This article for Japan Today introduces a fun excursion to Obuse, an historical trading town near Nagano city with strong connections to Hokusai Katsushika, one of Japan's greatest artists. (Archived article in Japan Today.)
Category: Nagano
Celebrating Spring at Lake Suwa
This article introduces leisure and sightseeing at Lake Suwa, Nagano's largest lake. It also describes the Suwa Grand Shrines, their history and their major festival, the Onbashira Festival, which takes place in April and May every six years (including in 2022). (Archived article – Originally published by Japan Today.)
Exploring Japan’s early modern history in Matsumoto
The city of Matsumoto sits almost exactly in the center of the island of Honshu, in the middle of the Japanese Alps. It is a castle town that, thanks to its central location, has long been a political and cultural center. Thanks to its central location, these days many people pass through Matsumoto in winter … Continue reading Exploring Japan’s early modern history in Matsumoto
Obsidian arrowheads and other Jomon archaeology
Jomon is the name given to Japan's prehistoric "stone age" period, thought to be from 30,000 to 2,500 years ago. The name means "rope marks" and derives from the markings on the pottery of the period. During this period the people of the archipelago went from simple hunter-gatherers to being users of tools, the beginnings … Continue reading Obsidian arrowheads and other Jomon archaeology
Bessho Onsen – easy and interesting weekend getaway
This article introduces Bessho Onsen, an historical onsen town in Nagano Prefecture that is easily accessible from Tokyo and perfect for a weekend getaway. Stay in a ryokan and let yourself be pampered by omotenashi hospitality and lots of amazing food. (Archived article originally published by Japan Today.)
Ideas for enjoying winter in Nagano…off the slopes
This article gives three suggestions of winter activities in Nagano aside from skiing: the snow monkeys of Jigokudani, the art town of Obuse, and the hina doll display in Suzaka. All can be enjoyed economically by using a special 2-day rail pass, too. (Archived article – Originally published by Japan Today)
Water, rocks and devils: the geological impact of an active volcano
Mt. Asama, on the border of Nagano and Gunma prefectures, is one of Japan's many active volcanoes and the most active one on Honshu island. Yet it is usually relatively approachable and some interesting sights nearby testify to its geological impact. Two of those are Shiraito Falls and Onioshidashi Park. Just a 25 minute bus … Continue reading Water, rocks and devils: the geological impact of an active volcano
Brewing Up Success: A Modern Woman in a Time-Honored Occupation
This article profiles Midori Okazaki, a female master sake brewer (toji) who is the head of a sake brewery in Ueda, Nagano that has been run by her family since 1665. (Archived article - Originally published by Number 1 Shimbun.)
The Roof of Japan – Traversing the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route
This article describes travelling to and through the famous snow corridor between Toyama and Nagano Prefectures, which opens in mid to late April every year, once the mountains roads can be cleared of snow. (Archived article - originally published by Japan Today)
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