The ultimate guide to Japan travel
For a small town in central Japan, Karuizawa is about as posh as you can get. This town at the foot of Mount Asama was made famous in the Meiji period as a summer escape for European traders and diplomats, […]
If you’ve ever eaten sushi, you know about wasabi. It’s green and sort of spicy, the kind of spicy that burns through your nose. Pretty awesome, right? It dawned on me that after many years in Japan, I knew very […]
An excellent value mid-range onsen/ryokan in the Nagano countryside.
Stunning video from OH!MATSURI captures the the breathtaking atmosphere of Nagano's Onbashira festival—held once every 6 years.
Matsumoto is only a few hours away from Tokyo and makes for an excellent weekend getaway. Read on for all the must-dos, eats and sees!
Some of the celebrations that often end in loss of life and limb...
Tens of thousands of fireworks against stunning backdrops—these firework festivals are not to be missed!
Discover Japan's culinary diversity—one delicious local dish at a time.
If you’re in the mountains of central Honshu and looking for a lovely day away from the crowds, Komoro in Nagano Prefecture is a great bet.
Long-time Japan resident and Cheapo co-founder Greg Lane picks the top 10 castles for visitors.
For spectacular views of the Japanese Alps and Mt. Fuji, venture up the Yatsugatake mountain range.
Hike the eight-peak mountain range, take a gondola ride for scenic views, or check out some contemporary art.
Perfect if you want to see some unusual sights, the festivals of Chubu bring some intensity to an otherwise peaceful and natural setting—ideal for a true adventure into Japan.
Myōkō-Togakushi Renzan National Park is one of Japan's most recently founded national parks. It also features some of Japan's newest geological features.
Stroll through Edo-period Japan along the historical Nakasendo Trail.
Hakuba, a Nagano ski resort and popular winter destination, proves it has just as much to offer in summer, including gorgeous mountain hikes.
We cover a wide variety of hikes in Japan, including some of the country's most remote, historic and beautiful routes.
Fire-walking, autumn illuminations, the Grand Sumo Tournament, and more!
Add snow monsters, frozen waterfalls, and steamy hot springs to your itinerary.
Winter in Japan is so much more than just the Sapporo Snow Festival (but check that out, too).
Kick off the new year with fire festivals, water festivals, and even festivals featuring ogres!
Giant battling kites, a thousand-samurai march, flower festivals and more!
From ice-blue pools to ancient forests, your bucket list just got longer.