Shopping Mark-Is Shopping Centre in Shizuoka Peter Sidell In the eastern part of Shizuoka city in central Japan, Mark Is is a small but enjoyable shopping centre, with stores selling ...
Culture Sumpu Takumi-Shuku Craft Centre Peter Sidell In the leafy Mariko district close to Shizuoka city in central Japan, Sumpu Takumi-Shuku is a traditional hand-craft arts cen...
12 Culture Fukashi-jinja Shrine in Matsumoto Peter Sidell In Matsumoto in central Japan's Nagano prefecture, Fukashi-jinja is a lively Shinto shrine, with bright colours and some inte...
15 Culture Public Art in Matsumoto Peter Sidell In the pleasant city of Matsumoto in central Japan's Nagano prefecture, you can find plenty of public art as you wander aroun...
10 Activities Mariko-no-Sato Nature Walk Peter Sidell In the peaceful Mariko district of Shizuoka in central Japan, Mariko-no-Sato Nature Walk is a short, pleasant hike over a for...
Food Echigo Winery Grape Festival 2026 Kim Bergström The Echigo Winery is situated in the heart of Niigata's snow country, and holds an annual Grape Festival where you can enjoy ...
10 Culture Three Old Schoolhouses Re-purposed Cathy Cawood At Sandai Kosha Fureai no Sato, three old schoolhouses surrounded by cherry trees have put to good use as a museum, cafe, res...
Culture Fuji Rock Festival 2018 Jerome Lee Fuji Rock 2018 was held at the Naeba Ski Resort in Yuzawa, Niigata prefecture that saw N.E.R.D., Kendrick Lamar and Bob Dylan...
Food Yairo Watermelon Festival 2026 Kim Bergström Wild about watermelon? The Yairo Watermelon Festival in Niigata offers all you can eat watermelon for the bargain price of 50...
Food Le Blanc Restaurant in Matsumoto Peter Sidell In the middle of Matsumoto in central Japan's Nagano prefecture, Le Blanc is a charming French restaurant, serving tasty food...