Continue reading (Japan) Kyu-Taishi Station — A Journey Into The Past

(Japan) Autumn at Kurofuyama

September 2026 A QUIET ESCAPE INTO THE MOUNTAINS Kurofu-yama is a 2,404-meter-high mountain in Nagano Prefecture, forming part of the outer rim of Mount Asama, one of Japan’s most active volcanoes. What makes Kurofu-yama special is not only the hike itself, but the scenery waiting along the ridgeline. On a clear day, you can enjoy… Continue reading (Japan) Autumn at Kurofuyama

(Japan) The Best Autumn View @ Okushizu

(Nov. 16, 2024) Shizuoka City is in Kanagawa Prefecture, which stretches over a vast area of ​​83.1 km from north to south, but only 20% of the city is urban, with the remaining 80% being mountainous and rich in nature. The natural part of Shizuoka deep in the mountains is nicknamed Oku-Shizuoka, or “Oku-Shizu“. “Oku-Shizu”… Continue reading (Japan) The Best Autumn View @ Okushizu