Head to Shiga-chiku (the Shiga Area of Matsumoto City) to Stay the Night in a Kominka House with Traditional Japanese Architecture, and Immerse Yourself in Rural Nagano

Whether you've seen them in Ghibli films or in paintings by Katsushika Hokusai, the gorgeous old-fashioned Japanese folk houses found around Japan are called kominka, and they're symbols of Japanese architecture. Rooms with tatami mat floors and thatched or tiled roofs and long, sturdy ceiling beams that run the length of the house, kominka are iconic, and they're wonderful examples of Japanese cultural history. In a country constantly hurtling between the traditional and the modern, these days most Japanese citizens tend to build new houses with modern architecture, and as kominka have fallen out of fashion, their numbers have dwindled. Here at JAPANKURU we think it's a shame that the beautiful old buildings aren't used and maintained, which is why we were especially excited to travel to Nagano's Matsumoto City in the fall. Matsumoto City is home to some interesting agritourism, friendly locals, and a project looking to bring old kominka back to life, based in the city's Shiga area. These houses are being restored and returned to everyday use, and we couldn't wait to see.

An Idyllic Japanese Setting for Your Next Photo Shoot? A Great Backdrop for Your New Cosplay Get-Up? A Romantic Date Spot? Aizumura Is All That and More!

Perhaps you've spent a few days in Tokyo, or made your way west to Kyoto and Osaka, but a trip to Japan's tourist hot spots misses out on some of the best of what the country has to offer: gorgeous natural scenery and beautiful traditional architecture uncrowded by hordes of excited visitors. For that, we recommend Aizumura, tucked away in the Aizu region of northern Japan, and quite possibly the best-kept secret of Japan's cosplayers and photoshoot lovers. Whether you're looking for a relaxing afternoon outside, or the perfect backdrop for your next day of filming, let us tell you about Aizumura, and all the things to do in Aizu Wakamatsu!

Head to Aizumura in Cosplay, High Fashion, or Travel Gear!

*::UNKNOWN PLEASURES::* Tokyo Day Trip ☆ Visit Giant Ofuna Kannon Statue while Touring Kamakura

Kamakura Travel 
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OFUNA KANNON