Chubu

Chubu

Kanazawas Cherry Blossom-Lined Geisha District Street Easy walk
Ishikawa

Kanazawa Spring and Winter

A city of heritage and history, Kanazawa offers a charming stroll through the Japan of yesteryear. From sakura to snow, a guided tour in two stages.

Busy
Full day for Kanazawa highlights (about 6–8 hours). Half day (2–4 hours) if focusing on either Higashi Chaya District or Kenroku-en only.
Suspended Whimsical Wooden Boat Sculpture Easy walk
Autumn

Fujimori’s Tea houses In Nagano

Terunobu Fujimori is an architect and historian of architecture. He began his building career relatively late, in his early forties. Before that, he had forged a solid reputation as an academic.

Some crowds
Half day (including travel from Chino Station and viewing from outside); longer if day-tripping from Tokyo
Opulent Marble Mansion Interior Design Off the map
Chubu

The Abandoned Marugen Mansion

Mad jaunt to the abandoned art warehouse of a real-estate magnate overtaken by greed.

Difficulty
Risk
Natadera Temple: Serene Japanese Shrine Amidst Verdant Landscape Easy walk
Ishikawa

Natadera Temple

Natadera Temple, in the suburb of Komatsu (Ishikawa prefecture) a few kilometres from Kanazawa city, belongs to the Shingon Buddhist sect.

Some crowds
Half day (about 2–4 hours on site, longer if combining with Komatsu/Kanazawa sightseeing)
Quaint Japanese mountain village alleyway, traditional architecture Easy walk
Chubu

Tsutsuishi: Where fine days dissolve in smiles

One beautiful summer morning, I head for Tsutsuishi on the local train.

Quiet
Half day (about 3–5 hours) including travel from Itoigawa; 1–2 hours if already nearby and just exploring the station, village lane, and sea-front huts.
Cozy Japanese neighborhood street cat nap Easy walk
Autumn

Inami: Yokamachi-dori (Cat Street)

Still dusty from exploring an abandoned clinic, on the way back to the car I chance upon a very pretty little street.

Quiet
Half day (2–4 hours) for the street, cat carvings, shops, and Zuisen-ji area
Replica of Satsuki and Meis house from My Neighbor Totoro at Worlds Fair in Nagoya. Easy walk
Aichi

Totoro, Totoro! Satsuki and Mei’s house

Welcome to Satsuki and Mei's house, in Aichi. This is the only reconstitution based on My Neighbor Totoro.

Busy
About 30 minutes inside the house (timed entry); plan 2–3 hours total including park walking and transit within the park area
Graceful Beauty Forest: Elegant trees, warm sunlight Easy walk
Autumn

Bijin Bayashi: The Forest of Pretty Women

Where are these pretty women? In the forest of Bijin Bayashi! And they’re everywhere! Above, below, and all around you.

Some crowds
Morning visit / about 2–3 hours (the forest is compact; the ‘photo-spot game’ section can be done in ~20 minutes).
Aokigahara: Haunting Beauty & Silence at Mount Fuji Easy walk
Summer

Japan’s Suicide Forest: Aokigahara

Aokigahara, known as Japan’s suicide forest, is a unique place in other ways. Silent, no wildlife in sight, magnificent trees and shrubs, and really easy to lose yourself in.

Some crowds
Half day (3–5 hours) for forest walks + one or two lava caves; full day if combining multiple caves/trails around Fuji Five Lakes