hidden gems in Japan

Check the best price for Hotel Kawakyu A Castle-Like Hotel in Shirahama: Staying at Hotel Kawakyu We took a road trip almost all the way around Wakayama without even booking a hotel. As the evening approached, I remembered—wasn’t there a castle-looking hotel somewhere? So I quickly made a same-day reservation and we headed to Hotel Kawakyu. Following the GPS through the somewhat cluttered roads of Shirahama, we turned into a narrow lane and—BAM! A giant castle appeared out of nowhere. At first glance, maybe due to the lighting (or my bad eyesight), it looked like a flashy theme park or ...

When you think of Kochi, “Katsuo no Tataki” probably comes to mind—but that’s just the beginning! On this trip, I found myself relaxing in a traditional farmhouse café one moment, and the next I was doing a double take at a bowl of ramen topped with tonkatsu. Kochi’s food culture is as free-spirited as it is flavorful, filled with warm-hearted locals and unique culinary creativity. Come laugh, eat, drink, and discover the deep—and sometimes quirky—delights of Kochi’s local food scene. A Moment of Peace at Ikegami Tea Garden, a Cozy Farmhouse Café Nestled quietly a little outside of central Kochi ...