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
Category: Kanto
(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
(Japan) Discover Choshi in Chiba
(Oct. 12-13, 2024) Choshi city is at the easternmost point of Chiba, which is just next to highly-populated Tokyo and Kanagawa. Chiba is well-known for Narita Airport, Tokyo Disneyland and beautiful beaches, but since Choshi is at the furthest end of Chiba, I had never been to there. I found Byobugaura Bay and Former Kashima… Continue reading (Japan) Discover Choshi in Chiba
(Japan) Izu Islands – Kouzushima
(Sept. 21-23, 2024) This Sept. we had 2 Mondays off because of public holidays, so we decided to spend all the 3-day holidays going camping at the Izu Islands. Getting on the large passenger ship (Tokai Kisen) on Friday night, arriving on Saturday morning, camp for 2 days, return on Monday. It was perfect! Kouzushima… Continue reading (Japan) Izu Islands – Kouzushima
(Japan) Good Places to Visit & Camp at Izu
(June 15-16, 2024) We went for an mini trip camping and visiting some new places in Izu. Although I have already visited Izu so many times, we still managed to find surprise and great places that I would like to recommend. Atami Moon Terrace This is a great public park including white sand beach. Also,… Continue reading (Japan) Good Places to Visit & Camp at Izu
(Japan) Izu Islands – Niijima
(Sept. 14-16, 2024) There are total 9 Islands in Tokyo Prefecture. Most of them are just several hours away from Tokyo by large passenger ship (Tokai Kisen), or a few hours away from Tokyo by high-speed jet ferry. Then, you’ll come to totally different world, beautiful sea and nature all around. I am particularly fond… Continue reading (Japan) Izu Islands – Niijima
(Japan) Gravel Cycling @Atsugi
Oct. 28, 2023 Atsugi is just a regular city in the Kanagawa Prefecture, but there is a big Sagami river running through it, also a city park called Sagamisansen Park there, so on a sunny weekend we decided to take our gravel bikes for a little off-road ride. We rode along the riverbank. Some part… Continue reading (Japan) Gravel Cycling @Atsugi