The Gifu Sekigahara Battlefield Memorial Museum

The date is October 21, 1600, and the fate of Japan for the next 260 years is about to be decided in the biggest, bloodiest, and most decisive samurai battle in the history of Japan. The location, Sekigahara, a strategic narrow mountain pass on the western edge of Gifu Prefecture, where the Tokaido and the Nakasendo roads came together. Control this important crossroad between the east and west of Japan, and you control the nation.

Sightseeing in Ono City's Castle Town

Echizen Ono City is famous for the Castle in the Sky and a castle town filled with Japanese history and new-trendy activities. Try soy sauce katsu-don, a local delicacy, only available here, and if you are looking for a drink, look no further sake made here uses the pure waters of Ono City.

Tombolo and Mer Brillante in Higashi Hazu

Nishio City, Aichi Prefecture, is home to one of the most beautiful mudflats in Japan due to the tombolo phenomenon, the delicious seafood at Mer Brillante, and open sea views at Taraso, a Japanese cafe.

Miidera: Famous autumn leaves with a view of Lake Biwa

Miidera Temple is located in Otsu City, the capital of Shiga Prefecture. Although it straddles the border between two prefectures, Kyoto and Otsu is only about 10 kilometers apart, and a 10-minute train ride will get you there.

Mikawa Museum of Glass Art and Crafts

Nishio City in the Mikawa area in the western part of Aichi Prefecture has traditional tourist attractions based on its food culture, such as matcha green tea and miso (bean paste),

Top 7 Central Japan Areas to See Autumn Leaves

November marks the beginning of the autumn leaf season, known as Koyo in Japan. Autumn leaf viewing in the Chubu region is characterized by a strong local vibe, without the mass tourism you'd expect in Tokyo or Kyoto, so you can experience the local atmosphere while taking in Japanese nature and culture.

Takayama: A One-day Walk through Matsukura

In this article, I introduce the Matsukura area, a short walk from Takayama station, with many shops, restaurants, and museums to visit. You will be amazed by the diversity this area offers.

Takayama: Festival, Floats & Food

Takayama Festival, occurs in spring and fall. The festival has a deep history and is considered one of the top 3 festivals in Japan. The festival has numerous floats that parade through the town and can be seen in the off-season at the Takayama Festival Floats Exhibition Hall (Takayama Matsuri Yatai Kaikan).