Aomori
Sannai-Maruyama Jomon Site Aomori: Japan's 5,000-Year-Old Village, and How to Reach It
Sannai-Maruyama Jomon site, Aomori: UNESCO village dated 3,900-2,200 BCE, reached by Nebutan-go bus from Shin-Aomori stand 3 in 15 min for ¥300.
Area Guide
Start here: complete where-to-stay guides for every area we cover.
Aomori
Hachinohe Food Guide: Squid, a ¥1,850 Market Breakfast and a Local Izakaya
What to eat in Hachinohe: squid dressed in its own liver at a Japanese-only izakaya, and a ¥1,850 market breakfast when Minato Shokudo has a queue.
Aomori
Towada Art Center: Kusama, Nara and an Art Square You Can Walk Into
Towada Art Center guide: Kusama and Nara stand outside the ticket gate, free. Admission, hours, the JR-pass bus from Hachinohe and the taxi-app trap.
Japan
Tokyo Station Guide Marunouchi Yaesu Exits: Which Side, Which Shinkansen Platform
Tokyo Station guide: Marunouchi vs Yaesu exits, which side has your shinkansen gate, and hotels within a 5-min walk of each, checked August 2026.
Nagano
Nagano Wineries Chikuma River Wine Valley: A Visitor's Guide
Nagano wineries guide: Mariko (World's Best #46) and Manns Komoro's Ryugan — Japan's newest OIV grape (Aug 2026). Hours, walk-in tasting, car-free access.
Fukushima
Where to Stay to Visit Fukushima's Coast: Mito, Iwaki or J-Village
No lodging in Tomioka or Futaba. Base yourself in Mito, Iwaki or at J-Village and travel in. Rail times, hotel picks, and a two-day itinerary from Tokyo.
Tomamu
Where to Stay in Tomamu: The Tower vs Risonare (2027)
Where to stay in Tomamu: The Tower (from ¥19,000/room/night) vs Risonare (100 sqm+ suites). Mina-Mina Beach, Ice Village, and why the train wins.
Rusutsu
Where to Stay in Rusutsu: Westin vs Resort Hotel, Ski-In Base (2027)
Where to stay in Rusutsu: Westin Rusutsu (Marriott Bonvoy ski-in) vs Resort Hotel for families. Lift ticket tips, indoor pool, carousel and Yochan jingisukan.
Okayama
Okayama Gateway to Naoshima Where to Stay: Uno Port Route & Hotels
Plan a Naoshima day trip from Okayama via Uno Port. The JR Uno Line route, ferry times, and the best hotels near Okayama Station and Kurashiki to base.
Okayama
Ohara Museum of Art Kurashiki Where to Stay: Art, Canal Quarter & Hotels
Ohara Museum of Art in Kurashiki holds El Greco's Annunciation and world-class Western art. Where to stay in the Bikan quarter or day-trip from Okayama.
Okayama
Where to Stay in Kurashiki: Bikan Quarter Areas & Hotels
Where to stay in Kurashiki: ryokan on the canal, heritage hotels in the Bikan quarter, and budget stays near the station. Includes the Ohara Museum of Art.
Okayama
Where to Stay in Okayama: Best Areas & Hotels (2026)
Where to stay in Okayama: Okayama Station hotels vs Kurashiki Bikan quarter explained, with picks for every budget and trip type.