hidden gems Japan

When Nature and Art Become One ♡ A Visit to the Echigo-Tsumari Satoyama Museum of Contemporary Art, MonET Nestled in Honcho 6, Tokamachi City, Niigata Prefecture, the Echigo-Tsumari Satoyama Museum of Contemporary Art, MonET, is not your average art museum. I recently had the chance to visit this absolutely unique—and dare I say, magical—museum. It’s called "MonET," and yes, it’s just as stylish and dreamy as the name sounds. What makes MonET so special is how art and nature blend seamlessly here. The building itself is designed to reflect the surrounding landscape, with changing seasonal views that become part of ...

One of Japan’s Top 3 Gorges Turned Into an Art Tunnel?! My Mind-Blowing Trip to Kiyotsu Gorge Travel Date: June 2022 (Cloudy skies, but the vibes? 100 out of 10!) My destination this time was Kiyotsu Gorge, located in Tokamachi City, Niigata Prefecture. It’s one of Japan’s “Three Great Gorges” along with Kurobe and Osugidani, and it’s known for its towering rock walls with stunning columnar joints that’ll leave you breathless. But wait—this isn’t just a beautiful nature spot. That’s where the real twist begins. Back in 2018, during the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale, the entire tunnel running through Kiyotsu Gorge ...

The Last Classroom: A Hauntingly Beautiful Art Installation in an Abandoned Japanese Schoolhouse Trip Date: June 2022 (Sunny and warm—just like the art) "Is this a horror-themed exhibit?" I wondered— But what I found was not fear, but nostalgia and a gentle ache in my heart. Located in Tokamachi, Niigata, The Last Classroom is a full-scale art installation housed in an abandoned elementary school. “Is someone still here?” I whispered at the entrance. Dim hallways, old desks lined up, chalk-covered blackboards… It felt like time had stopped—and in a way, it had. The space was like a frozen memory from ...

Traveled: June 2022 A Night of Pure Bliss in Niigata♡ Hotel Global View & Seafood Paradise at Goro I took a spontaneous overnight trip to Niigata, and it turned out to be one of the most relaxing and delicious nights ever! I stayed at the super convenient Hotel Global View Niigata, just steps from the station, and had dinner at Shungyo Shusai Goro Bandai-ten—a spot I'd been curious about forever. With a comfy room, soothing bath, and unforgettable izakaya experience… I honestly didn’t want to leave Just Steps from Niigata Station! A Healing Stay at Hotel Global View I ...

A Night Out in Kochi: Gourmet Crawl with Local Sake Kochi City is a treasure trove of flavors: fresh local seafood paired with regional sake… We went on a food-and-drink crawl, enjoying the city’s signature dishes and drinking spots First Stop: Cheers at Hirome Market We kicked things off at Hirome Market, the ultimate gourmet hall of Kochi. A daytime drinking paradise where locals and tourists mingle in a lively atmosphere. You can’t miss the katsuo no tataki (seared bonito)! The smoky exterior, generous garnishes, and tangy ponzu sauce were absolute heaven. Perfectly paired with beer or local ...

Can a prison from the Meiji era be this beautiful? A tour of the Former Nara Prison Located in Nara City, Nara Prefecture, the Former Nara Prison was built in 1908 during the Meiji era. It has been designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan and has recently been opened to the public for tours. As a fan of retro architecture, I had always been curious about this place. In October 2022, I finally got the chance to visit—and I’m sharing the full experience with plenty of photos The breathtaking red brick exterior The first thing that strikes you ...