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From Winter, Spring, Summer to Autumn, Everything to Do in Suruga! | Arigato Travel
Being between Shizuoka and the Izu Peninsula, Suruga is typically referred to as the area surrounding the gorgeous Suruga Bay. Known for its beautiful views of Mount Fuji, fishing opportunities, tea harvesting, and drinking experiences, along with much more throughout each season, there is never a wrong time to visit! Of course, even though it is known for its large bay, there are equal opportunities whether done on water or land. From onsen to tea harvesting, skiing, and matcha experiences, both land and sea, Suruga has it all. With different experiences across the seasons, this blog will provide all the activities and experiences one can enjoy throughout the year. Winter - Downtown Suruga (December-February) While it may be the chilliest season of the year, don’t let that hinder you from making the trip to Suruga. Suruga has relatively mild winters from 0-18 degrees Celsius as it is somewhat near southern Japan, making it bearable for this time of year. Even though the main tea harvesting and fishing seasons are over, this article will introduce ways to still have fun in Suruga in the winter, specializing in the downtown area. Sabo Yume Terrace Enjoy all sorts of products from Shizuoka prefecture in this cozy terrace cafe. Specialties include cups of tea, either sencha (green tea) or hojicha (roasted tea), and rice bowls topped off with warm ochazuke, a type of rice that, once it’s cooked, has green tea poured over it. Another specialty from this region is mandarin oranges, which this cafe also takes advantage of by preparing and selling mandarin jelly. Whether you enjoy tea, warm rice, or refreshing light jelly, warm up and take a break, or use this cafe as a start for your day by sitting directly across a beautiful view of Mount Fuji, with new, fresh coats of snow in the winter while enjoying some warm tea and food. With Suruga being in such a bountiful area, there is no better place to enjoy all the main products of Shizuoka prefecture than Sabo Yume Terrace. Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/VVTSYdwrSkfT7Xzp9 Website: https://www.nihondaira-yume-terrace.jp/ Matcha Calligraphy Looking for an experience that you’d probably only find in Suruga? A restaurant within the downtown area has created a fun opportunity for visitors to enjoy doing calligraphy, eat a seasonal meal, and of course, have some tea to drink, all in one. When your experience begins, first, your instructor will show you various green teas for you to enjoy at your leisure, paired with a multi-course meal, using seasonal ingredients from the area. After you’ve eaten, you’ll get to take part in some Japanese calligraphy. Whether you’ve tried your hand at calligraphy in the past or are a total beginner, this experience is open to everybody, and you’ll be taught how to partake in such an important aspect of Japanese culture. What you may notice right away is that the ink used for this activity is not the usual black ink you may expect, but instead, powdered green tea mixed into a solution to act as ink, which allows it to come out as a beautiful light green color on paper. Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/jp6TYdj9ZZLrm9Zh7 Website: https://fieja-japan.com/teapairing-matchacalligraphy/ Onsen Need some warming up? Head to the Suruga ward area before you end the day and stop by an onsen. Close to the bay, a highly rated onsen called Yunoki no Sato is referred to as a “super public bath,” which just recently implemented the use of nano water in every facility. Nano water is water that has had the contaminants and chemicals removed to soften the water. Thus, nano water is purely O2 and H20, making it the best water you could bathe in. This water will help relax your body and is good for the skin. And according to the onsen’s website, it is even advertised as delicious. What I would recommend, as a frequent onsen goer, is always to check out the bath labeled “露天風呂,” or “rotenburo,” meaning exposed air bath. Because the onsen water at this destination can reach temperatures up to 32.6 Celsius, being exposed to the chilly winter air helps balance these temperatures and prevents you from overheating and feeling sick if you are new to onsens. Keep in mind that prices change depending on whether you visit on a weekday or weekend, with adult prices being 1,100 yen on the weekday and 1,320 on the weekend. Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/sihJNe8p4qec4ngaA Website: http://www.yunokinosato.com/ Tea Museum While tea harvesting season is sadly over for this time of year, and it may be too cold for some to go out into the water, you might feel more comfortable going somewhere you can enjoy and get some nice heating while you’re at it. Even though tea-harvesting experiences are off-limits, there is nothing stopping travelers going to Suruga from learning about the process and tea in general. Lucky for you, there is a museum within Suruga called Fuji No Kuni Cha No Miyako Museum, full of experiences, whether that be learning, tasting, or eating- all related to tea. Since the museum is within the Makinohara tea plantation, you can still get a good look at an actual tea farm on your way to the museum. With tickets as cheap as 300 yen, you can be introduced to several cultures related to tea, tea making, matcha tasting, and workshops too to make tea yourself. For the aforementioned workshops, you can get the experience of grinding matcha in a stone mill and can bring your own matcha home to enjoy. If matcha isn’t up your alley, you can leisurely enjoy various types of straight green tea while enjoying the sights of the museum. While the ticket is 300 yen to participate in the tea ceremony activity, it is an extra 600 yen to be able to enter the separate tea house. However, that is a small price to pay to be able to participate and learn more about a huge part of Japanese culture! Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/up2PMEXSk5iJtuAh9 Website: https://tea-museum.jp/ Spring - River Area (March-May) The Suruga area in the spring makes for a wonderful trip with nice weather, tasty food, cool water in the bay, and fun seasonal experiences. While the weather may be too cool to fully indulge in bay activities, the river area of Suruga is the perfect destination for spring. This river area is referred to as the Oi River. Starting from a 3000-meter altitude in the Southern Japan Alps, the water from the river flows through Shizuoka. Due to the river area’s misty climate, multiple tea plantations are accompanied by it, which allows for the best conditions for tea to grow. Tea Farms Being in Japan’s number one tea-producing area, a trip to a tea farm goes without saying. Whether you simply like tea or are a huge enthusiast, people from all different forms of appreciation for tea will find something enjoyable about their visit to one of the tea plantations. Along the Oi River lies a farm called Yamakasho Farm, right at the foot of the Southern Japan Alps. As mentioned earlier, these farms take advantage of the climate from the Oi River, along with the mist that comes from the mountain, all of which help their tea grow. Suruga’s climates are so great for tea production that Yamakasho’s own tea has been presented to the Emperor. On your visit to Yamakasho, you will partake in a tour of the tea plantation, followed by a tour of the tea production factory, and end with some fresh tea to be enjoyed in a traditional Japanese farmhouse. Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/AQ4Sr56F4yF9YahT6 Website: yamakasho.com Pottery Making Experience With Japan’s vast history of pottery making starting around 10,500 BC, near the river, area you can partake in making your own piece of pottery accompanied by the history of the piece you’ll be making by Mr. Maruyama, who runs the Shitoro-Ware Hikoji Kiln. Being of the fifth generation to run this kiln, you’ll be in the hands of the best of the best to learn how to make a new piece of pottery to take home with you. While Shitoro-ware itself did not originate in 10,500 BC, it still has a long history. From the 12th century, Japan’s Heian period, to the 13th century, which was the Kamakura period, pieces using this process of pottery making were found in Japan, and thus this specific method of pottery making was continued. For about 3300 yen for a 2-hour class, you can choose to make anything from a cup, bowl, plate, and more. Shitoro-yaki is a type of pottery that involves a lot of iron mixed within the clay, which gives it that rich, burnt brownish color, and once it’s fired, it comes out with a natural hue and a nice gloss finish. Since this type of pottery process is meant for tea-based ceramics, this type of clay shrinks hard when in the kiln, protecting the tea from humidity and other outside elements. After you’re done making your pottery, you’ll place it into a kiln, but since it will take a few days to finish, Maruyama offers to ship it to your home if you are out of the country before it’s ready. Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/tvyJKEZtZax9JpB89 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100046717740582 Kimono Experience With the cooler weather, the spring season makes it a great time to wear kimono comfortably. In Shimada city, you can enjoy a kimono-wearing experience, some tea tasting, and a museum visit all in one for a fee of 4000 yen, all hosted by a volunteer group called “Walk Shimada in a Kimono Promotion Group,” which so far have donated about 300 kimonos for visitors to enjoy trying on. After you’re helped into the kimono of your choice, you can enjoy some green tea, then depart on your walk down Kawagoe Road. The surrounding restored and preserved buildings and scenery make you feel as if you’ve been sent back to the Edo period. During this walk, you can enjoy Japanese sweets and tour Shimada’s City Museum, where you can learn about the history of the Oi River and how people back in the Edo period crossed these rivers and the systems they built to do so. Of course, you can find artworks and literature from artists from this period, giving you a feel of what happened and came from the area you just walked around in. Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/q3Jn3kjRid8cd2PX7 Tea and Souvenir Shop After all of those tea-based experiences along the river, one location that should be on your list is a visit to the Horai Bridge 897.4 Tea Gift Shop to bring a piece of Suruga back with you. Curious about the name? Leading up to the actual gift shop lies a world record-breaking bridge called Yakunashi, which translates to “no worries.” With a length of 897.4 meters, it makes it the longest wooden bridge in the world (and also quite the hike). Once you make it across the bridge, you’ll meet the 897.4 Tea Gift Shop, which holds varieties of tea, Japanese sweets, and other neat souvenirs. Some include green tea-flavored Coca-Cola, sweets shaped like Japanese teapots, and various other goods. You can even order tea to drink while you browse or get some green tea ice cream. Whether you’re a green tea fan or not, 897.4 is full of tea-related and non-tea-related goods, so there is a little bit of everything for everyone to remember their trip to Suruga’s river area. Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/PpbvLpCNyHLJfDuU7 Website: http://shimadagreenci-tea.jp/drink-buy/8974chaya.html Summer - Bay Area (June-August) With easy access to the bay, multiple activities are available in Suruga for the summertime to beat the heat. Whether you want to cool off in the water, view nighttime fireworks, or visit a beach, there are multiple ways to keep cool and still have fun during these hot summer months. Fireworks Would it really be a summer trip in Japan if you didn’t participate in at least one fireworks festival? Luckily for you, Suruga has just the event. Being right up against the bay, an area called Nihondaira holds a firework festival every late July, presenting 15,000 huge fireworks that light up Suruga Bay, and surround Mount Fuji in the background. Unlike usual festivals where the fireworks feel as if they are miles away, the fireworks at this festival are so close that they quite literally go over and above your head, coloring every inch of the night sky. Performed close to the Nihondaira Hotel, it gathers a huge crowd of fireworks viewers, so make sure you plan accordingly and read up on the parking/transportation regulations before making plans to attend. Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/j1GY2b7VEjAZ1rnx9 Website: https://www.minatokappore.jp/ Shizunami Beach Hot during your travels? Looking for a way to cool down before you start your day? Take a trip to Shizunami Beach on the bay, a wide-stretching shore with a stunning view of Mount Fuji and refreshing waters to escape the summer heat for a couple of hours. If you wish to surf, many say that Shizunami is the perfect beach to do so; with gentle waters, subtle waves, and soft ground, even beginners can feel comfortable surfing here. In addition to those gentle, shallow waters, this beach makes for a great and safe travel spot for those with young children. If surfing or swimming isn’t your thing but you still want to visit a beach just to cool off, there are spots for barbecues and picnics, so you can cool off by walking around in the shallow part of the beach for a few, then head back and enjoy some good food on a nice summer day. Also, make sure you don’t miss the small Statue of Liberty at the beachfront for a great photo! Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/NUypXk99m8QwMGrm6 Website: https://shizuoka-makinohara.com/shizunamikaisuiyokujo/ Fishing/Kayaking Fishing can be done all year round, but many would agree summertime is one of the best times to dig out the old fishing pole and take a stab at reeling in something this year. With its vast bay, Suruga is a perfect destination for fishing. As said earlier, while the opportunity is available all year round, going in the summertime allows you to balance off the hot weather with cool breezes from the sea if you choose to fish and being in the water if you choose to kayak. With over 1000 different species of fish in the waters of Suruga, many come to try their luck at reeling in something, whether that is close-shore fishing or deep-sea fishing. While many can rent a fishing boat for about 7000 yen, Suruga also offers the opportunity to fish while kayaking, combining a hobby with exercise! If you choose to kayak, certain tour guides will take you along routes in the Bay that you can’t reach or see by foot, making it an interesting experience to explore the secrets of Suruga Bay and all that it holds. Website: https://tour.izuadventurefactory.jp/kayak-tour/ Seafood Restaurant Want to do something with the fish you caught out at sea? Being so reliant on the seafood populations in the bay, Suruga has just the place for fishermen or people who just want to enjoy fish from the area! Due to the area being a popular spot to fish, many fishing enthusiasts drive hours just to get to Suruga, then spend all day fishing but don’t want to travel all that distance back just to spend more time cooking what they caught. As a result, a certain restaurant within Suruga came up with the solution to cook the fish people caught and brought to the restaurant so they could enjoy a professional meal from their fish. This restaurant is called Osakana Dining Hiro. So, why not combine two activities into one and spend some time in the summer rays fishing, then enjoy your catch in a cozy Japanese and beach-themed restaurant? Whether your catches are small or big, this restaurant deals with anything you throw their way. However, be warned that prices may vary based on size and your preferences. If you are not the fishing type, don’t worry; this restaurant has plenty of courses for you to be able to taste all different types of seasonal fish caught from Suruga Bay, with affordable prices from 4000 yen for 8 different dishes, and so forth. Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/CGczKbvirD7PyLJd8 Website: https://osakana-hiro.com/party/ Fall - Mountain Area (September-November) With the heat from summer gone and the cooling breezes back, venture a bit away from the Bay, and Suruga becomes a beautiful symbol of the autumn season with all of its mountains and scenery surrounding you. As the waters of the bay may be too cold this time of year, if you prefer the cool breezes and colorful autumn scenery in the areas nearby, then your trip to Suruga may be best suited for the fall season. Yume no Tsuribashi Suspension Bridge The fall foliage and the perfect weather make the best time of year for visiting a suspension bridge and taking a relaxing stroll through the woods without the stress of being too hot or cold. Near two major mountains, Mount Kurohoshi and Daimugen, Yume no Tsuribashi, or The Bridge of Dreams, is a popular tourist destination. With many making the trip here for the amazing picture opportunities, the long stretch of a walk from one end of the bridge to the other, and the experience of solely walking on a suspension bridge in the first place, being that high up really makes the experience worthwhile! With a 30-minute hike from the parking lot to the actual bridge itself, you can get a good walk in and enjoy the natural air of Shizuoka before reaching the famous spot. Upon reaching the beginning of the bridge, you’ll quickly feel a sense of seclusion, surrounded by beautiful colors of reds and oranges and the teal-colored water 109 meters below. Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/KbiU49DtNCvzYM4Z7 Yume no Tsuribashi is not the only bridge, however. The mountain areas of Suruga contain multiple bridge-crossing opportunities for hiking enjoyers and/or nature sightseers. If one isn’t enough or if one is out of reach, other bridges nearby consist of the Ikawa Suspension Bridge, connecting you through a path from one mountain to another, or the Sekinosawa Bridge, while not a suspension bridge, it makes for a relaxing hike across such a small seemingly appearing bridge when surrounded by so many trees from the mountains, giving you that isolated in nature experience, away from all the noises of the city. Additionally, there is a bridge that doesn’t require any walking but instead a leisurely train ride. If you’re already nearing the end of your day, this will be the perfect last bridge attraction. If you take any train along the Oigawa line cutting through the mountains, you’ll be able to witness many amazing views above the water and take a ride through the forests on the rainbow bridge. Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ccqWLMf4PDWwpx326 Waterfalls Being this deep in the mountains, suspension bridges are not the only thing hidden within the trees. If you head towards the Oma area in Aoi Ward, you’ll find a hidden tourist attraction that consists of a flowing waterfall tucked away in the woods. At Fukuyo Falls, witness cooler temperatures due to being under trees and enclosed in this part of the mountain, and witness about a 100-meter-deep drop for the waterfalls below you. With past travelers saying they’ve encountered monkeys and lizards at this location, you’ll be experiencing nature on a deeper level beyond hiking, but be careful with waterfall locations; everyone should be cautious of slippery rocks and surfaces! Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/mBJ2kZh2tMHiGheq8 Onsen and Dining If you’re tired from walking and want some time to relax and get something warm to eat, within the mountains lies Sessokyo Onsen Kaikan, a public hot spring combined with a cafeteria. With mineral-rich waters, high temperatures, and a cheap ticket, a quick stop at Sessokyo is well-deserved after all of that hiking and exploring. While the baths may be smaller than your usual onsen experience, it still makes a great pit stop to get you back on your feet, especially with the food choices after you’re done with your bath. With sets that have affordable prices, you can order food such as roast beef, a warm plate of curry, or udon set, or if you want something cold after that hot water, you can order matcha ice cream as well. Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/y7R1brRbP8BeVn2N6 Website: https://www.sessokyoonsen.com/ Tea farms Thirsty after your hike? Head to Moriuchi farm, just outside Shizuoka city, near the bottom of the mountain ranges. This farm has been through nine generations, with the current Mr. and Mrs. Moriuchi caring for the beautiful green tea leaves, handpicking tea leaves every day. Upon visiting, the two owners teach the process of tea making from the harvest up until it is in a cup at the table. With the plantation surrounded by mountains, it’s no easy job to harvest such vast fields of tea leaves; however, the Moriuchis seem to bear no complaint. All of their effort and love for tea is poured into each cup they prepare. If you take the trip to this plantation, you can taste the tea from their farms while also learning stories and history from a tea farm in operation since the Edo Period. Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/sh7kd7qsXZvUrDM26 Website: https://www.moriuchitea.com/ Now the Choice is Up to You Whether you go in the Winter, Autumn, or anytime in between, Suruga has everything suited for each season for you to enjoy your trip. Being in such a bountiful area full of resources used across Suruga, but also across the country due to how everything is produced as freshly as possible, you can experience firsthand the area that is deemed Japan’s tea-producing capital and fully understand the importance of Suruga while also having fun. The downtown area of Suruga is most fitting for winter, as the temperatures will not be the best suited for enjoying the bay or tea plantations. But this does not mean you cannot enjoy tea in one of the best tea-producing areas of the country. Moving on to Spring, this time holds many cultural and tea-based experiences along the Oi River, from taking a stroll in a kimono to making some new ceramics for your kitchen. If the bay attracts you to Suruga, the summer season has beaches, fireworks, opportunities to fish in the bay, and all other sorts of water-based activities. In Autumn, Suruga’s mountain area comes to life with beautiful fall colors, making it a fitting time of the year to partake in hiking adventures, find suspension bridges, take trains across huge winding rivers through the woods, and connect with nature on a deeper level. With experiences like tea tasting, tea-centered museums with hands-on workshops, and even calligraphy using the tea resources from the area, the winter season still holds many tea-oriented activities, surely to leave you with a good impression of Suruga. No matter the season, you can rest assured that if you can’t make the trip during a certain season, the next one has plenty to make it a memorable trip! Featured Photo Credit: IamDoctorEgg Ready to experience the healing powers of Suruga? Check out our ultimate itinerary for the area and see it for yourself!!
Charming Small Towns in Honshu | Arigato Travel
As the largest island in Japan, Honshu offers so many small towns to be explored! Tokyo often steals the spotlight when it comes to visiting Japan; however, there are numerous small towns scattered across Honshu, each offering its own unique allure. Whether you’re drawn to ancient shrines, stunning gardens, or simply the tranquility of rural life, Honshu’s small towns offer a delightful escape from the bustling cities. While the list of charming towns to explore in Honshu is endless, you’ll find plenty of favorites to discover and savor for your adventure! Odate, Akita Prefecture This charming town is renowned for its breathtaking natural scenery and connection to the beloved Akita dog breed. If you want to learn more about these adorable dogs, there is free admission to the Akita Dog Visitor Centre, only three minutes away from the JR Odate Station. Or pick up a small souvenir at the Akita Dog Station operated by ONE FOR AKITA, an organization that works to raise awareness for the dog breed and improve their environment. For a fully immersive experience, visitors can enjoy hiking, canoeing, and even winemaking with the assistance of Akitas by their side! Sponsored by Odate City, these activities are complete with a knowledgeable tour guide. To reserve a tour with one of these loveable pups, visit the website to apply. Odate Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/qhztCMCbc1wtc1m59 Website: https://www.pref.akita.lg.jp/pages/en Akita Dog Station Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/pGo2fr83MyaorBsV7 Akita Experience: https://visitakita.com/with-akita/guided-trekking/ Explore the culinary delights of Akita Prefecture with these must-try foods! Chofu, Tokyo Welcome to Chofu, where history meets beauty! This lively city in western Tokyo is home to Jindaiji Temple, one of the oldest temples in Tokyo. Dating back to 733 AD, this ancient temple is full of culture and tradition, with picturesque gardens and ponds. After soaking in the sights, treat yourself to local delicacies like the famous Jindaji soba and traditional crafts at the temple’s shops and restaurants. Not too far from Jindaiji Temple, the Jindai Botanical Gardens is a paradise for nature lovers! With over 100,000 plants from approximately 4,800 species, it is the perfect place to unwind after a long day. Chofu is also home to the GeGeGe no Kitaro, one of the most popular horror manga from the 1960s, and is celebrated with themed shops and cafes. Check out this balanced blend of old-world charm and modern allure! Chofu Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/X511KiRfqseiLtVu5 Website: https://www.gotokyo.org/en/index.html Jindaiji Temple Website: https://www.jindaiji.or.jp/en/ Jindaiji Temple Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/dgoSb3F3eZJ2cb7M9 Jindai Botanical Gardens Website: https://www.tokyo-park.or.jp/park/jindai/ Jindai Botanical Gardens Address: 5 Chome-31-10 Jindaiji Motomachi, Chofu, Tokyo 182-0017, Japan Kusatsu, Gunma Prefecture Located in Gunma Prefecture, Kusatsu is known for its picturesque landscapes and natural hot springs, making it the perfect destination for relaxation! The town has some of Japan’s most acidic hot springs, renowned for their therapeutic properties. Yubatake, the main hot spring source, is a mesmerizing sight where steaming hot water flows through wooden channels, creating a captivatingly steamy atmosphere. Visitors can immerse themselves in various traditional onsens scattered throughout the town, such as Kusatsu Onsen, each offering unique mineral compositions and health benefits. A must-see attraction is the daily Yumomi performance, a traditional method of cooling hot spring water by stirring it with large wooden paddles, accompanied by singing and dancing. Beyond hot springs, Kusatsu offers charming streets lined with shops and local restaurants serving regional delicacies like manju (sweet buns) or onsen tamago (hot spring eggs). Kusatsu Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/tPw5owDgUvNjiGA36 Website: https://www.visit-gunma.jp/en/discover/destinations/kusatsu/ Kusatsu Onsen: https://www.kusatsu-onsen.ne.jp/guide/en/ Here are thebest things to eat in Gunma Prefecture! Kakegawa, Shizuoka Prefecture Learn more about the history of tea in this charming city! Kakegawa, located in Shizuoka Prefecture, has lush tea plantations with experiences for all those fascinated by tea. The rolling hills of this city are adorned with tea fields that produce some of the finest green tea in Japan. Visitors can tour these plantations, participate in tea-picking experiences, and savor freshly brewed tea while learning about its rich history and production process. Kiwi Fruit Country Japan hosts a tea experience where guests can make green tea they freshly picked themselves! For foodies, they offer kiwi cake making and jam making. The city’s historical sites include Kakegawa Castle, offering a glimpse into Japan’s feudal past. With its perfect blend of agriculture and culture, Kakegawa is the best place for those looking to find a refreshing escape! Kakegawa Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/tbfzMB4PfUrsyqAo8 Website: https://en.kiwicountry.jp/ Kiwi Fruit Country Japan: https://en.kiwicountry.jp/rsv/ Kiwi Fruit Country Japan Address: 2040 Kamiuchida, Kakegawa, Shizuoka 436-0012, Japan Interested in Shizuoka tea? Check out this blog about Shizuoka in our Major Tea Regions Series! Gujō-Hachiman, Gifu Prefecture Interested in Edo-period charm and vibrant cultural traditions? Gujō-Hachiman is the place for you! Dominating the town’s skyline is Gujō-Hachiman Castle, a stunning reconstruction of the original structure that offers a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The castle was originally built in the 16th century and stands as a symbol of the town’s rich history. Gujō-Hachiman is also famous for its pristine waterways, earning the nickname “the water city.” Visitors can enjoy walks along the crystal-clear rivers and explore the town’s many traditional water mills and springs. The town really comes alive during the Gujō Odori festival, one of Japan’s longest dance festivals, where locals and visitors dance through the night in the streets. With its blend of historical landmarks, scenic beauty, and cultural festivities, Gujō-Hachiman is an immersive experience of traditional Japan. Gujō-Hachiman Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/5TjK4eQ2Wrmav7Yj6 Gujō-Hachiman Castle Address: Japan, 〒501-4214 Gifu, Gujo, Hachimancho Yanagimachi, 一の平 ６５９ Website: http://www.gujohachiman.com/kanko/index_e.php Find out more about the best dishes to eat in Gifu! Yamanouchi, Nagano Prefecture Animal lovers, this city in Nagano Prefecture is the place for you! Yamanouchi is a delightful town that is home to Jigokudani Yaen-Koen, a monkey park where you can witness the famous snow monkeys relaxing in hot springs all year round. For an immersive cultural experience, staying at a traditional ryokan offers unparalleled relaxation with tatami-matted rooms, futon bedding, and kaiseki meals. The town is known for hosting the 1998 Winter Olympics and, in the winter, is a haven for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts. Additionally, Yamanouchi offers numerous day onsens and foot baths, perfect for unwinding after a day on the slopes. With its unique blend of wildlife encounters and winter sports, this destination promises unforgettable memories. Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/5TzfBVJym3hPALFDA Website: https://www.info-yamanouchi.net/english/?hl=en Jigokudani Yaen-Koen: http://en.jigokudani-yaenkoen.co.jp/ Jigokudani Yaen-Koen Address: 6845 Hirao, Yamanochi, Shimotakai District, Nagano 381-0401, Japan Directions to visiting the snow monkeys: https://www.jrailpass.com/blog/jigokudani-monkey-park Five Must-Eat Foods in Nagano! Nachikatsuura, Wakayama Prefecture The highlight of Nachikatsuura, located in Wakayama Prefecture, is Nachi Falls, one of Japan’s tallest and most awe-inspiring waterfalls. The waterfall is part of a sacred Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route, and nearby, the ancient Nachi Taisha Shrine stands as a testament to the area’s culture. Visitors can immerse themselves in the quiet ambiance, exploring the shrine’s beautiful architecture and the surrounding forested mountains. Nachikatsuura is also famous for its hot springs and fresh seafood, especially its tuna, making it the place to be for foodies. Be sure to check out the Katsuura Fish Market if you’re interested in seeing tuna auctions! Another amazing experience is partaking in a traditional boat tour to Kumano Hayatama Taisha, another important shrine with stunning scenery. Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/6QHxWJGr9Yg7DZTZA Website: https://nachikan.jp/en/ Nachi Falls Address: Nachisan, Nachikatsuura, Higashimuro District, Wakayama 649-5301, Japan Katsuura Fish Market: 7 Chome-12 Tsukiji, Nachikatsuura, Higashimuro District, Wakayama 649-5335, Japan Kumano Hayatama Taisha Address: 1番地 Shingu, Wakayama 647-0081, Japan Must-try dishes in Wakayama! As we conclude our journey through the charming small towns of Honshu, it’s clear that each destination gives something unique! From the therapeutic hot springs of Kusatsu to seeing snow monkeys up close in Yamanouchi, these towns encapsulate the heart of Japan’s heritage and serene landscapes. If you are seeking a new adventure with traditional onsens, historic castles, or local celebrations, Honshu’s small towns promise unforgettable experiences and a deeper connection to Japan’s timeless charm. So pack your bags, set out on a journey, and discover the enchanting treasures that await in Honshu’s hidden gems. Featured Photo Credit: fukez84 Plan to visit Japan in the future? Book a Personal Travel Consulting Call with our experts and let us ensure your trip is unforgettable!