Browse every Japan Wander Bites travel story, sorted by region and theme.
Ishikawa +1A journey to the fantastical gassho-zukuri village of Shirakawa-go and the Noto Peninsula, including Wakura Onsen's Kagaya ryokan, Notojima Aquarium, and the Notojima Glass Art Museum. Access from Kanazawa and reflections on each stay included.
IshikawaA 10-day winter workation in Kanazawa. From Kanazawa Castle's defensive features and Kenrokuen's snow-covered pines to fresh seafood at Omicho Market and Kanazawa oden, a complete guide to the city's sights and best restaurants.
.webp)
NaganoA half-day hiking report from Kamikochi in Nagano — often called "the Swiss Alps of Japan." I took an overnight bus from Shibuya, then walked from Kappa-bashi Bridge to Myojin Pond, Tashiro Pond, and Taisho Pond before noon — with mist-shrouded landscapes, bear precautions, and a real timetable.
Working from a Kanazawa Airbnb, I explored Shirakawa-go and the Noto Peninsula on weekends. Marveling at Kanazawa Castle's defensive mechanisms, strolling through snow-laden Kenrokuen Garden, and savoring fresh seafood at Omicho Market—my 10-day winter workation in Ishikawa.
AomoriA solo journey through Oirase's fresh green beech forests in June, an unexpected gorgonzola chawanmushi in Hachinohe, and the thrill of watching scenery unfold from the bus window over three unforgettable days.
EssayThe ¥5 billion spent restoring Kanazawa Castle matched my service's ad budget exactly. That shock sparked my journey across Japan to uncover hidden gems. I also share the secrets behind Shirakawa-go's gassho-zukuri houses.