Chubu | Offbeat Japan

Natadera Temple

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

April 11, 2022

Quaint Japanese mountain village alleyway, traditional architecture

Chubu Japan Niigata

Tsutsuishi: Where fine days dissolve in smiles

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

June 5, 2021

Cozy Japanese neighborhood street cat nap

Toyama

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.

February 10, 2021

Discover Super-Kamiokande: Neutrino Observatory Marvel in Kamioka.

Best Of Gifu Interview

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.

May 25, 2019

Replica of Satsuki and Meis house from My Neighbor Totoro at Worlds Fair in Nagoya.

Aichi Summer

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.

March 24, 2019

Enchanting Graceful Beauty Forest: Elegant trees, warm sunlight, inviting exploration of majestic natural beauty.

Autumn Niigata

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.

June 12, 2018

Best Of Summer Urbex Yamanashi

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.

June 6, 2018

Immerse in Japanese hospitality at Kanaguya Ryokan - a blend of tradition and comfort.

Nagano Winter 長野長野

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.

February 3, 2017

Enchanting illuminated rice fields in Japan with mesmerizing LED lights against the sea.

Ishikawa Winter 石川県石川県

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.

January 10, 2017

Mount Fujis Serene Tea Fields: Captivating Beauty

Chubu Japan Shizuoka Spring

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.

July 8, 2015

Chubu Chubu Japan Japon Nagano Nagano

Nobeyama Radio Observatory

While I was driving around in Nagano, I noticed a huge parabolic antenna lost in the middle of the mountains.

March 10, 2015

Snowy Shirakawa-go: UNESCO village with enchanting gassho-zukuri houses in Japan.

Chubu Gifu Japan Winter

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!

December 2, 2014

Tranquil autumn lake with colorful trees, snow-capped mountains, and clear blue sky.

Autumn Chubu Japan Nagano

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.

November 11, 2014

Tranquil watermill in lush Japanese wasabi farm, reflecting in clear stream.

Chubu Japan Nagano Summer

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.

September 26, 2014

Chubu Japan Shizuoka Summer

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.

August 26, 2013