When you think of Nagano Prefecture, it’s hard not to imagine its renowned winter resorts blanketed in pristine snow and the breathtaking majesty of the Japanese Alps. While its world-class snow resorts are indeed a must-see, Nagano has much more to offer beyond the slopes.

One of the region’s best-kept secrets is the Suwa area, an often overlooked gem in Nagano that had been on my bucket list for as long as I can remember. This underexplored part of Nagano offers a rich tapestry of history, culture, and authentic suburban charm that is waiting to be discovered. read more

Hello travelers! Today we are back exploring yet another gem of Japan’s snowy region–Omachi City.

Many of you may have heard of the eternally popular Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, but few know that the gateway to this magnificent alpine odyssey is the humble town of Omachi.

Omachi, often overshadowed by its more renowned neighbors like Hakuba and Matsumoto, stands as a serene passage for those embarking on or returning from their Alpine adventures. Sitting at an elevation of around 700 meters, its geographic location enables Omachi to thrive as a hub for mountain tourism, showcasing its unique charm in every season. read more

[This is a collaboration post with Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza]

It’s hard for one to disagree that Japan a wonderful shopping paradise, especially with the yen now weaker than ever against mots foreign currencies.This implies that all the goodness of Japan’s quality products is now available at a substantial discount compared to just a few years ago.

While most travelers tend to shop in typical big cities where a dizzying smorgasbord of shopping malls and retail outlets overwhelms, today I’d like to introduce a unique spot—possibly the most scenic retail outlet I’ve ever had the pleasure of visiting—Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza. read more

This final chapter of our snow time adventures takes us to some of the best ski resorts found within Nagano Prefecture. Locally and internationally known as the ultimate winter holiday spot in the main island of Japan, Nagano truly needs no further introduction for snow sports enthusiasts. However, for those unfamiliar with even the concept of winter in general, this introduction of the prefecture’s most popular ski resorts in Yamanouchi and Hakuba may just be helpful in your future travel plans. Let’s go skiing! read more

The next chapter of our journey led us to this prefecture in central Japan known as a winter sports destination with its majestic mountains and bountiful hot springs. The 1998 Nagano Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games brought its name to worldwide attention and it has never looked back since. Today, we’ll show how you can explore this scenic prefecture without getting active in sports – unless you count shopping as one!

Visit every attractions featured on this course or take a pick to slot it into your itinerary – the choice is yours. read more

Toyama Gokayama Gassho Village

Where is Chubu Region (中部地方)? Chubu literally means “the central part” and as the name suggests it is located right in the middle of Japan’s main island.

Guess what? Even if you have not been there, chances are you have just completely sped through the whole region dozing off comfortably as the Nozomi shinkansen you were in whooshed from Tokyo Station to Shin-Osaka station. That’s right, Chubu is the area that many travellers often missed out as they shuttle between Kanto and Kansai but will make an absolutely wonderful odyssey if you are willing to spare some time exploring. read more

It’s Japan time again!

This time around I wanna bring you guys to Toyama, Nagano and Gifu area, on a self-drive trip.

We will be exploring these 3 prefectures by first flying into Toyama airport, rent a car and drive through the destinations. It will be a 5D4N trip of wonderful nature and rich culture in central Japan.

On the 4th day in Matsumoto, we went to the hotspring, which was super awesome.

And on the 5th day we were running out of things to do, because Matumoto is a small town. But there’s one thing i’d really reeeeeeeeeally love doing. That was to see snow.

This winter had been warmer than usual, and it hardly ever snowed for the past few weeks. we could go to the ski mountain, which is a little far (like, 40mins from home, which is really far by their definition), and rumor had it that we might not see snow. Plus, weather forecast said that it would rain that day. read more

On the third day, i went out with Yuriko and her neighbour Ayumi to Matsumoto city.

That day the sun shone like a star. I know this sentence sounds like one of those you are cute like like shit or it’s beautiful like hell kinda nonsense but look! It shone like a star!!!

And it is beautiful like hell.

Snow mountains, a swan in the middle of the lake.

松本城 , Matsumoto Castle.

We climbed all the way up and down. It was a fort built some 500 years ago. Amazing!

After visiting the castle we went to the Frog Street. read more

So Yuriko had arranged the school visit on the second day. I did a bit of homework. Prepared some big ass posters of Malaysian fruits and the twin towers and stuff, some Rasa Sayang songs, and… nemai i would just make something up if i run of out things to talk about.

I don’t think anyone of them has ever been to Malaysia!

It looks just like how a school is in a Japanese drama. The shoe racks and all.

They had a request, though. They wanted me to speak in English or Malay (i was so glad i was given a choice, i was so afraid they wanted me to speak both) instead of Japanese because of the, you know, whole culture thing. read more

17th December 2008. I took a 3-hour train from Shinjuku to Nagano to meet my host family for the first time.

I enjoyed the journey very much. The scenery was the best i’ve ever seen through a train window.

Nagano is a mountain place. Colder than other big cities.

Snow mountains everywhere.

3 hours later i reached Matsumoto. And Yuriko was at the station waiting for me with her daughter Ai chan.

Just 1 minute after meeting me she was already posing for my camera. ^^

Going back home to the snow white house. If you remember. Neh, my attic bedroom which has a window that allows me to gaze at the shining stars in the nightsky lying on my bed. 🙂 read more

In Matsumoto, Nagano.

The second day we went to Primary school and met a bunch of wonderful kids, and the third day to Matsumoto castle. Will blog later but now i mus must MUST show you this awesome hot spring in Matsumoto we went on the forth day!

I think some of the other homestay students also went but not the Muslim kids because you MUST go in absolutely naked!!! What a waste!

Saw some snow at the road side i was sooooo excited! First time in my life! (Second time is in Norikura Ski Mountain, will blog later). read more