Food Sanpoutei in Koide Rufus Starbuck A gluttonous friend recently revealed to me that he makes a stop on his way back to his hometown, pulling off the expressway i..
12 Accommodation Fukui's Hotel Somayama Larry Knipfing The hotel Somayama (in Fukui's Minami-Echizen district) is the place to stay if you are interested in the Hanahasu Lotus P..
Shopping The Kiso Valley's Narai-juku Sandra Isaka The Kiso Valley's Narai-juku is an impressive historic town close to lake Suwa-ko. Narai is a 'must see' for traveler's..
6 Activities Gorgeous Views: Utsukushi-ga-hara Hana Joy The Utsukushi-ga-hara Highlands of Nagano offer spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.
10 Culture The Kofu City History Park Tyra 'nell Pille-Lu One of the places we have ventured around the city is the Kofu City History Park Yamanote-Gomon, a historical park just about 3..
12 Activities Shuzen-ji Riverside Walk Tomoko Kamishima Shuzen-ji has been a Spa resort since 807. It includes two beautiful paths (one along the Katsura River, and one that passes through..
8 Culture Shuzen-ji Hie Jinja Shrine Tomoko Kamishima Hie Jinja Shrine is one of the 3800 branch shrines under San-no So Honsha. In 807, priest Kukai set up this shrine at the same time..
10 Activities Magome to Tsumago Sandra Isaka In the Kiso Valley, hike between the traditional post towns of Magome and Tsumago for a truly Japanese experience.