Mampei Hotel is more than a historic hotel; it is the place where Karuizawa’s identity as Japan’s first refined mountain resort truly took shape. Since the late nineteenth century, this elegant wooden…
Winter transforms Karuizawa into a place of quiet intimacy. As snow settles softly on forest paths and villa rooftops, the town reveals a slower, more contemplative beauty that feels perfectly suited to…
Old Karuizawa is often associated with its lively main street, but just a few steps away from the crowds lies a very different world. Tucked behind trees, villas, and narrow lanes, Old…
Located in the highlands of Nagano Prefecture, Karuizawa has long been regarded as one of Japan’s most refined resort towns. Since the late nineteenth century, it has attracted travelers seeking clean air,…
Asama Volcano Museum offers a clear and engaging introduction to the volcanic forces that have shaped the landscapes, culture, and history of Nagano and the surrounding regions. Located near the base of…
Nunobiki Kannon is one of Nagano’s most quietly powerful sacred sites, a dramatic Kannon statue carved into a cliff that overlooks the Chikuma River valley near Komoro. Far less known than major…
Komoro Zoo & Blossom Garden is a warm and inviting local attraction where animals, seasonal flowers, and mountain scenery blend into a relaxed, community-oriented experience. Situated next to the historic Komoro Castle…
Komoro Castle Ruins, known today as Kaikoen, is one of Japan’s most unusual and atmospheric castle sites. Instead of rising above the surrounding town, the castle was built downward into a river…
Ueda Wine Valley is one of Japan’s most exciting yet understated wine regions, a place where mountain climate, volcanic soils, and small-scale craftsmanship are quietly redefining what Japanese wine can be. Spread…
In the quiet hot spring town of Bessho Onsen, spiritual life has unfolded naturally for more than a millennium, shaped by the close relationship between Buddhism, healing waters, and everyday mountain life.…