Niseko is one of our Top 10 Japan Travel Destinations for 2020. Add these spots to your Japan bucket list for the ultimate travel itinerary.

Niseko has gained international recognition over the last decade as one of the best winter resorts in the world, attracting large crowds of skiers and snowboarders. Located on the northern island of Hokkaido, the region experiences more than 15m of annual average snowfall, blanketing 48 km of ski runs in heavenly powder snow.

The spectacular backdrop of Mount Yotei—Hokkaido’s own Mount Fuji—turns every pre-run selfie into a postcard.

The ski season in Niseko can last up to six months, providing ample opportunity for snow shredding.

Gnarly.

The spectacular backdrop of Mount Yotei—Hokkaido’s own Mount Fuji—turns every pre-run selfie into a postcard, one for showing off later among the city’s buzzing dining and nightlife scene.

Four interconnected resorts meet at the top of Mount Niseko Annupuri and you can easily ski between them via groomed runs or off-piste and back-country terrain. There are 38 lifts in total, covering the whole way around the mountain, and they can all be accessed with the Niseko All Mountain Pass (around ¥6,900).

Niseko has countless ski areas.

Alternatively, you can buy passes for each separate area. Discounts start to become available later on during the season in March and April when the crowds start to disappear and accommodation is cheaper to find.

Warm me up, baby

One thing that makes skiing in Japan special is the onsen (hot spring bath) culture. Sinking into a warm natural bath after a hard day on the mountains is a quintessential Japanese winter experience.

Niseko in other seasons

Colorful moss phlox blooms in Niseko from late May to mid-June.

Niseko is also making efforts to become a year-round tourist destination, offering up outdoor activities like hiking and rafting, as well as more genteel options such as golf during the summer. In spring, from late May to mid-June, bright pink moss phlox covers the Mishima Shibazakura Garden.

The carpet of blooming flowers before Mount Yotei is free to the public, attracting flocks of Instagrammers trying to snap the perfect shot. A 15-minute stroll from Kutchan Station will take you there.

Japan is famous the world over for its first-class ski and snowboard resorts with exceptional facilities and diverse attractions. The season officially starts in December and lasts until April, with the best conditions typically in January and February.

The three main areas for skiing and snowboarding are Gifu and Nagano on the main island of Honshu, the northern island of Hokkaido, and Niigata on the Sea of Japan coast. With more than 500 ski resorts to choose from across the country, here’s a selection of 10 of our favorites.

More on GaijinPot

Get an extra dose of winter travel advice from our GaijinPot skiing and snowboarding winter guide.

The dazzling metropolis of Tokyo is not only the biggest city in Japan, but it’s also the most densely populated (and reportedly the safest) city in the world! During the 2019 Rugby World Cup, Japan’s capital city will become even more raucous when it hosts eight international matches.

Tokyo’s Robot Restaurant in the infamous red light district, Kabukicho.

Tokyo has everything from your wildest dreams—assuming your dreamland is occupied by robots, themed restaurants, and never-ending nightlife.

It’s more than just a wild party city though, Tokyo meshes traditional Japanese culture, art, and food in a way that you just have to experience for yourself to believe.

There’s no place more fitting to host the opening ceremony of the Rugby World Cup.

Ajinomoto Stadium

Photo by: yoppy In addition to the opening ceremony, the stadium will host eight matches including two Quarterfinals, and the Bronze Final.

Located in the western part of Tokyo in Chofu, Ajinomoto Stadium was used as the main training grounds for the Saudi Arabian team during the 2002 FIFA World Cup. The nearly 50,000-capacity stadium is easily accessible from Tobitakyu Station on the Keio line.

What to do before and after the Rugby World Cup Games

Tokyo is made up of 23 wards, each with their own personalities and quirks. Exploring the various neighborhoods is a sort of pilgrimage along a road paved in trendy pop culture, picturesque parks, and upscale sophistication.

Party in Shinjuku

For street food, head to Shinjuku’s Omoide Yokocho, affectionately known as Piss Alley. We’ll let you guess why.

Extremely popular amongst foreign visitors due to its seedy reputation, Shinjuku is a maze of nightclubs and bars with so many lights and sounds it can sometimes be an assault on your senses. See for yourself, and do your best not to get lost in the labyrinth of Shinjuku Station.

What to eat

Tokyo Ramen Street

Eating ramen in Japan is a no-brainer. In Tokyo, the best place to try this classic dish is deep within Tokyo Station’s Ramen Street.

Photo by: amanderson2 Look for this sign!

You’ll soon learn that train stations in Japan are basically huge shopping malls packed with restaurants and retail stores. Head to the Central Yaesu Exit, and look for the “Tokyo Ramen Street” sign. Take your pick amongst hundreds of shops, there are no bad choices.

Kaitenzushi

Just grab whichever sushi plate looks good off the conveyor belt.

Sushi on a conveyor belt—genius. You can find these “sushi train” restaurants everywhere, but one of our favorites is the Sushiro chain.

Sightseeing around Tokyo

You could go out every night of the week in Tokyo and never have the same experience twice. There are hidden treasures waiting to be uncovered, lodged in every corner of the city’s backstreets.

Senso-ji Temple

Iconic.

You’ve definitely seen a photo of Asakusa’s Senso-ji Temple if you’ve googled anything related to traveling in Tokyo. The iconic red temple and elongated shopping street leading up to it are the perfect spots to buy souvenirs and get a feel for Japan’s traditional culture.

• 2-chome-3-1 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo-to 111-0032 - Map
• Getting there: Take the Ginza line or Asakusa line to Asakusa Station and follow the signs for “Kaminarimon” which is the main gate before the temple.

Shibuya Scramble Crossing

Around 2,500 people scramble across this intersection outside Shibuya Station each time the pedestrian signal turns green. Get Lost in Translation, amongst a barrage of flashing advertisements, oversized HD screens, and shops stacked up to the sky.

• 2 Chome-2-1 Dogenzaka, Shibuya City, Tokyo-to 150-0043 - Map
• Take the Yamanote line to Shibuya Station. This route is covered by the JR Pass!

How to get there

• You can use either Haneda Airport or Narita Airport to access Tokyo, though Haneda Airport provides easier access to Ajinomoto Stadium.

From Haneda Airport

• Take the airport limousine bus to Chofu Station and then take the Keio line to Tobitakyu Station. From there, it’s a ten-minute walk to the stadium.

• Take the Narita Skyliner to Nippori Station where you’ll transfer to the Yamanote line. Get off at Shinjuku Station and then take the Keio line to Tobitakyu Station.

Japan’s third-largest city of Osaka, the capital of Osaka Prefecture, lies in the very center of the country. As the economic and commercial capital of the Kansai region, this futuristic wonderland is best explored by lovers of neon and non-stop excitement.

You can, and will, spend hours eating your way through Osaka.

Higashi Osaka’s Hanazono Rugby Stadium will host four matches during the Rugby World Cup. Eat some of the best Japanese street food you’ve ever had as you enjoy the stunning modern beauty of this city.

Hanazono Rugby Stadium

Japan’s oldest rugby stadium.

Hanazono Rugby Stadium is Japan’s oldest rugby-dedicated stadium, opening in 1929. It’s located just on the outskirts of Osaka city beside Hanazono Central Park.

Looking for places to get lit after the games? Check out our list of the best foreigner-friendly bars in Osaka.

What to do before and after the Rugby World Cup Games

Dotonbori

The place to be in Osaka is Dotonbori, which is brimming with restaurants, hostess bars, shopping, and towering 3D signage.

Living after midnight. Rockin’ till the dawn.

You can, and will, spend hours here eating your way through the loaded canal. Get a selfie with The Glico Man in his white running get-up and take your pick of hundreds of food stalls to grab a bite to eat.

• Dotonbori, Chuo Ward, Osaka - Map

What to eat

A trip to Osaka is a true culinary pilgrimage—you could plan your trip based on experiencing the city’s food culture alone.

Okonomiyaki

This savory pizza-like dish made with cabbage, eggs, and seafood, is extremely popular in Osaka.

A good okonomiyaki comes drizzled with mayonnaise and topped with bonito flakes.

You’ll find it literally all over Dotonbori, but Mizuno is one of the best okonomiyaki restaurants. Expect a long line—it’s a Michelin starred shop after all. They have a vegetarian version of okonomiyaki too!

• 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
• 1-4-15 Dohtonbori, Chuo-ku, Osaka - Map

Taiyaki

We hope you saved some room for this warm fish-shaped cake stuffed with sweet fillings like chocolate, custard cream, or red bean paste.

Try them all, YOLO.

It’s another treat you’ll find everywhere you turn, but we recommend Naruto Taiyaki Hompo. No, it has nothing to do with the anime!

• 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• 2-1-1 Nambanaka, Naniwa-ku, Osaka - Map

Sightseeing around Osaka

Osaka has so loads of party neighborhoods and cheap shopping areas. It’s also home to Universal Studios Japan. Here are a few of the prefecture’s most iconic attractions.

Osaka Castle 

At eight stories tall with a glinting gold leaf and mint colored façade, this stunning cultural monument is one of the most beautiful castles in Japan—a nice bit of contrast to the ultramodernity of the rest of the city.

Osaka Castle illuminated at dusk, reflected in a tranquil pond.

There’s a museum on the inside, and a viewing platform from the top of the castle with panoramic views.

• Cost: ¥600 to enter the museum within the castle, but you can explore the grounds outside for free
• 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• 1-1 Ōsakajō, Chūō-ku, Osaka, 540-0002 - Map
• Getting there: Take the Kintetsu Nara line from Higashi-Hanazono Station to Tsuruhashi Station. From there, transfer to the Osaka loop line and get off at Osakajokoen Station.

Umeda Sky Building

Experience the urban beauty of this sprawling metropolis from the viewing deck of the Umeda Sky Building.

The unusual architecture and amazing view of downtown Osaka is what makes the Umeda Sky Building so attractive.

At 173 meters tall, it isn’t Osaka’s tallest skyscraper, but the viewing deck is certainly one of the most popular. Take the elevator up to the 39th floor and enjoy breathtaking 360-degree views of downtown Osaka.

• Cost: ¥1000 for adults; ¥500 for children
• 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
• 1-chome-1-87 Oyodonaka, Kita-ku, Osaka, 531-6023, Japan - Map
• From Tsuruhashi Station, catch the Osaka loop line to Osaka Station. The Umeda Sky Building is about a 12-minute walk away.

How to get there

• Catch the shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo to Shin-Osaka Station, which takes around 2.5 hours. From there take the Midosuji line to Namba Station and transfer to the Kintetsu-Nara line to get to the stadium. Get off at Higashi-Hanazono Station and walk for about 10 minutes.

• Fly straight into Osaka International Airport (Itami). 

• If you’re on a budget, consider taking the overnight bus (https://www.kosokubus.com/en/) to Osaka from Tokyo. The trip will take around ten hours and will have you arriving in Osaka at around breakfast time.

Located along the Pacific coast in the south of the Chubu region, Shizuoka Prefecture is home to the unmistakable national symbol of Japan—Mount Fuji. Nestled in this natural landscape an hour away from Tokyo is Fukuroi, where four 2019 Rugby World Cup matches will be held.

Ecopa Stadium

Surrounded by sprawling greenery, the 50,889-capacity Ecopa Stadium hosted three matches during the 2002 FIFA World Cup including the rowdy England vs. Brazil quarterfinal.

Photo by: Wiki It’s going down.

What to do before and after the Rugby World Cup

Fukuroi Autumn Festival

Expect shrouds of men and women wearing demon masks riding on top of portable shrines and beating drums at this seasonal harvest festival. Watch the shrine parades and load up on street food and drinks during the lively spectacle.

Photo by: nozakyanta3 It’s okay, the demons are friendly.

• Fri. Oct. 1 to Sun. Oct. 13
• Takao, Fukuroi, Shizuoka 437-0023 - Map

Hattasan Sonei-ji Temple

A visit to this ancient temple dating back to 725 will bring you good fortune and dispel bad luck, so you might want to come here and pray the team you’re rooting for wins their RWC match!

Photo by: JNTO Protect yourself from any bad juju that may be lingering from pesky ex-lovers.

Have a moment of tranquility exploring the quiet temple garden and pond before your rugby madness begins.

• Hours 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• 2777 Toyosawa, Fukuroi, Shizuoka 437-0032 - Map
• Getting there: From Fukuroi Station take the Entetsu bus to Hattasan bus stop. From there it’s a 10-minute walk to the temple.

What to eat

Beer, gyoza, and eel pie. Trust us on this one.

Gyoza

Gyoza and beer go together like sushi and wasabi. Stuff yourself full of these chewy pork dumplings after the game—they’re extremely popular in nearby Hamamatsu city.

Photo by: lazy fri13th The most gyoza are consumed in Hamamatsu in Japan. Suffice to say, it’s a good place to try this national favorite.

Ishimatsu Gyoza is a well-known chain with several branches, but the one near Hamamatsu Station is conveniently located only 19 minutes away from Fukuroi.

• Hours 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
• 430-0926 Shizuoka, Hamamatsu, Naka-ku, Sunayamachō, 6-1 May One Ekimachi West 1F - Map
• Getting there: From Fukuroi Station take the Toyohashi line to Hamamatsu Station. The shop is on the first floor of the May One shopping mall’s west side.

Yakuyoke Dango

Photo by: Hattasan Soneiji Sticky and sweet, paired perfectly with green tea.

These sticky rice cakes covered in red bean paste are rumored to protect the person who eats them from evil. Enjoy these sweet, chewy treats at Dango Chaya, which is a snack stand right next to Hattasan Sonei-ji Temple!

• Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• 2777 Toyosawa, Fukuroi, Shizuoka

Unagi Pie

Unagi means eel in Japanese, but thankfully these thin, flaky crips don’t really taste like the sea snake.

Photo by: kanom_navy Just forget that it’s called an eel pie and think of it like a crispy, buttery, sugar cookie.

While powdered eel is kneaded into the cookie-like pastries, the flavor is like a delicate, buttery cookie covered in sugar. You’ll find these popular souvenirs all over Shizuoka Prefecture in gift shops, train stations, and even convenience stores.

Sightseeing around Shizuoka

Hamamatsu Castle 

This historical castle has a 360-degree viewing deck on the third floor where you can catch a breathtaking glimpse of Mount Fuji on a nice day.

Photo by: Plattard Hamamatsu Castle in spring.

The inside of the castle is filled with an eclectic collection of historical artifacts from the Hamamatsu area. Even if you don’t go inside, the castle grounds offer relaxing views where you can take a step back in time to Japan’s romantic past—extremely popular during cherry blossom season.

• Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• ¥200 for adults; free for children under 15
• 100-2 Motoshirocho, Naka, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka - Map
• Getting there: Take the local Hamamatsu line to Hamamatsu Station from Fukuroi Station. From there, catch the bus to Shiyakusho Minami (Hamamatsuichi bus stop).

How to get there

From Tokyo

• Take the Tokaido Sanyo Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Kakegawa Station which takes about an hour and 45 minutes. From there, you need to catch a train to Aino Station and then walk 15 minutes to the stadium.

• Fukuroi is about three hours away via the Tomei Expressway.

• The closest airport is Mount Fuji Shizuoka Airport.

From Mount Fuji Shizuoka Airport

• Take the airport shuttle bus to Shimada Station and then the local train to Aino Station. The stadium is a 15-minute walk from there.

Oita Prefecture is bubbling over with billowing volcanic hot springs that are hot as hell. Some of them are so intense, they’ve garnered the nickname Jigoku Meguri or the “Hells of Beppu.”

Oita City, the prefecture’s capital where the 2019 Rugby World Cup matches will be held, is a bit less hellish—but is luckily located only 45 minutes away from the hot spring action.

One of the eight Hells of Beppu.

Chill out, get some R&R and kick back in between catching the rugby games in this coastal prefecture on Japan’s southern island of Kyushu.

Oita Stadium

Oita Stadium was designed by famous Japanese architect Kisho Kurokawa and was completed back in 2001. It has the biggest retractable roof of any stadium in Japan!

Sometimes called Oita Bank Dome, the stadium hosted two games of the FIFA World Cup in 2002 and holds the Oita International Wheelchair Marathon annually.

Photo by: Wiki Stadium or alien spaceship?

To get to the stadium, walk from Oita Station to Oita Ekimae #6 bus stop and catch a bus to the Oita Sports Park East.

What to do before or after the Rugby World Cup

Go to hell, of course! We mean that in a good way.

The Hells of Beppu

The eight “hells” of Beppu are not your typical onsen (hot spring baths). The scorching baths located in nearby Beppu city are way too hot to safely bathe in.

The Blood Pond Hell is not the name of the Death Metal band, but maybe it should be.

They are, however, a unique sight to behold. Here you’ll find a range of breathtaking springs, from the cloudy Shiraike Jigoku (The White Pond Hell) to the Chinoike Jigoku (The Blood Pond Hell) which is a whopping 78 degrees Celsius!

Walk between these infernal pits and grab an egg cooked in the searing hot onsen from the local souvenir shop. Enjoy your trip to the other side.

• ¥550 to visit one hell or ¥2100 to visit all eight
• Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• 986 Kannawakami, Beppu-shi, Oita - Map
• Getting there: From Oita Station take the Nippou line three stops to Beppu Station. Exit the station on the western side and take the Shin Minatomachi/Kannawa/APU bus to Umijigoku Mae.

What to eat

Karaage (fried chicken)

People in Oita Prefecture love fried chicken. There’s even a festival in September dedicated entirely to the stuff where vendors sell fried chicken-flavored ice cream!

A fried chicken lunch box is like a touch of heaven in your mouth.

We can’t vouch for the taste of that, but you can try Oita Prefecture’s fried chicken at almost any restaurant in the prefecture. After your steamy sojourn in hell, stop into Beppu’s Karaage Kon Chan and go for the Max Karaage lunch box.

The huge portion of crispy fried chicken is big enough to feed two people—or one person with an inhuman appetite.

• 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• 1-5 Ekimae Honmachi, Beppu, Oita 874-0934 - Map

Sightseeing around Oita

Oita Prefecture has many tattoo-friendly onsen to explore. You can even get up close with some wild monkeys!

Yufuin

Yufuin is a peaceful little resort town right next to Beppu that’s full of traditional shops and lovely onsen!

A bit of serenity.

These hot springs are extremely therapeutic—and safe— to bathe in! Slow down, take some time to peruse the scenic streets and take a load off, enjoying the town’s idyllic beauty.

• 8-2 Yufuinchō Kawakita, Yufu, Oita - Map
• Getting there: Take the Kyudai line from Oita Station to Yufuin station. Many onsen are located around here.

Takasakiyama Natural Zoological Garden

Monkey business.

This zoo is known for its wild Japanese monkeys! Located on Mount Takasakiyama, the park is home to over 1200 free-roaming Macaques. Hang out with these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat.

• ¥500 for adults; ¥250 for children aged six to 15; free for children under five
• 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• 3098-1 Kanzaki, Oita City, Oita - Map
• Getting there: From Oita Station, take bus AS71 (Oita Station Sekinoe Shako Mae) to Takasakiyama.

How to get there

From Osaka

• Catch the shinkansen (bullet train) from Shin-Osaka Station to Kokura Station. This will take around two hours. From there, catch the Express Sonic train via the JR Nippo line to Oita Station (an additional hour and 20 minutes). This route is covered by the JR Pass! 
• Oita Airport is only a 55-minute flight away from Osaka International Airport.

From Tokyo

• A flight from Haneda Airport to Oita Airport takes an hour and a half. From Narita Airport, it’s about an hour and 40 minutes.

Kobe is the sixth-largest city in Japan and is the capital of Hyogo Prefecture. The sophisticated port city is home to the highly sought after Kobe beef!

Kobe’s Misaki Park Stadium will be hosting four unforgettable 2019 Rugby World Cup matches.

Back in January 1995, the city was ravaged by the strongest ever earthquake to hit Japan, but you’ll soon understand why the mascot of Kobe is a phoenix.

Just like the resilient bird, the city rose from the devastation and triumphantly re-emerged as a modern hub brimming with culture.

Misaki Park Stadium

Photo by: Wiki The stadium has a 30,132 seat capacity.

This intimate, compact stadium guarantees all guests an up-close view of all the action during the Rugby World Cup. The approximately 30,000 seat stadium hosted three games during the 2002 FIFA World Cup and is home to Japan’s first Top League rugby union, the Kobelco Steelers!

What to do before and after the 2019 Rugby World Cup

Kobe World Festival

An annual international cultural exchange where you can enjoy food, beer, culture, and performances from around the world. The event will take place over the first weekend of October at two different locations and is free to attend, just pay for your food and drinks!

• Sat. Oct. 5 to Sun. Oct. 6.
• Sat: Kobe Port Oasis, 5-2 Shinkō, Chūō, Kobe, Hyogo. Sun: Minatomori Park, 2 Onohama, Chūō, Kobe, Hyogo - Map

What to eat

Kobe Beef

Photo by: Allan Salvador Look at that marbling!

Imagine going all the way to Kobe and not trying their world-famous beef. The extremely juicy and beautifully-marbled meat is made exclusively with cows born and raised in Hyogo Prefecture. A little pricey, but definitely worth it.

For the highest quality of Kobe beef, head over to Kokubu Steak House. Make a reservation in advance to secure your spot!

• Hours: 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Closed Sunday
• 1-21-2 Kitanagasadori, Chuo, Kobe, Hyogo - Map

Akashiyaki

This is Kobe’s variation of popular Japanese street food takoyaki (octopus-stuffed dough balls). Akashiyaki is made with an egg-based batter, making it fluffier and softer than regular takoyaki. Dip it in flavorful dashi (fish broth) before eating.

Light and fluffy.

Located just five minutes away from Kobe Station is Akashiyaki Kikucho, a cafe specializing in this delicacy. Their akashiyaki has an extremely soft and creamy texture.

• Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. 
• 1-7-2 Higashikawasaki, Chuo, Kobe, Hyogo - Map

Ikanago no Kugini

Tastes better than it looks!

These tiny fish that have been boiled in slightly-sweet soy sauce are often served as a side dish with rice or tofu. You can purchase these guys in stores all over Kobe as a souvenir, or try it out at multiple local shops.

Sightseeing around Hyogo

Himeji Castle

Dreamy.

Due to its elegance, beauty, and imposing size, Himeji Castle is both a national treasure and a World Heritage Site. The striking white structure is considered Japan’s most spectacular castle for surviving all wars, earthquakes, and fires since its completion in the 1400s. It has since gone through extensive renovations but is still one of the twelve original castles of Japan.

• Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• ¥1,040 for adults; ¥360 for elementary and junior high school students
• 68 Honmachi, Himeji, Hyogo 670-0012 - Map

Kobe Chinatown

Explore Nankinmachi.

Also known as Nankinmachi, this colorful and festive neighborhood is packed with Chinese restaurants, bars, and shops. It’s one of only three Chinatowns in Japan.

• 1 Chome-3-18 Sakaemachidori, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0023 - Map
• Getting there: From Kobe Station, take the Tokaido-Sanyo line to Motomachi Station. Many shops are centered around here.

How to get there

From Tokyo

• Take the Tokaido Sanyo Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Shin-Kobe Station which takes about two hours and 40 minutes. From there, you need to catch a train to Minatogawakōen Station and then a bus that will take you to Misaki Park Stadium.
• Kobe is about seven hours away via the Shin Tomei Expressway.
• The closest airport is Kobe Airport.

From Kobe Airport

• From the airport take the port liner to Sannomiya Station and then the local train to Misakikoen Station. The stadium is a seven-minute walk from there.

• The Mount Aso Ropeway and hiking trails are closed due to eruption warnings and the area within 1 km of the crater is currently off-limits. Check the official website for live updates: http://www.aso.ne.jp/~volcano/info/

In March 2015, Kumamoto won the right to host two 2019 Rugby World Cup games. Unfortunately, the region was devastated by the 2016 earthquake, which killed over 250 people and left almost 25,000 homeless.

The stadium set to host the RWC became a distribution center for relief supplies with Japanese rugby players Kensuke Hatakeyama and Ayumu Goromaru visiting with displaced residents.

Thanks to widespread rescue and restoration efforts, the area is now thriving again!

Kumamoto Stadium

Kumamoto Stadium — also called the Egao Kenko Stadium — is located within a large sporting complex with several baseball diamonds, soccer fields, and running tracks.

Photo by: Yuki Stalph It’s on!

Its most often used for soccer, being home to the Rosso Kumamoto soccer team — but has hosted a number of Top League rugby matches.

Surrounded by abundant forestry, the stadium boasts incredible mountain views if you’re lucky enough to get a seat on the west side of the venue.

What to do before or after the Rugby World Cup

Kumamoto Castle Autumn Festival

Kumamoto castle at dusk.

Though Kumamoto Castle was badly damaged in the 2016 earthquake, it remains the heart of the city. The castle’s autumn festival combines explosive Japanese drum performances, martial arts demonstrations, and traditional theater in a week-long celebration.

• Oct. 5 to Oct. 14
• 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• 2-1 Ninomaru Square, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto 860-0008 - Map
• https://kumamoto-guide.jp/oshiromatsuri/#wrapper_about

What to eat

Red Wagyu Beef

Delicious marbled beef from free-grazing cows on nearby Mount Aso.

Try akaushi donburi, a bowl of grilled beef over rice in Kumamoto.

Kakka
The restaurant serves a wide range of scrumptious beef cuts with an all-you-can-drink option for an additional ¥2000. Go for the beef tongue — you won’t regret it.

• Hours: 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.
• 4F, 6-4, Shinshigai, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto-shi, Kumamoto - Map

Horse Sashimi

Wagyu too traditional? How about slices of raw horse meat instead?

Pair it with a cold cup of sake.

Suganoya Kamidori
Suganoya Kamidori serves beautifully-presented cuts of tender horse sashimi. Give it a go! The taste is something you won’t soon forget.

• Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday to Thursday; 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday; until 10 p.m. on Sunday
• Address: 2F, 2−12 Jotomachi, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto - Map

Sightseeing around Kumamoto

Mount Aso

Photo by: unfilteredjapan Brave enough to get up close with an active volcano?

See a stunning mountain view with billowing smoke below as you ride the ropeway up Japan’s biggest active volcano. Try your hand at horseback riding or get as close as possible to the volcano’s crater if you dare. Do remember to check the Aso website to see whether the volcano is safe and accessible on the day you want to visit.

• Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. during October
• Cable Car: ¥750 one way, ¥1200 return for adults; half-price for children 
• Asosannishi Station, Kurokawa, Aso, Kumamoto - Map
• Getting there: You can catch either the Yamabiko or Kyushu Odan service from Kumamoto Station to Aso Station. Yamabiko busses operate once every one to three hours, while Kyushu Odan busses operate only twice a day.

Suizenji Garden

Photo by: bobthemagicdragon A moment of zen.

A beautifully landscaped traditional Japanese garden. Delicately placed trees, lakes, and small hills recreate the Edo-era road which once connected Tokyo to Kyoto.

• Cost: ¥400 for adults, ¥200 for children
• Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. March to Oct.; 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. to Feb.
• 8-1, Suizenji Koen, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto - Map

How to get there

From Osaka

• Catch the shinkansen (bullet train) from Shin-Osaka station to Kumamoto Station. For the stadium, take the Hohi line to Tokaigakuen-Mae Station and then transfer to a local bus.

• It's only an hour and ten minutes from Osaka International Airport to Kumamoto Airport.

From Tokyo

• You can fly to Kumamoto Airport in just under two hours.

Kita Shiga Kogen is an up-and-coming snowy holiday destination, located about 250 kilometers away from Tokyo in the mountains of Nagano Prefecture. This area is blessed with beautiful powder snow for great snowboarding and skiing and plenty of snow resorts that are typically lower cost than the other surrounding and more well-known resorts.

But if you make a trip here even in the offseason — yes, it has a summery side, too — you’ll find a wealth of scenery and outdoorsy fun.

Winter fun at Ryuoo Ski Park

Ryuoo Ski Park is best known for having one of the world’s largest ropeway gondolas, which can carry 166 people up to the summit of Mount Ryuoo at 1,930 meters.

Fluffy powder snow up top and spacious beginner terrain down below make Ryuoo Ski Park popular with the locals, though you won’t bump skis with many foreign tourists who are more likely to head to nearby Shiga Kogen and Nozawa Onsen. Skiing and snowboarding are both welcome. In fact, Ryuoo was among one of the first resorts in Japan to allow snowboarding. Night skiing and boarding are great ways to fill the evenings as there’s not much by way of nightlife!

Ryuoo Ski Park boasts one of the world’s largest ropeway gondolas.

With the Mount Ryuoo summit, named Sora (Sky) Terrace, having such outstanding scenery, the ropeway was made available year-round.

Sora Terrace in the clouds

Witness the natural phenomenon that the Japanese have dubbed unkai, or the “sea of clouds.” After reaching the summit when the conditions are right (usually dry, clear weather), you’ll see the sea of clouds unfolding before you as if you were up in the heavens.

The fantasy-like view is even better if you stick around for the sunset as the light sinks away into the amass of puffy white.

Now that’s what you call a view.

With cool temps at the summit, the Sora Terrace, which also has a cafe, is a highly recommended chill zone during the hot summer seasons.

Spring, fall and summer at Kita Shiga Kogen

While winter is magical in Kita Shiga Kogen, the other seasons provide a variety of other scenic experiences. Guided forest trekking will reveal stunning foliage in autumn. Follow it up by relaxing at Maguse Onsen — an outdoor hot spring bath overlooking Nagano City and the Japanese Alps beyond.

Seriously, does this place have a bad view?

Other activities include fishing in the local ponds and then cooking and eating your fresh catch right after. If that’s not enough, try all-you-can-eat fruit picking that includes blueberries, peaches, cherries, grapes and more, depending on the season.

Don’t miss out on the Japanese pastime of “forest bathing” at Kaya no Taira Kogen, flatlands rich with virgin beech trees that are 200-300 years old. Soba-making is one of the most popular experiences to do in Nagano (a prefecture famous for its delicious soba) and is a fun way to see how this classic dish is made and enjoy a beautiful lunch at the same time.

At the Mayumi Takahashi Museum of Doll Art close to Iiyama Station you can learn about the lives of Japanese people during the Showa era through beautifully handcrafted dolls.

Recommended hotel

T Hotel Ryuoo is a great choice for travelers who want an affordable but well-equipped home away from home in Nagano.

T Hotel Ryuoo is a convenient and comfortable base for exploring the Kita Shiga Kogen area. Newly renovated, the hotel boasts western-style rooms and facilities, with a fantastic restaurant overlooking the Nagano mountains.

Leave behind the constraints of city life for the adventurous Kita Shiga Kogen to liven up your cultural experiences in Japan!

This article was sponsored by T Hotel Ryuoo.

As you could probably guess, Toyota City in Aichi Prefecture is named after the famous motor company of the same name. That’s right, the city renamed itself after the car, not the other way around.

Toyota’s scenery in autumn allows visitors to see dainty cherry blossoms and colorful maple leaves in one postcard-perfect setting.

The city will host four matches during the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

Toyota Stadium

Photo by: Julian Domanski The 45,000 seat stadium has a retractable roof!

Toyota Stadium hosted the FIFA Club World Cup Japan semi-final in 2012. It’s also been the venue for many huge-scale concerts such as J-pop powerhouse group EXILE’s 2010 extravaganza.

There are no bad seats in the house which is home to J. League club, the Nagoya Grampus — not grandpas.

What to do before and after the Rugby World Cup

Experience Nagoya’s nightlife

Photo by: Elisabeth Llopis Nearby city Nagoya has lots of riveting bars, nightclubs, pole dancing shows and more!

Only an hour north of Toyota is Nagoya — a lively major city that’s perfect for drinking and mingling with locals. The city has a plethora of foreigner-friendly bars and nightclubs ripe for post-game boozing.

What to eat

Tebasaki

A spicy Japanese chicken wing that pairs harmoniously with cold beer or sake.

Eating good in the neighborhood.

The wings are double fried making them extra crispy! Try them at Furaibo, a Japanese pub that’s known for its finger-licking wings.

• Hours: 5 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Closed Tuesdays
• 6-2-1 Nishimachi, Toyota, Aichi 471-0025 - Map

Miso-nikomi Udon

Thick noodles and tender vegetables soaked in a rich miso broth.

Healthy and delicious.

Matsuhashi

Matsuhashi’s noodles are freshly handmade in house daily. Their regular miso-nikomi udon comes with veggies and deep-fried tofu, but if you get it “deluxe” they top it off with tempura and an egg.

• Hours: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and then 5:30 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. Closed on weekends
• 3-84 Miyukihonmachi, Toyota, Aichi 473-0901 - Map

Miso Katsu

This dish takes tonkatsu (thick slices of deep-fried pork) and slathers it with a sweet and salty red miso sauce that will ease your soul with its flavorsome twist. Miso katsu is a mandatory meal when visiting Aichi Prefecture.

Photo by: Randiah Camille Green Salty, crunchy, and tasty.

Miso Katsu Yabaton 

This famous miso katsu restaurant chain has been serving up the crunchy dish for more than 60 years. Teppan tonkatsu is the recommended plate — it comes to your table sizzling hot with a heap of thinly-sliced cabbage.

• Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• 1-57-1 Wakamiya, Toyota, Aichi - Map

Sightseeing around Aichi

Toyota Automobile Museum

Photo by: Yuichi Sakuraba Kicking it old school.

Learn everything you’ve ever wanted to know about Toyota cars and see their development through the ages. Plant tours where you can actually see the car production line are available on weekdays but require booking beforehand.

• Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Fees: Admission and tours are free!
• 1 Toyotacho, Toyota, Aichi, 471-0826 - Map
• https://www.toyota.co.jp/en/about_toyota/facility/toyota_kaikan/factory/about.html
• Getting there: From Toyotashi Station take the Meitetsu bus towards Toyota Memorial Hospital and get off at the Toyota Honsha-Mae stop. It takes about 25 minutes.

Korankei Gorge

Korankei has some of the most picturesque autumn scenery in central Japan. Maple trees brighten the whole area in the most gorgeous shades of red, making it a very popular spot for photographers.

Beautiful autumn scenery.

• Iimori Asukecho, Toyota, Aichi 444-2424 - Map
• Getting there: From Toyotashi Station take the Asuke Bus and get off at the Korankei Ichinotani Guchi stop. 

How to get there

From Tokyo

• Take the Tokaido Sanyo Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Nagoya Station. From there, you need to catch a train to Toyotashi Station and then take a bus to Toyota Stadium.

• It's about four hours via the Tomei Expressway and New Tomei Expressway by car.

From Chubu Centrair International Airport

• Take the airport shuttle bus directly to Toyotashi Station, and then catch the local bus to Toyota Stadium.