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...
Are you interested in immersing yourself in nature’s delights this summer? Beyond leisurely moments amidst nature, many people today desire a more profound natural encounter. The corporation, REED, based in Kamiyama City, Yamagata Prefecture...
How can we make our memories of travels more meaningful? Perhaps by leaving a place we visited during our journey in a better condition than when we arrived. There is increasing attention towards regenerative tourism, a step beyond sustainable...
The tourism approach known as “dark tourism,” which confronts the sad and heavy history of mankind, such as war, disasters and social discrimination, is receiving attention worldwide. In Fukushima Prefecture, which experienced an unprecedented...
As the heat intensifies, escaping indoors from the scorching outdoor temperatures that seem to reach 40 degrees, we are greeted by overly aggressive air conditioning, making it uncomfortably cold and seemingly prone to catching a cold. In fact...
Arete LLC unveiled its lodging facility Gōon〜G.O.A.T〜 in Tsuru City, Yamanashi Prefecture, in March 2023. This unique container-style private villa can be exclusively rented and offers a contactless experience from booking to check-in. The entire...
Enter the forest and gently brush the plants. Feel their warmth. Try chewing the leaves a bit and be surprised at the sweetness of the trees. In the Hida region, with its World Heritage sites, you can encounter nature that restores your mind and...