Art & Culture
In the heart of Tokyo lies an interactive art installation and creative space that allows visitors to leave the city for a borderless landscape of light that evolves every day. (Photo: teamLab Exhibition view of MORI Building DIGITAL ART MUSEUM: teamLab Borderless, 2018, Odaiba, Tokyo © teamLab)
Relaxing Stay
The best travel plans all center around finding appropriate accommodation. Whether you’re looking for a traditional experience or a more modern place to crash, Tokyo has no shortage of options for every lifestyle.
History
If you’re looking to escape the fast pace of the big cities, fewer places are better than the serene Sawara’s Historical District. Once an important trading town, this area of Chiba has kept its rustic charm while remaining a welcoming haven for weary visitors and those searching for power spots.
History
Stroll like a samurai in the city of Sakura, home to well-preserved traditional homes, sword masters, and serene bamboo groves that look straight out of a Kurosawa film.
Nature & Outdoor
While it may be easier to call Byobugaura Cliffs the “Dover of the Orient,” no words could properly convey the serenity of this colorful jagged landscape lining the Chiba coastline.
Art & Culture
Inside of one imaginative Saitama building that resembles a scrambled castle lies a wonderful tribute to Japanese comics and young adult books. Come inside the Kadokawa Culture Museum, famed architect Kengo Kuma’s recent work that’s promoting the world of design inside and out.
Nature & Outdoor
Several exhilarating ways to reconnect with nature and shake off the months of sitting at home can be found at Minakami, one of Japan’s premiere spots for white water rafting and canyoning.
Food & Drink
Gunma, home to some of the juiciest fruits and vibrant vegetables in Japan, is waiting for travelers to taste the bounty of the region. And we know just the spot to enjoy the seasonality of the prefecture directly from the source.
Nature & Outdoor
As any snow junkie in Japan might tell you, few locales on earth can compare to the powder slopes of the Land of the Rising Sun. And the Happo-One resort is up there with the very best.
Nature & Outdoor
Although Jigokudani changes dramatically depending on the season, one of the most popular times to visit is winter, when there is a chance to see the monkeys that inhabit the valley soak in a hot spring to warm up!
History
Samurai culture still thrives in Aizuwakamatsu, a castle town in central Fukushima. And one distinguished school is vying to keep traditions alive by introducing the authentic culture of the ancient warriors to the entire world.
Art & Culture
Kick it old school in Aizuwakamatsu as you learn the basics of Japanese swordplay in one of Japan’s most revered samurai cities, right in the heart of Fukushima.
Food & Drink
Kitakata, considered one of Japan’s “big 3 ramen cities,” wants to bring ramen lovers closer to their beloved broth with a comprehensive Ramen Chef Experience run by local masters looking to share their passion with the world. If you’ve ever wanted to make your own authentic Japanese ramen, there’s nowhere better than Kitakata!
Art & Culture
A perfect blend of art, culture, and nature only two hours from Tokyo, exploring Niigata’s rich tapestry of outdoor exhibitions makes the ultimate itinerary for the adventurous art lover.
History
Located off the coast of Niigata Prefecture in the Sea of Japan, the remote island of Sado holds a unique place in Japanese history. Learn about how this former gold mine was a shining part of the Japanese economy.
Nature & Outdoor
From the slopes of Echigo-Yuzawa to the backwoods of Myoko, Niigata is home to dozens of ski resorts scattered throughout the prefecture. To enjoy one of the country’s coolest snowy getaways, hop on a bullet train from Tokyo (which can take 70 minutes or more) to find a winter wonderland!
Relaxing Stay
Completely encompassed by the breathtaking Japanese Alps, the Echigo Yuzawa region showcases Japan’s onsen culture at its finest. We’ve got the scoop to get you out the door and into the soothing hot springs of Niigata.
History
You’re invited to escape the crowds of the major cities and journey to Ibaraki Prefecture, where you can take a carefree walk of one of Japan’s most famous gardens, before learning about the culture and etiquette of Japan.
History
Japan’s first silk model factory is now a place where visitors can come learn about the history and development of the nation’s raw silk industry less than two hours from Tokyo. (Photo provided by Gunma Prefecture.)
Relaxing Stay
As the 1,100-meter-long Panorama Lift allows visitors to escape the summer heat of nearby Tokyo, Sun Meadows Kiyosato proves to be a popular spot for visitors to soak up the mountain sun while comfortably cooling off.
Nature & Outdoor
Get some fresh air and a fresh new perspective with a cycling tour through the natural wonder of Ibaraki. From the stunning and shimmering Lake Kasumigaura to the majesty of Mount Tsukuba, there’s simply no shortage of sights along the Ring Ring Road.
Nature & Outdoor
With a full range of colors on display, Ashikaga Flower Park is stunning no matter the time of year. Marvel at the orange tulips, blue hydrangeas and the purple wisterias of one of Tochigi Prefecture’s best-kept secrets.
Nature & Outdoor
Go wild at Nasu Animal Kingdom, the perfect place to make new animal friends while learning more about the rare and wonderful creatures that call this area of Tochigi home.
