The crisp morning air in Takayama carries stories from centuries past. Along the narrow streets of this mountain city, wooden merchant houses from the Edo period stand sentinel, their weathered facades telling tales of prosperous trade routes and master craftsmen. This former merchant town in the mountainous Gifu Prefecture is one of my favourite places […]
Matsumoto is a compelling alternative to Japan’s major tourist destinations. Soaring against a backdrop of the snow-capped Japanese Alps, Matsumoto Castle is its crown jewel. Unlike many Japanese castles rebuilt after World War II, it stands much as it did during the samurai era. Beyond the hulking 16th-century fortress, this welcoming city has fabulous contemporary […]
The Hida Express, officially called the Wide View Hida, is one of Japan’s most scenic train routes. Operating between Nagoya and Takayama, with some services extending to Toyama, it trundles through the heart of the Japanese Alps. With its expansive windows and sleek design, the Hida Express transforms a simple way of getting from A […]
Whilst most visitors to Nagano make a beeline for the famous snow monkeys of Jigokudani, this friendly city in the Japanese Alps is far from a one-trick pony. Beyond its proximity to these picture-perfect primates, Nagano rewards those who linger with ancient Buddhist temples, world-class sake breweries and tasty regional cuisine. My Suggested 2-Day Nagano […]