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Summer time in the Tohoku Region is the time of year when the normally quiet and tranquil communities of the north explode in vibrant colors, with the passion of the locals on full display. After three years of painful cancellations many of Tohoku’s most famous summer festivals were finally able to be celebrate the season and the the traditions, bringing back a much needed sense of community and excitement to the people here.

The Yamagata Hanagasa Festival
山形花笠まつり
The Yamagata Hanagasa Festival is the flagship festival of Yamagata Prefecture. Thousands of performers fill the streets of downtown Yamagata City for a night of festivities. Learn more about the festival at thehiddenjapan.com/kizunafestival.

Akagawa Firework Festival
赤川花火大会
This grand firework festival, regarded as one of the Top 10 firework festivals of Japan, features tens of thousands of fireworks shot into the night sky during the two-hour performance.

The 2022 Akagawa Firework Festival even featured a surprise drone..

If you have ever visited temples or shrines in Japan, you might have seen the multi-storied tower-like structures known as pagodas. Pagodas are deeply ingrained in Buddhist history and tradition, and these iconic buildings are cherished by many and can be seen at Buddhist temples across Asia. Japan is home to some of the most beautiful pagodas in the world which should definitely make it to your must-visit list. They boast impressive designs, fascinating history and unique architectural techniques which have enabled them to survive devastating earthquakes and other natural disasters for centuries. What is a pagoda? Pagodas are tower-like, multi-tiered structures that are often found on the grounds of […]

Otaru, one of Hokkaido's leading port cities, holds much of the island's history. If you can imagine, Japan's northern island was fully pioneered only around 150 years ago!
The Otaru Canal in the port and the surrounding stone warehouses have much to tell of the city’s proud form of long ago, which paved the way to prosperity beyond Sapporo and the cultivation of Hokkaido.
There are many historical buildings that still stand around the Otaru Canal from 100 years ago, which provide a nostalgic atmosphere that you can enjoy as you walk around. Here are some of the best places to check out during your visit.
1. Otaru Canal: Otaru’s Largest Tourist Attraction
The Otaru Canal is a classic staple when it comes to famous sightseeing spots of Hokkaido. Once the distribution hub of Hokkaido, it boasted a population that even surpassed that of Sapporo. At that time the canal was used to offload ships via barges, and was established to lengthen the distance that goods could be dis..

Along with sake and rice, the northwestern prefecture of Niigata is also famed for its picturesque vineyards yielding high-quality local wine. Five different wineries make up the Niigata Wine Coast, each with its own unique characteristics.
The largest and oldest of the bunch is Cave d'Occi, which has expanded its facilities to include hot springs, spa services, restaurants, and even accommodation, allowing visitors to spend the night amongst the lush nature and expansive Niigata vineyards.
Top picture: Cave d'Occi
What Is the Niigata Wine Coast?
Image: Cave d'Occi
The Niigata Wine Coast is a vineyard region located in the spacious southwestern outskirts of Niigata City. Despite technically being a part of the city, the area is rural and remote, mainly consisting of farmland and quiet beaches, all within view of the iconic mountains of Kakudayama and Yahiko.
Part of the famously fertile Echigo Plain, the soil here is fine and sand-like and has long been highlighted as ..

Right in front of JR Kyoto Station is Kyoto Tower. Standing at 131 meters tall, Kyoto Tower is not just for you to admire from the outside – there's so much you can do inside too! From the beautiful scenery from the observation deck, to gourmet food and shopping, there's even a hotel and public bath!
Kyoto conjures up images of temples and shrines, but it's recommended to start your trip from here instead. While mingling with both tourists and locals, enjoy a fulfilling day here at this Kyoto icon, with ample measures in place against Covid-19.
Fifth-Floor Observation Deck: Enjoy the panoramic view from Kyoto Tower's observatory deck first!
JR Kyoto Station, which is also a stop along the Tokaido Shinkansen. Once you exit from the Central Exit (Karasuma Exit) that is thronged with people, right before your eyes will be Kyoto Tower. As it's just a two-minute walk away from the station, there is excellent access there without any risk of getting lost.
The elegant..

Are you thinking about coming to Japan? Did you miss the summer festival season in July and August? Can you not wait until early spring for the cherry blossom parties to take over?
If you are longing to come to Japan but feel like you missed a good season, you are in luck. Japan has so many great and varied things to see and do that any time is a good time to visit. Each month provides a wide range of events, attractions, tastes, natural beauty and sites to experience.
Here are just some of the great things going on in September in Tokyo and surrounding areas.
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Why is September a good time to visit Tokyo?
Image credit: Camellia Taylor / Shutterstock.com
Anyone who has visited Japan during the summer will tell you the heat and humidity are unbearable. With temperatures usually in the mid 30’s Celsius (90’s Fahrenheit) and humidity levels at over 80%, multiple cold showers and change of clothes are n..

The archipelago of Japan consists of 421 inhabited islands (and thousands of uninhabited ones) and spans more than 2,400 kilometers from north to south. Japan is divided into 47 prefectures, and not only do these prefectures have their own distinctive dialects, they also have their own regional delicacies. Many domestic and international travelers love to sample as many different local specialties as possible, but most don’t have the time or money to travel to all 47 prefectures. But fret not, there is a great solution for the pesky problem of time and money constraints if you want to enjoy a vast variety of Japan’s mouth-watering delicacies, and this solution is […]

When people think of Tokyo, they tend to imagine a busy and lively metropolis. Towering skyscrapers, stylish glass-and-steel buildings standing side by side – that’s Tokyo’s townscape, right?
Well, yes. However, the city seems to have as many facets as it has people calling it their home. Amidst this urban jungle, you’ll also find little pockets of history, faithfully evoking the spirits of days long gone. Those areas are called “shitamachi” and describe neighborhoods that have been the downtown of Old Edo but did not keep up with the rapid modernization of the rest of the city. Time seems to be much slower there, offering you a one-of-a-kind taste of an entirely different Tokyo. Both locals and tourists alike are drawn to this nostalgic, almost enigmatic charm of shitamachi areas – but what is there to see, exactly? And why do they make you want to come back over and over again?
Shitamachi? What Does That Even Mean?
As already mentioned, the word “shitamachi” (using the kanji characte..

Looking for a place to relax and enjoy yourself away from crowds? Camping in Hokkaido is the answer!
Spending a night outdoors is a great way to enjoy nature in Hokkaido, where mesmerizing lakes and starry night skies are the norm. There are plenty of campsites on the island prefecture, some of which come with facilities to help those who may be new to camping enjoy this activity too!
Check out these five Hokkaido campsites with exciting features and see if any one of them appeals to your adventurous side. We'll also be sharing some useful information about campervan rentals for those who are keen to try out camping on the move!
1. Toyamizubenosato Takarada Campground (Toyako Town): Get your own private campsite!
Campervan site
Toyamizubenosato Takarada Campground is located next to Lake Toya, the third-largest caldera lake in Japan. It is equipped with plenty of private camping spaces.
Although you won't be able to see the lake directly from the campsite, there's a h..

HOSHINOYA Tokyo: the ryokan that's become the talk of the town. While being within walking distance from Tokyo Station, it’s created a relaxing space where you can get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, attracting guests from all over the world.
Here we will take you inside HOSHINOYA Tokyo and show you every corner of its stylish space – including rooms, hot springs, and dining!
HOSHINOYA Tokyo: Extraordinary vibes at one of Tokyo’s top hotels
HOSHINOYA is a luxury hotel brand operated by Hoshino Resorts, which has been in business for 106 years. They have facilities in Japan, like in Kyoto, Karuizawa, and Fuji, as well as abroad (Indonesia, Taiwan).
Its main strength is its “extraordinary getaway.” The resort offers the most exceptional service and most relaxing spaces. Known in Japan as a hotel you will always want to stay in, it’s likely to be fully booked during the holiday seasons.
HOSHINOYA Tokyo, opened in 2016, is a “tower ryokan (Japanese inn)” with two floors..