Karasawa Cirque Camping Guide: Fees, Tent Rental, Packing List & Facilities
My Karasawa Cirque camping guide: the hike from Kamikochi, campsite fees, rental tents, gear, hut facilities, drinking water and fall foliage.
Category: Chubu
Shiga Kogen Yama-no-Eki Complete Guide: Access, Facilities, and On-site Services
Shiga Kogen is one of the largest ski resorts in Japan, and Yama-no-Eki (志賀高原 山の駅), located in the Hasuike area, serves as the heart of the entire resort. Whether you’re arriving from outside the region or traveling between ski areas while staying nearby, this is an essential transportation hub you’ll…
A 3-Day road trip in Central Japan : Full Itinerary & Budget for Tateyama Kurobe, Shirakawa-go, and Hida Takayama
Last November, my boyfriend and I traveled to Kamikochi, a hidden gem in Nagano, for a two-day, one-night trip that included hiking up Mount Yakedake and exploring the Kamikochi area. From that moment, we completely fell in love with the magnificent landscapes of Japan’s Northern Alps. This time, we planned…
Tateyama Kurobe Transport (2026 Latest) – Guide to Self-Driving, Car Delivery Services, and Public Transport!
Hi! I’m Tsubaki, a freelance contributing travel journalist who has lived in Japan for 10 years! The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route is one of Japan’s most spectacular mountain sightseeing routes, connecting Toyama and Nagano. Along the way, you’ll pass iconic scenery such as the Yuki-no-Otani (Great Snow Wall) and the…
Tateyama Kurobe Opening Period & Best Seasons｜Snow Corridor, Weather, and Outfit Tips!
The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route (立山黒部アルペンルート) is one of Japan’s most spectacular high-mountain sightseeing routes. Open only for a limited period each year, it attracts countless visitors eager to admire its breathtaking snowy landscapes, go hiking, and experience the beauty of all four seasons. In the previous article, Chapter 1…
Where to Eat in Narai-juku: Tōji Soba & Gohei Mochi at Local Favorite KOKORO OTO
As I wandered down the nostalgic, Edo-era streets of Narai-juku, surrounded by traditional wooden townhouses and timeworn cobblestone paths, the thing I looked forward to most was indulging in the town’s most iconic specialty: the local soul food known as Tōji Soba (とうじそば). For this trip, I made it a…
Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route Tickets (2026): Ultimate Booking & JR Pass Guide
Hi! I’m Tsubaki, a freelance contributing travel journalist who has lived in Japan for 10 years! The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, which opens every April, is a dream “Snow Wall” adventure for many travelers. While there is no “entrance fee” to enter the area, you must purchase a Tateyama Kurobe…
How to Visit Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route: A Quick Guide for First-Time Travelers
Hi! I’m Tsubaki, a freelance contributing travel journalist who has lived in Japan for 10 years! How to visit Tateyama Kurobe ? When people think of Nagano, Japan, the iconic snow walls of the Tateyama Kurobe often come to mind, and rightfully so. These towering white corridors are among the…
Kamikochi Trip Itinerary: 2 Days of Hiking Mount Yakedake & Exploring the Valley
Tsubaki took a two-day, one-night hiking trip to Mount Yakedake, one of Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains located in Nagano. Since Mount Yakedake is right next to Kamikochi, we also included a Kamikochi one-day walking trip as part of this hiking adventure! In this post, I’ll be sharing my itinerary and…
Hiking Yakedake: Trail Guide, Nakanoyu Access & Tips for Climbing This Active Volcano
Although I’ve lived in Japan for over 8 years and have climbed many mountains big and small, hiking Yakedake surprisingly became my second peak among Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains, right after Mt. Fuji. Taking advantage of the short window before Kamikochi’s winter closure in early November, I set out on…
Self-Driving to Kamikochi from Tokyo: Parking, Shuttle & Access Guide
With the increasing popularity of hiking and nature exploration, Japan’s hidden gem “Kamikochi,” located in Nagano Prefecture, has become a must-visit destination for many travelers, including myself, Tsubaki. However, since Kamikochi is a protected national park, there are strict transportation regulations, such as restricted private vehicle access and seasonal road…
Tenku no Torii – How to Get to the “Torii in the Sky” Kawaguchi Asama Shrine
I’ve visited Lake Kawaguchi five times in the past, but I had never seen the legendary Tenku no Torii (Torii in the Sky) in person, mainly because public transportation doesn’t offer easy access to the site. This time, I went on a three-day glamping trip with friends, and since we…
Itaru Nodoguro Kamameshi Main Store: A Must-Eat in Kanazawa｜のど黒めし本舗いたる
This time, I came to Kanazawa from Tokyo to attend a junior’s wedding, which also gave me a few extra days to properly explore Kanazawa and the Noto Peninsula. To be honest, when I travel, I usually care more about natural scenery and outdoor experiences than food. But this bowl…