Natadera Temple, in the suburb of Komatsu (Ishikawa prefecture) a few kilometres from Kanazawa city, belongs to the Shingon Buddhist sect.
Tsutsuishi: Where fine days dissolve in smiles
One beautiful summer morning, I head for Tsutsuishi on the local train.
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.
Super-Kamiokande: The Neutrino Detector
Located in the cool depths of a mine, in the heartlands of central Japan, the design of this neutrino detector is mind-boggling.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Senmaida Rice Paddies in Shiroyone
Shiroyone Senmaida (白米の千枚田) has 1000 rice paddies in Shiroyone. Located on the Noto Peninsula, it's beautiful at night, with the lights on.
Green Tea Fields at Mount Fuji
You can visit a very pleasant spot very near Mount Fuji to appreciate the fields of green tea. Best to go in spring, early in the morning.
A Winter in Shirakawa-gō
The Shirakawa-go town is only illuminated on select evenings in winter so don’t go there without looking into it beforehand!
Nagano’s Autumn Cinnamon
Mostly know for his ski resorts, Hakuba's village is also a very nice place to be in the end of autumn. That's where took place 1998's Winter Olympic Games.
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.
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.
Nagano with Friends: Jigokudani
We're getting at Jigokudani this time to visit the famous monkeys bathing in the onsen...
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.
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.
Tsumago, Kiso Valley
Tsumago Village. Let's explore this traditional village, in the heart of Nagano Prefecture.