Local Experience | JAPAN by Japan

From firefly-watching to visiting remote hot springs and enjoying seasonal festivals, you can experience the inside of Japan through these intimate escapades.

Admire Aomori Prefecture's snow corridor and cherry blossoms in a taxi

Many domestic tourists visit Aomori Prefecture from late April to early May to feel spring in the air. The Hirosaki Park is especially famous for its astonishing cherry blossoms and the annual Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival held from April 23rd to May 5th. In Hakkoda, a 10-metre Snow Corridor appears from early April, and though its height decreases as the snow melts, visitors can still enjoy the snowy views for a good while. Being able to enjoy both the winter snow and spring cherry blossoms at the same time is one of the charms of travelling to Aomori during this season.

Official Site

Snow and Cherry Blossoms of Aomori Japan

Explore the onsen culture of Nyuto Onsen in Akita Prefecture on an electric bicycle tour

Jump on an e-bike and cycle through a picturesque beech forest to explore the 300-year-old traditional hot spring village of Nyuto Onsen. Located within Towada-Hachimantai National Park, the village is renowned for its hitou, or hidden hot springs. Often tucked away in secluded natural areas off the beaten path, they are treasured by local travellers for centuries. The e-bike tour stops at some of the seven traditional rustic inns where you will learn about the local onsen culture - Nyuto boasts numerous inns with outdoor mixed-gender baths which are rare in Japan. The tour also comes with a snack of soft-boiled egg and coffee brewed with natural spring water, as well as a soothing footbath.

Official Site

the onsen culture of Nyuto Onsen in Akita Prefecture

Try the life in the pristine nature of Shichikashuku in Miyagi Prefecture

Take in the full glory of nature's beauty at Shichikashuku, a little-known gem of a town tucked deep in the picturesque mountains of southern Miyagi Prefecture. Escape the frantic pace of city life at this small town which has a population of only about 1,300 people, and interact with friendly locals to understand the local lifestyle. Enjoy a relaxing soak in the man-made hot springs of Kaido Hostel Otate, a former elementary school built in 1873 which is now a hotel that still retains some of its old school features. Not only can you enjoy the great outdoors of the vicinity, you can also spot fireflies at the river nearby in summer, or join a soba-making class led by staff of Bashoan, a famous local soba restaurant.

Official Site

Learn how to make Ryukyu glass from local craftsman in Okinawa

Understand the craftsmanship as you craft your very own one-of-a-kind glassware at Ryukyu Glass Village in Okinawa! Traditional Ryukyu glass features vibrant reds, greens, and yellows, and is said to have taken its form as a result of incorporating colourful glass bottles discarded by the US military in the past. Apply for a glass-making workshop and a craftsman will guide you all the way, from blowing the molten glass to the shaping process using a pair of tongs. Your finished piece will be basked in a kiln heated to 1300ºC, so your piece will be ready for collection after 2 days (or mailed to you). Other hands-on classes available include making of necklaces/bracelets, photo frames, or mini artworks using glass gel beads.

Official Site

Experience traditional elements of Japan while snowshoe trekking in Fukushima Prefecture among colourful lakes en route to a snow festival

Experience the traditional way of trekking by strapping on a pair of snowshoes and head out for your trekking tour to the mysterious five-coloured lakes of Goshikinuma in Fukushima Prefecture. Often bustling with tourists in the green season, it is serenely quiet during the snow-covered months of January through March, when the Kuronuma (black pond) and the Aonuma (blue pond) look their most beautiful against the snow. Time your trip carefully to catch the Ouchijuku Snow Festival (second week of February) which takes place in this 17th century post-town that still retains its historic, thatched-roof homesteads. In addition to fireworks, Taiko drumming, and other events, the streets are lined with handmade snow lanterns which are lit by men dressed in traditional loincloths, creating an unforgettable traditional Japanese winter experience.

Official site for Snow Festival
Official Site for Snowshoe Trekking

Traditions and Landscapes of Fukushima Japan