Enbara River, flowing through the northern part of Yamagata City in Gifu Prefecture, is known for its miraculous water quality. The beauty of the crystal-clear water gushing from the rocks attracts many visitors, and its transparent stream has...
Are you interested in participating in an event where you can fully immerse yourself in lush forest landscapes while cycling through unpaved forest roads? This event will be held in one of Japan’s most beautiful villages, Nakagawa Village in Nagano...
Ogawa Town in Saitama Prefecture is located just over an hour from Ikebukuro Station via the Tobu Tojo Line. Nestled in a basin surrounded by the mountains of Outer Chichibu, it is sometimes referred to as “Little Kyoto of Musashi.” The...
It took a long time to get out of the traffic in Tokyo, and by the time I noticed, it was pitch dark outside. As I drove down a road without even streetlights, I saw something along the white line. Was it a living creature or just an object? I...
As I travel the world, I discover the charm of each country and also come to appreciate the beauty of my homeland, Japan. In spring, cherry blossoms dance gracefully at a rate of five centimeters per second. In summer, watermelon, wind chimes and...
Årc Yakushima, an art and retreat space featuring 12 guest rooms and a coworking café, opened in Yakushima, celebrating the island’s 30th anniversary as a World Heritage site. The core concept of Årc Yakushima is “commons,” which means...
The “Shugendo,” is a unique Japanese religion established in ancient times as a form of mountain worship. “Shu” represents ascetic practices and “gen” signifies realization. Practitioners engage in rigorous training in seclusion within the...
One of Japan’s iconic summer spectacles is its festivals, and in the Kansai region, two of the country’s three major festivals, the Gion Matsuri in Kyoto and the Tenjin Matsuri in Osaka, hold special significance. The sense of unity and...
Imagine looking at neatly arranged rice stalks swaying gently in the wind in endless Japanese rural scenery. And if you listen closely, you can hear the chirping of birds and the sounds of insects. Just taking a deep breath in such an environment...
Located a short distance up Teramachi Street from Kyoto City Hall Station is Kikuya General Store, a store that celebrated its 17th year in May 2023, specializing in fair trade and handcrafted goods. Though it might not be considered a long...