Connoisseurs of Japanese noodles must head north to the capital of Iwate Prefecture, home of the “Three Great Noodles of Morioka.”

Criss-crossed by rivers and hemmed in by mountains, Morioka has been nicknamed “the capital of forest and water” for its natural beauty. A generous array of festivals truly makes this city come alive with color and excitement.

Morioka cherry blossoms

Cherry Blossoms in Morioka.

The Ishiwarizakura, or rock-splitting cherry tree, is Morioka’s most intriguingly unique attraction, and a national treasure of Japan. Located on the grounds of the district courthouse, it’s a beautiful 400-year-old cherry tree growing mysteriously through two broken halves of a granite boulder.

The beloved tree is an inspiring sight, especially when change-heralding sakura bloom in the spring.

Three Great Noodles

Famous wanka soba.

With Morioka’s three types of famous noodles, you could eat a different bowl for every meal of the day.

Reimen and jajamen have worldly influences: potato-starch based ramen noodles are based on a Korean dish and often served with kimchi and even a slice of fruit, while tasty jajamen is the local version of Chinese black bean noodles.

But the most interesting dish of all is wanko soba, arguably the most fun and game-like noodle-eating experience you could have.

The thin buckwheat noodles are served in bite-size portions in tiny bowls, but every time you slurp a bowl down, an attentive server will immediately replace it. The noodles are all-you-can-eat, and customers typically compete with each other to see who can stack up the most empty dishes.

Seasonal festivals

The Morioka Sansa Odori Festival.

For a small city, Morioka hosts some spectacularly vibrant and popular festivals.

Chagu Chagu Umakko Festival

On the second Saturday of June, the adorably named Chagu Chagu Umakko Festival sees 100 horses paraded through the streets and hills. Chagu chagu is an onomatopoeia for the sound of tinkling bells, and it’s fitting because the horses are decked out in beautiful traditional decorations.

Morioka Sansa Festival

August 1 to 4 brings the Morioka Sansa Festival, the largest taiko parade in the world. In the pulsing heat of summer, teams of dancers twirl energetically through the streets to the sound of taiko drums and flutes.

Morioka Fall Festival

The Morioka Fall Festival is a shrine festival held annually from September 14 to 16. Floats are paraded through the streets, and a traditional Yabusame ceremony is held at Hachimangu Shrine, where archers shoot targets from the backs of galloping horses.

The parade starts from the shrine at 1 p.m. on the first day of the festival, and at 6 p.m. from Morioka Castle Ruins Park on the second day. The exciting horseback archery kicks off at Hachimangu Shrine at 1 p.m. on the last day of the festival.

Iwate Prefecture hosted two matches during the 2019 Rugby World Cup in nearby city Kamaishi. Check out our Kamishi travel guide to plan your trip! 

Johnson Town in Iruma, Saitama, is a picture-perfect recreation of a small American town straight out of the 1950s. Neatly trimmed lawns separate period-style wooden houses, vintage cars are parked at the most scenic spots, and restaurants sell homemade burgers. 

Although Johnson Town feels American, all the residents and shopkeepers are Japanese. It’s an American dreamland made by Japanese for Japanese, which is further part of the town’s charm. 

Things to see and do

MiMi Mom, a store that sells American sundries, and the American diner East Contents Cafe.

Johnson Town is an easy day trip from Tokyo, offering scenery that feels like walking through the sets of Leave it to Beaver while offering a large variety of contemporary delights. They range from hearty American-style food, closely adhering to original recipes to the latest in western-inspired health food. 

Try the huge burgers at a cafe called Blue Corn, or the rice flour bread (米粉パン) at Koigakubo Bakery. The bakery also sells the famous Johnson Town ice cream, a delicious gelato using locally grown Sayama tea as a key ingredient. 

If you are in a shopping mood, there are plenty of designer stores scattered across Johnson Town, selling locally made fashion. You might also want to check out the vintage clothing stores and the antique shops specializing in vintage Americana. 

Photo by: Johannes Schonherr Shops in Johnson Town sell vintage American wares.

Feel free to take your pets out there. Most shops and restaurants pride themselves as pet-friendly, some going as far as to advertise themselves as “shops for dogs and their owners.” 

Adjacent to Johnson Town is two large parks. They make for a leisurely stroll through the woods with your dog after consuming that large hamburger. 

Johnson Town history

Photo by: Joji Morita (Isono Corporation) A town rich with Japanese and American history.

Johnson Town is rooted in an American Airforce settlement dating from the same period whose image Johnson Town today tries to preserve.  

In 1937, the Irumagawa Airfield was opened and soon became one of Japan’s largest military airfields. The airfield played an important part in World War II, including the deployment of kamikaze missions.

After the war, the American Airforce took over the Japanese airfield and renamed it Johnson Airbase. 

Photo by: Joji Morita (Isono Corporation) You don’t see too many lawns in Japan.

Several residences were built to accommodate the American officers. Those residences offered the latest in American comforts, which the officers were accustomed to back home. Houses were spacious and had what many consider a staple of American life, a lawn. 

Today, Johnson Town sports more than 50 businesses. They range from wellness clinics to cafes, and a great variety of quirky shops. Parts of the town are purely residential. You can walk those streets, but please respect the privacy of the citizens. 

For more information visit the Johnson Town official website.

Shrouded in the valleys of northern Akita, the town of Fujisato is a gateway to one of Japan’s first UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Shirakami Sanchi. This charming town is famous for its diverse hiking trails, fishing spots, Suffolk lamb, and enchanting waterfalls. It’s the perfect spot to mark on a Tohoku road trip! 

Shirakami Sanchi

An anime-inspiring forest adventure awaits.

Just near the town center, the Shirakami Sanchi World Heritage Conservation Center Fujisato Kan (Map) is a great starting point if you’re considering a day of hiking in Fujisato’s prestigious woods. You can learn more about the forest’s history and ecosystem through maps, pictures, and English descriptions. 

Shirakami Sanchi’s ancient forest partly inspired one of Studio Ghibli’s most famous films, Princess Mononoke.  

As the largest remaining beech tree forest in East Asia, Shirakami Sanchi was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993 after locals protested a planned road that would cut through its woods. Today, much of the forest is protected and inaccessible. Luckily, a few trails in Fujisato wrap around the restricted zone, and any nature lover worth their salt would be remiss to pass them up.

For the anime fans, Shirakami Sanchi’s ancient forest partly inspired one of Studio Ghibli’s most famous films, Princess Mononoke.  

Morinoeki farmer’s market

Photo by: Akita Shirakami Tourism Bring on the lamb!

When you get hungry after hiking, drop in at Morinoeki (Map) right next door to Fujisato Kan. It’s a cute farmers market and restaurant where you can buy locally harvested vegetables and handmade wooden crafts. You can also taste Fujisato’s local cuisine, such as lamb don (rice bowl).

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If you really want to get rustic, try catching your own dinner. At the Fujisato tourist information desk, located inside Morinoeki, you can buy fishing permits and find information on local fishing spots and other attractions.

Choshi Falls

Photo by: Tri Phan Take a look behind Choshi Falls for a unique view.

Don’t leave Fujisato, without seeing Choshi Falls (Map). This magical waterfall is hidden away behind the small, 400-year-old Yu no Sawa Shrine. Located near Fujisato Kan and Morinoeki, Choshi Falls only takes about ten minutes on foot to the trailhead, and from there, a quick three-minute flat walk.

Water plunges into a natural, mossy grotto and echoes off the cavernous walls. On sunny days, the light seeps in through the opening above and leaves the water sparkling. Visitors can even go around the basin and view the waterfall from behind. Looking up, sheets of water slide off the rocky shelf 18 meters above your head.

Aizuwakamatsu in western Fukushima Prefecture is known for its pristine landscapes, quality sake, traditional crafts, and rich samurai history. It’s a bustling former castle town with friendly locals deeply proud of their history and culture. Home to thousand-year-old hot springs, lakes swimming with swans, and the last refuge of loyal samurai, Aizuwakamatsu is worthy of history buffs and nature lovers alike.

Aizuwakamatsu Castle

Aizuwakamatsu Castle is a popular cherry blossom viewing spot in spring!

Tsuruga Castle (also called Aizuwakamatsu Castle) is Aizuwakamatsu’s symbol and city center. Once the seat of the powerful Aizu Domain, it was the site of the Battle of Aizu and one of the last conflicts of the Boshin War. The engagement saw t

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The Meiji government demolished the original castle in 1874, but the main keep was reconstructed beautifully in 1965. New additions, such as a museum and an observation gallery, were also added. Climbing to the castle’s top floor, you get gorgeous, sweeping views of the surrounding area, including Mount Bandai and the vast Lake Inawashiro, home to Japan’s migrating swans.

A visit to the castle is especially worthwhile during the cherry blossom season in late March and early April when the gardens are alive with vibrant white and pink colors. The castle isn’t the only draw though, this town has plenty to see (and drink)!

Other attractions in Aizuwakamatsu

Inside Aizu Sazaedo Temple.

Aizu Sazaedo Temple

This unique pagoda-shaped temple overlooks Aizuwakamatsu City. Here, visitors can complete a holy pilgrimage just by visiting one building. It features 33 statues of Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy, on its winding staircase. 

Rinkaku Teahouse

Right outside the castle is the Rinkaku Teahouse. It’s where old samurai unwound with strong matcha tea. You can enjoy a cup of delicious brew yourself, served in style. The teahouse is open to the public and a Fukushima Prefecture Important Cultural Property.

Higashiyama Onsen

Photo by: Martijn Saly A hot spring town for weary samurai and travelers.

If all that walking has left you feeling sluggish, a trip to Higashiyama is just what the doctor ordered. Only ten minutes by car from the city center, this onsen (hot spring) town was a retreat to Aizu residents and samurai since the 8th century. Today, it’s considered one of the top three onsen towns in the Tohoku Region.

Aizu Bukeyashiki

Afterward, pay a visit to Aizu Bukeyashiki, the residence of top-ranking samurai during Edo times. Demolished during the Boshin War, it was accurately reconstructed and will leave you with a lasting impression of how high-ranking samurai actually lived. 

Oyakuen Garden

Enjoy a stroll through the tranquil Oyakuen Garden.

Oyakuen Garden is a peaceful traditional Japanese garden. Centered around a pond, locals in Aizuwakamatsu have been growing hundreds of medicinal plants here for more than 200 years. The garden’s name literally translates to Medicinal Herb Garden. Flowers bloom throughout the seasons, especially along the pathway leading to the pond.

Suehiro Sake Brewery

Suppose you’re interested in a good shot of sake instead, head over to the Suehiro Sake Brewery. Try joining the brewery tours and sake tastings. Even better, buy a bottle or two before heading out of town for camping at nearby Lake Inawashiro or up in the Aizu mountains. 

Kyoto makes for a great jumping-off point for day trips. Mountains and historic towns border the city, and hitting the coast and back to downtown in a day is a breeze. Unfortunately, since the city of Kyoto is such a popular destination, many of its attractions and nearby towns are often overlooked.

It’s time to escape the tourist hotspots and see just what you’re missing. 

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Kamakura is a seaside destination just an hour’s train ride from Tokyo. It boasts plenty of temples, interesting local delicacies, and spectacular ocean views.

Komachi-dori

The town of Kamakura, in Kanagawa Prefecture, is characterized by its main shopping street; Komachi. Originally the shrine’s market, this street offers souvenir stalls and street food. One of the local delicacies is shirasu-don; whitebait fish on top of rice. You can freely sample all the flavored soybeans at various stores. For Studio Ghibli fans, there is a packed-to-the-brim store at the start of the street where you can buy figurines and other merchandise.

Photo by: Claire Heginbotham Ghibli Shop in Kamakura.

The town of Kamakura, in Kanagawa Prefecture, is characterized by it’s main shopping street; Komachi. Originally the shrine’s market, this street offers souvenir stalls and street food. One of the local delicacies is shirasu-don; white bait fish on top of rice. You can freely sample all the flavored soybeans at various stores. For Studio Ghibli fans, there is a packed-to-the-brim store at the start of the street where you can buy figurines and other merchandise.

Temples in Kamakura

Kamakura Daibutsu (Great Buddha)

After your explorations, it’s a 10-minute walk back to Kamakura station.  Take the nostalgic-and-historic Enoden (Enoshima Electric Railway) to Hase.

The Hase-dera Temple houses one of the largest wooden statues in Japan: Kannon. It was supposedly thrown into the sea to drift to it’s new home. When it landed near Hase, they built the Hase-dera temple to house it.

Photo by: Claire Heginbotham Sasuke Inari Shrine.

From there, wander about 10 minutes up the hill, taking time to stop at the specialty ice cream shops and bakeries. Soon, you’ll find yourself at the famous Daibutsu (Great Buddha), the towering bronze buddha is the second-biggest in Japan and one of the main attractions of Kamakura, though there is more charm that lies beyond.

After, a small hike up the hill will land you at the Sasuke Inari Shrine. The shrine hosts a red torii-gate path and hundreds of tiny fox ornaments. Even more interesting, it’s a small, quiet remnant of a secret ninja village.

For yet another highlight, take the train or stroll over to the area of Gokurakuji where you’ll be able to find sweeping views of the ocean and mountains.

Photo by: Claire Heginbotham

Last, head back toward the station but head oceanside. Inamuragasaki Park has a number of lookout points. Just below the park there is a flat rock jutting out onto the ocean. This is a famous photo spot and features in many Japanese TV shows.

The rock is the the perfect place to sit and enjoy the sunset while watching the surfers. If you are lucky and visit on a clear day, you’ll be able to see Mt. Fuji towering over the island of Enoshima, which is another great day trip that’s near Kamakura.

This historic area is a wonderful place to go for a taste of traditional Japan without having to travel too far.

Dig this scenery? Check out more temples in Japan.

Shodoshima is one of the Seto Inland Sea islands, located between Honshu and Shikoku island in Kagawa Prefecture. While Shodoshima’s famous neighbors (Naoshima and Teshima) get a lot more tourist traffic, Shodoshima has several charming attractions to offer from history to a spectrum of landscapes. Here are the top 10 things to do in Shodoshima.

Access information

Shodoshima can only be reached by boat, but there are many ports on the island you can reach from all over Japan’s main island of Honshu. Many ferries are large enough to carry pedestrians and cars, but some high-speed ferries from Takamatsu and Teshima are pedestrian-only. See the list of ports and timetables on Shodoshima’s official tourism website.

Tucked away in Mie Prefecture, Iga is known as the birthplace of one of Japan’s leading schools of ninjutsu. The ninjas from Iga played important roles throughout Japanese feudal history. But a visit to Iga offers more than just ninjas. The city is also home to a beautiful white-walled castle, a traditional form of pottery, and the classic haiku poetry master Matsuo Basho.

Photo by: calltheambulance Iga definitely plays up its ninja history. Just look at this train!

That isn’t to say that ninjas aren’t enough for a visit. Ninjas are awesome, and the city of Iga knows it. Restaurants serve ninja-themed food, shops sell ninja-themed souvenirs, and there is a ninja museum where you can learn about the history of ninjutsu and how ninjas influenced Japanese history.

In other cities in Japan, visitors can rent kimonos, but in Iga, you can rent ninja gear at the Danjiri Museum. It’s another great attraction, and it also showcases the giant floats from the city’s Ueno Tenjin Festival in the fall.

Iga Ueno Castle

Photo by: Japan Agency for Cultural Affairs The White Phoenix Castle.

Most of the city’s main attractions are situated around Iga Ueno Castle. It’s also known as the White Phoenix Castle due to its beautiful white walls and architecture. Here, you can explore the castle museum or just take in the atmosphere from the castle’s surrounding park. The Ninja Museum of Igaryu is just next door, and the Iga Ueno Ninja Festival is held annually during Golden Week in early May.

Basho Memorial Museum

The hat-shaped Haiseiden Hall in Iga Ueno Park.

Around town, you will discover several spots dedicated to the Japanese poet Basho. The Basho Memorial Museum is located near the castle. If you can, try to visit during the Basho Festival held on Oct. 12—the date of the great writer’s death. During the festival, you can go inside of Haiseiden Hall, which commemorates the 300th anniversary of Basho’s birth and is enshrined with rare artifacts.

If you head outside of town, you can relax and take in all the natural scenery of the Iga basin. You can also learn everything about traditional Japanese pottery in the small village of Marubashira, hidden away in the mountains behind Iga Ueno. Join pottery classes and take trips to the nearby kilns that fire pottery at over 1,300 degrees Fahrenheit. Marubashira is around a 15-minute trip north of Iga Ueno.

Don’t leave Mie without visiting Ise City, the birthplace of the Japanese sun goddess, Amaterasu.

At first glance, most visitors to Nagoro Village will see a sweet rural community of elderly residents spending their time blissfully tending to their gardens and fishing. Take a closer look, however, and you might be in for a scare. The villagers are actually scarecrows! Get it?

Nagoro Village, aka Kakashi no Sato (Scarecrow Village), is a unique riverside town in Tokushima Prefecture on Japan’s smallest island, Shikoku. Scarecrow residents outnumber humans ten-to-one in this remote Iya Valley hamlet.

Who made all the scarecrows?

Photo by: maryammohry Ayano Tsukimi, the mother of scarecrows

More than 200 scarecrows inhabit the town. They’ve become loved by their human neighbors and are often celebrated by the community for bringing back fruitful memories of the past.

The scarecrows are all created single-handedly by longtime resident Ayano Tsukimi. Tired of seeing the number of villagers decline over the years, Ayano chose to create a new community of friendly faces. Stuffing old clothes with newspaper and cotton helped her repopulate the once lively neighborhood.

If you’re lucky, there’s a chance you might bump into Ayano herself. She’s just one of approximately thirty people still living in the village.

In recent years, Ayano has started creating dolls that follow international trends. Play a game of real-life “Where’s Waldo,” and see if you can find the US President Donald Trump scarecrow doppelganger or characters from the Harry Potter series. There are also famous Japanese celebrities and comedians.

Scarecrow Festival

Photo by: Roberto Maxwell A happy scarecrow family.

On the first Sunday of October, Nagoro holds a festival that exhibits the scarecrows and Ayano’s other works. Every year’s exhibition has a different theme with photo contests, bazaars, and rice cake throwing.

Tokushima Likes to Dance

Nagoro  Scarecrow Village is nestled in a more remote area along the Iya River. There are small Buddhist temples and farms to visit nearby, but the main attraction is definitely the scarecrows. If you’re lucky, there’s a chance you might bump into Ayano herself. She’s just one of approximately thirty people still living in the village.

Being stuck at home while the world is in quarantine doesn’t mean you can’t daydream about a future trip to Japan. The silver lining of virtual travel is that you can see some of Japan’s major icons without having to brave the crowds or the coronavirus. Travel Japan from home via webcams and live streams!

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