The Hamamomo Kaido Peach Road is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever visited in Japan.
Continue ReadingJapanese Alps
The Truth About Japan’s Top Two Trails
Is the Nakasendo or the Kumano Kodo the best Japanese trail for you to hike?
Continue ReadingAutumn in the Japanese Alps
The Japanese Alps in autumn are a revelation, even when considering how brightly they shine in other seasons.
Continue ReadingAnother Japanese Alpine Dilemma
Is Takayama or Matsumoto a better base for exploring the Japanese Alps?
Continue ReadingThe Best Base for the Japanese Alps
Should you stay in Matsumoto or Nagano during your trip to the Japanese Alps?
Continue ReadingMatsumoto Starts Here
I hope you’ll find my Matsumoto itinerary helpful.
Continue ReadingThe Truth About Togakushi
Is Togakushi Shrine worth visiting?
Continue ReadingSometimes, the Snow Comes Down in June
By the time I finally got to the Japan snow tunnel, I’d been waiting literally for years.
Continue ReadingThe Secret of Gujo Hachiman
Is Gujo Hachiman worth visiting?
Continue ReadingIs Kanazawa or Takayama Better for Travelers?
I’m not sure why so many people mention Kanazawa and Takayama in the same conversation.
Continue ReadingIs Kamikochi Worth Visiting?
Make sure Kamikochi ends up fitting into your travel plans perfectly.
Continue ReadingThe Truth About Shirakawa-go
Many of my readers are surprised I feel this way.
Continue ReadingJapan’s Best Farmhouse Village
Should you visit Shirakawa-go or Gokayama, or both?
Continue ReadingIs Takayama Worth Visiting?
It took me a long time to fully understand Takayama, but the love was immediate.
Continue ReadingSummertime Singularity
The issue isn’t that you got lost, but that you found yourself.
Continue ReadingToyama, at Long Last
Is Toyama worth visiting?
Continue ReadingWhy Takayama Takes Time
It isn’t quick to get from Tokyo to Takayama, though it is relatively easy.
Continue ReadingHow to Soak in Japan’s Best Onsen
This is one of my favorite places I’ve ever stayed in Japan.
Continue ReadingAmid Frozen Farmhouses
I looked down on the strange Gassho houses, which had apparently been built to resemble monks’ hands in prayer.
Continue ReadingTakayama Meltdown
It struck me, as my bus careened through the Japanese Alps toward Takayama this morning, how little snow seemed to be on the ground.
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