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Niigata Prefecture, located in the central Chubu region of Japan, faces the Sea of Japan and is surrounded by towering mountains and gorgeous wilderness.
Niigata is most famous for its abundant seafood and flavorful rice, which naturally leads to delicious sake. It is easily accessible in roughly two hours from Tokyo Station via bullet train or on a one-hour flight from Osaka.
This article presents the complete guide to Niigata sightseeing, including transport information, the best local cuisine, and fun activities to try.
Main image: PIXTA
1. Quick facts about Niigata
Niigata is located on the northwestern coast of the Japanese mainland. It is the 5th largest in size of Japan’s 47 prefectures and is characterized by a diverse landscape of expansive coastline, rugged mountains, and sweeping plains. The local food and activities change depending on the area, making it well worth multiple visits.
(Image: PIXTA)
One of the most common reasons to visit Niigata is the wealth of produce a..

In July and August, Hokkaido is sunny and there are many summer days when the temperature is warm.
Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost island, is a great retreat for the summer. Depending on exactly where you are traveling to in the area, the clothing you need can vary greatly. It is good for you to be specific about travel plans so you can pack accordingly.
Hokkaido is vast and has a large temperature difference depending on the area!
Hokkaido is 83,456 square kilometers, which is comparable to the size of Austria.
The area is surrounded by the Sea of Japan in the northwest, the Sea of Okhotsk in the northeast, and the Pacific Ocean in the south.
Mountains are to the east and to the west. Depending on where you are, the landscapes can be quite different.
In urban areas of Sapporo, the temperature is higher than it feels
In many areas, it is not uncommon for temperatures in Hokkaido in summer to reach 25°C or higher in summer in July and August, or to reach mid-summer temperatures a..

Matsumoto Castle, located in Nagano, is famous for being the oldest surviving 5-tiered 6-story castle tower in Japan.* While there are castles with towers all over Japan, only 12 are genuine relics from the Sengoku and Edo periods, while only five are designated ‘national treasures.’ One of these is Matsumoto Castle.
The jet-black Matsumoto castle is given extra life from its awe-inspiring Northern Alps background. Each season ushers in a fresh new look to the castle and its surroundings, making it a different experience each time. While being an important relic and educational tool, it is also a relaxing and beautiful place that is best enjoyed slowly!
*Five tiers can be observed from the outside, while inside there are actually six levels.
main image: Courtesy of Matsumoto Castle Administration Office
The Castle’s Grand Scenery and Jet-black Beauty
Photo: Matsumoto Castle Administration Office
Matsumoto is a quiet, simple town mostly famous for its central titular castle, which is a..

Sendai is the largest city in northeast Japan's Tohoku region. Around 90 minutes via Shinkansen bullet train from Tokyo and with excellent access to the rest of Tohoku, Sendai is a popular destination to visit.
Here we will introduce some useful tips when traveling to Sendai, including transportation access from Tokyo, the delicious local dishes to try, and the famous historical sites to visit!
Main photo by: PIXTA
1. Quick facts about Sendai
Photo by: PIXTA
Where is Sendai in Japan?
Sendai is the largest city in the northeastern area of Japan’s main island of Honshu, and is located in Miyagi Prefecture.
The history of Sendai began in 1601 when the famous warrior of Japan’s Sengoku Period, Date Masamune, built Sendai Castle as well as the town around it. This history is an important part of how Sendai became the city it is today.
Photo by: PIXTA
One of the attractive features of sightseeing in Sendai is getting to try all of the delicious cuisines.
An example of a Sendai origi..

The Shonan and Enoshima area is one of the most popular day-trip destinations for both Tokyo locals and tourists. Even though the beautiful island is easily accessible from the capital, a lot of people only visit the nearby Kamakura with its many shrines and temples. That’s a shame because Enoshima is a treasure trove of amazing spots and discoveries! Come with us on a tour along its must-visit spots!
Enoshima, a Stunning Island Only One Hour Away from Tokyo
Enoshima is in the Shonan area and offers unique sights and experiences throughout the year, fun for families, couples, friends, and solo travelers alike! From shrines and temples to gourmet delights and bathing in the sea, there’s much to see and do.
It takes about one hour from Tokyo to Katase Enoshima Station on the Odakyu Line. After meeting friends at the station, we head straight for Enoshima!
The station building is designed after the famous undersea palace of the dragon deity.
After about 5 minutes of walk, we reach the two..

Autumn is one of the most beautiful times to visit Tokyo. Since the weather for Tokyo in autumn is generally pleasant and cooler, it's also an excellent season for walking around and exploring to your heart's content. Still, it can get a bit chilly at times just before winter sets in!
The best time to see autumn leaves in Tokyo is from November to early December when the trees are painted with reds and gold. Every fall, it seems like streets everywhere are painted with the oranges, reds, yellows, and greens of autumn foliage.
Here we'll introduce the weather and temperature in Tokyo in September, October, and November, and share some of the best places to visit. With the right preparation, you'll enjoy all that the season has to offer!
Tokyo Weather in September, October, and November
What's Tokyo like in September? Weather and wear
Due to its comparatively higher latitude, Tokyo experiences four distinct seasons. Although September can be a somewhat cooler mon..

Toyosu Market opened in 2018 as the successor to Tokyo’s incredibly famous Tsukiji Fish Market. While everyone knew the massive tuna auction of the old venue, what’s there to see and discover at Toyosu?
When is the best time to go? Still very new, many people don’t really know how to start their Tokyo fish market adventure, but not to worry! We’re here to take a thorough look at Toyosu Market and cover all there is to know for your very first visit!
What is the Toyosu Market? Which Areas are Open to the Public?
The Toyosu Market can easily be called the kitchen of Tokyo. Wholesalers, vendors, restaurant owners—this market is a colorful amalgamation of Tokyo’s gourmet industry, a bustling space ruled by professional buyers and sellers. That is precisely why the market is generally not open to regular sightseers.
However, each distinctive area of Toyosu Market boasts its own sightseeing route, allowing curious visitors to take a peek behind the scenes.
And just like at Tsukiji Market, ..

The hills in Hokkaido's Furano and Biei areas are colored purple with lavender fields where a variety of flower gardens can be seen. This exquisite scenery is a source of local pride.
Get out and enjoy the great views of Biei and Furano lavender fields by visiting during their blooming season, which is from mid to late July.
While these fields are positioned closer to the city of Asahikawa, there are many ways to get there, making a day trip from Sapporo possible. Here we share the perfect itinerary to make the most of the region!
Plan your Sapporo to Furano Day Trip: Furano Lavender Fields and Biei Hill Drive
■ Morning 1 (From Sapporo → Furano (Car: 116 km, Bus: 2 hours and 28 minutes))
・Sample route (by car): Take the Sapporo IC → Mikasa IC → Route 116 → Bibo Furano Line → National Highway No. 38
If you take a rental car from Sapporo and leave early in the morning, a sightseeing trip to Furano/Biei can be made in one day.
Alternatively, you can take a train or bus to Furano a..