Chubu

Chubu

Watermill in lush Japanese wasabi farm, reflecting in clear stream Easy walk
Chubu

The Azumino Wasabi Farm

The spot is marvellous: the birds, the sound of the water and the squealing mills... and from time to time, a damn mosquito.

Some crowds
2–3 hours (half-day if you also linger at the watermills/stream and try food stalls)
Coastal beauty with lone tree, sandy beach, turquoise waters Some hiking
Chubu

One Day in Izu Peninsula

In summer, the Izu Peninsula is ideal to spend a refreshing week-end. Located a hundred kilometers away from Tokyo, I strongly suggest to rent a car to enjoy the fabulous seaside.

Busy
Full day for a highlights loop (beach + waterfalls + Shaboten Park/Mt. Omuro). A half day works if you pick just one area (e.g., Shimoda/Shirahama only or Kawazu waterfalls only).
Snow Monkey Drinking Water in Winter Wonderland Some hiking
Chubu

Nagano with Friends: Jigokudani

We're getting at Jigokudani this time to visit the famous monkeys bathing in the onsen...

Busy
Half day (about 3–5 hours including transit from Nagano Station and the walk), or 2–3 hours on-site if you’re already nearby
Autumn scene of Nishizawa Valley with waterfalls, foliage Vibrant
Autumn

Shosenkyo & Nishizawa Valley in Autumn

This is the perfect opportunity for me to go to Yamanashi Prefecture where I spotted two beautiful valleys: Shosenkyo Valley and Nishizawa Valley.

Autumn Foliage
JFMAMJJASOND
Decaying Japanese Hospital in Kanto: Urban Exploration Relic Haunting
Aichi

Little Abandoned Japanese Clinics

I am a great fun of abandoned hospitals, they are my favorite type of haikyo. Not those empty concrete buildings, but the small wooden clinics rotting away quietly in the countryside without anyone noticing.

Difficulty
Risk
Alleyways of historic Shibu Onsen, Japan Frosty
Chubu

Nagano with Friends: Departure

What about traveling with us to Nagano guys? All in drawings?

Winter Trip
JFMAMJJASOND
The Majestic Kurobe Dam in Japan: A Symbol of Engineering Marvel. Some hiking
Chubu

The Highest Dam of Japan: Kurobe

Kurobe Dam is considered a big success in Japan. It is by far the tallest dam in Japan, with a very impressively beautiful artificial lake.

Busy
Half day to full day (full day if you include the Alpine Route transit and lake cruise/photo stops)
Tranquil Japanese village with traditional wooden buildings nestled in lush green mountains. Easy walk
Chubu

Tsumago, Kiso Valley

Tsumago Village. Let's explore this traditional village, in the heart of Nagano Prefecture.

Busy
Half day (2–4 hours) for village stroll and shops; full day if combining with Kiso Valley walking/hikes (e.g., nearby post towns).
Abandoned resort by Yamanakako Lake Off the map
Chubu

Yamanakako Lake: Ruins & Sorrow

The lakes around Mount Fuji also experienced their heyday, however ephemeral. I go today to Lake Yamanakako, especially to visit two abandoned hotels. On the place, I find out that the former is being restored, but the second one a little harder to find, is a ruin.

Difficulty
Risk