Easy walk
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.
Off the map
The Abandoned Marugen Mansion
Mad jaunt to the abandoned art warehouse of a real-estate magnate overtaken by greed.
Easy walk
Natadera Temple
Natadera Temple, in the suburb of Komatsu (Ishikawa prefecture) a few kilometres from Kanazawa city, belongs to the Shingon Buddhist sect.
Easy walk
Tsutsuishi: Where fine days dissolve in smiles
One beautiful summer morning, I head for Tsutsuishi on the local train.
Easy walk
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.
Easy walk
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.
Easy walk
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.
Easy walk
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.
Easy walk
Yamanouchi: Chihiro, Monkeys & Onsen
My favourite film from the Ghibli studios is Spirited Away. A number of ryokan inspired this anime fantasy, particularly Kanaguya, near the famous Jigokudani monkeys in the town of Yamanouchi.
