Feeling the Fresh Air, Seeing the Fall Leaves, and Admiring the Spectacular Autumn Cherry Blossoms of Toyota City, Aichi

For a few glorious weeks every fall, the city of Toyota in Aichi prefecture turns into an autumn wonderland. Leaves turn into a mosaic of reds and yellows, and pale pink petals float down from the unique fall-blooming sakura trees, carried on crisp, fresh breezes. While the name Toyota is likely to bring thoughts of vehicles to the minds of many, the city is a great destination for travelers looking for a lot more than automobile museums! Highly recommended for travelers heading to Japan in the fall, the city's views of extremely rare autumn cherry blossoms, and the colorful foliage of Korankei Gorge, are things to behold.

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.

Get Out of Tokyo and Over to the Sights, Treats, Lodgings, and Views of Kawasaki

A great city for shopping, snacking, and visiting temples, instead many Japanese people know Kawasaki for its mysteriously beautiful factory-filled night views. A city with lots to offer, you'll have no trouble filling up a fun day's itinerary in Kawasaki.


First, Get Yourself to Kawasaki:
Tokyo Station → Kawasaki Station / JR Keihin Tohoku Line / Travel Time: 25 minutes

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!

Find Kyoto Tradition & Modern Convenience at Hotel Intergate Kyoto Shijo Shinmachi

Once a city found mostly on the itineraries of temple-lovers, Kyoto has changed into a go-to travel spot in the past couple dozen years. And it's no wonder; Kyoto's wonderfully historic streets and temples, largely unchanged for hundreds of years, alongside modern food and cafe culture, are all pretty tempting. Who doesn't want to stop in for a look at the glittering golden Kinkakuji Temple, the spectacular cliffside view of Kiyomizudera Temple, or the intriguing red gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine? With the incoming crowds, new hotels and transformed hotels are opening their doors around the city, including historical streets like Shinmachi, once a destination for kimono fabric wholesale. There are even hotels where you can return in the evening to experience Japanese tea ceremony, or even an entirely authentic performance from a maiko (Kyoto's geisha)!

Hotel Intergate Kyoto: immersed in Kyoto tradition

*::UNKNOWN PLEASURES::* Famous Japanese Festival in Tokyo in the Spring ● Get Good Luck at the Jindaiji Temple Daruma Doll Festival

We went to Tokyo's second oldest temple
for its annual Daruma Festival
深大寺のだるま祭りに行ってきました！

Nissan Rent-a-Car in Kansai ★ Rent a Car and Travel Through Kansai ♪ Traveling Japan's Kansai Region ➡ Shiga, Kyoto, Osaka

with Nissan Rent-a-Car

!EVENT! Get a Free Transportation Pass to Explore the Metropolitan Area in Japan! An One-day Tokyo Retro Trip on the Toei Bus and Tram

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

Kamakura Travel 
VISIT
OFUNA KANNON

*::UNKNOWN PLEASURES::* Tokyo Temple ⛩ Visit Tokyo's Second Oldest Temple in Chofu, Jindaiji Temple

Visit Tokyo's Second Oldest Temple!!

Jindaiji Temple (深大寺)

*::UNKNOWN PLEASURES::* Tokyo's Best Place for Seeing Hydrangea Flowers★A Beautiful Tokyo Summer Festival

::: Special ::: A funny way to travel around in Asakusa! Riding on the Pac-Man Richshaw!!

# Travel ♪ Your Autumn Trip to Tendo City in Yamagata Prefecture! Complete Tendo Travel Guide ~ Day 1 ~

# Travel ♪ Your Autumn Travel Guide to Tendo City in Yamagata Prefecture!!

# Travel ♪ Nasu Love Story! A hot spring trip for lovers!! Mixed hot spring and other sightseeing spots in Nasu

:::SPECIAL::: # Best spots to see the traditional "Torii" in Kyoto and Tokyo! Let's visit some famous Japanese Shrines!

# Accommodation ♪ Relaxing hot spring trip in Tendo, Yamagata Prefecture - Takinoyu Hotel

# Culture ♪ Putting on Yukata and Going for a Walk in Asakusa, Tokyo