off the beaten path japan

Experience Tranquility and History at Ryozen Takeyama Roadside Station in Nakanojo, Gunma Ryozen Takeyama Roadside Station – A Quiet Moment in History I made a little stop at “Ryozen Takeyama Roadside Station” in Nakanojo Town, Gunma Prefecture. There’s a charming soba restaurant called Keyaki with a traditional thatched roof, and I really wanted to try their handmade soba noodles… but alas, I was too early and they weren’t open yet 😭 They serve a super limited dish called Choei Soba, inspired by a famine relief book written by the 19th-century doctor and scholar Choei Takano. It’s made with soba and ...

Strolling Through the Retro Wonderland of Kurayoshi’s White-Walled Storehouse District in a Kimono ♡ Discovering Kurayoshi – A Hidden Gem of Retro Charm Kurayoshi, located in central Tottori Prefecture, is a town wrapped in nostalgia. It’s also perfectly situated for hot spring lovers, surrounded by famous onsen spots like Sekigane, Misasa (with the mystical Mitokusan Sanbutsuji Temple!), Hawai, and Tōgō. If you're road-tripping through Tottori’s onsen towns, Kurayoshi is a must-stop destination! The white-walled town is compact enough for a quick and relaxing stroll. There are plenty of parking spots nearby, making it car-friendly too. It’s got that elegant, retro ...

Exploring the Former Kurayoshi Line I stumbled upon this little-known gem—the abandoned Kurayoshi railway line—while looking for scenic spots near Kurayoshi on Google Maps. And guess what? It's surrounded by a mystical bamboo forest! I’m a sucker for anything abandoned, and this one had a magical vibe that photos alone couldn’t capture. I had to go and see it with my own eyes. Spoiler: it’s even better in person. There’s no parking right by the bamboo tunnel, so I left my car at the visitor parking area and walked about 15–20 minutes. It sounds short, but in the blazing late-August ...

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 ...

Date of Visit: May 2023 A Moment of History and Nature at Katsurahama: Meet Ryoma and the Pacific Ocean Katsurahama Beach in Kochi is one of the region’s most iconic sightseeing spots, known for its grand statue of Sakamoto Ryoma and the stunning horizon stretching endlessly into the Pacific Ocean. It’s also been selected as one of “Japan’s Top 100 Beaches,” and its scenic beauty is simply breathtaking 🌊✨ I visited in May 2023, right as the fresh greenery was at its peak. The vivid contrast between the blue ocean and the lush green trees was incredibly refreshing. Say Hello ...

Kurashiki Dog Museum & Toy Museum – A Quirky, Retro Gem You Can’t Miss While strolling through the charming Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, I stumbled upon something truly unexpected— dozens of dogs wearing black top hats staring down at me from a red signboard. Yes, that’s real. Welcome to one of Japan’s most eccentric spots: the Kurashiki Dog Museum and Toy Museum 🐶🎎✨ 🐾 1F: Japan Toy Museum – Nostalgia Overload! Step into the first floor and you’ll be instantly transported back to childhood. The Japan Toy Museum is filled with: Vintage Japanese toys ・Celluloid dolls ・Retro anime and mascot ...