Include spots in Nagano to make your trip along the Mitsuboshi Kaidou Three-star Road even more memorable. Fully enjoy all of the world heritage sites and other three-star locations that the area has to offer!
NAGANO City
The foundation of Zenkoji temple is believed to be around 1,400 years ago. The present main hall is a majestic wooden architecture rebuilt in the Mid-Edo period (1707 A.D.), spans 24 meters wide and 54 meters long. It has a unique structure called...
NAGANO City
The famous mystical power central! “Togakushi Shrine” This shrine was developed as the base for the mountain worship towards Mt. Togakushi. It used to be a temple that assembled a number of pilgrims’ lodgings, and was turned into a Shinto shrine t...
MATSUMOTO City
This 5-roofed, 6-storied tower was built in 1593-94 and is Japan's oldest existing castle. Matsumoto Castle is designated as a national treasure as the original structure, which has 420 years of history, has been preserved to this day.
MATSUMOTO City
Soba (buckwheat noodles) is one of the most popular food in Japan and the quality of buckwheat in Matsumoto is known to be the best. Souvenir shop Takagi has a Soba restaurant and Soba making (hands-on experience) is available from 2 persons. Let'...
MATSUMOTO City
The main feature of the Nakamachi area is the black and white geometric design of the Namako-Kabe of the old storehouses lining the street. Traditional crafts and small cafes are some of the highlights of this charming area.
MATSUMOTO City
With a long history in Matsumoto, the stone-paved Nawate Street with its many tiny shops is a charming place to stroll.
MATSUMOTO City
A huge outdoor sculpture by Yayoi Kusama, who was born in Matsumoto, greets visitors at the entrance of the museum. This museum holds many unique exhibitions as a means of showcasing the local art of Matsumoto.
TAKAYAMA City
This is one of the oldest hot springs in Oku-hida Onsen Village. Located near the Gifu entrance of the Abo Tunnel that links Gifu Prefecture and Nagano Prefecture, this is easily accessible from the Kanto area. There are also shuttle buses running...
TAKAYAMA City
First-in-Japan double-decker gondolas will take you 2,200 meters above sea level. Enjoy the majestic vista of Japan's Northern Alps (Hida Mountain Range). Climbers can use the ropeway to begin their trek.
TAKAYAMA City
Visit a Edo period sake brewery and the traditional morning market with a dedicated guide. Enjoy a 2.5 hour walking tour that teaches you about the unique Hida Takayama food culture.
SHIRAKAWA Village
This bus terminal is located to the north of the Cultural Heritage site, and provides easy access to the Wada House and Shiroyama Park Observation Deck. There is a waiting room, toilet, and tourist information center (bus ticket counter) in the bu...
SHIRAKAWA Village
This is an outdoor museum constructed by moving and preserving the gassho-zukuri houses that are no longer in use in the Shirakawa village. The lifestyle led back in the old times is recreated and showcased here.
NANTO City
On a terrace about a stone's throw from the surface of the Shogawa River, the village is found spread across a long, thin plateau. Of the 27 houses there, 20 are in the traditional sloping-roof Gasshozukuri style. Many of them were built from th...
NANTO City
A variety of Ecchu washi (Japanese paper), Gokayama washi is designated as one of Japan's traditional craft products. At the Washi Taiken Kan, you can experience this hand-made process for yourself. Are you up to the challenge? A traditional bu...
KANAZAWA City
Kanazawa Station is JR West Railway's major station located in Kanazawa. The reconstruction of the surrounding area is still making progress for the extension of the Hokuriku Shinkansen (a bullet train) from Kanazawa to Osaka. There is a glass dom...
KANAZAWA City
Historical Rows of Houses Designated as Japan's Cultural Assets Kazue-machi is an old geisha district located along the river between Asanogawa Ohashi Bridge and Naka-no Hashi Bridge. Gaisha are traditional, female Japanese entertainers, whose sk...
KANAZAWA City
A Beautiful and Famous Garden in the Heart of Kanazawa Considered one of Japan’s three most beautiful gardens, Kenrokuen Garden is a must-visit location in Kanazawa. The name Kenrokuen means “having six factors”, representing the attributes whi...
KANAZAWA City
One of Kanazawa’s key historic landmarks Once the home of the Maeda family, who governed the Kaga Domain – present day Ishikawa and Toyama – for over 280 years, Kanazawa Castle is an essential part of the city’s history. Many features of the...
KANAZAWA City
The shrine that enshrines Maeda Toshiie was moved to the present location in 1873. The main gate is a peculiar mix of traditional Japanese, Chinese, and European religious architectural elements. This gate, which was designated as Japan's importan...
KANAZAWA City
Discover Kanazawa’s most famous fish market Established during the Edo Period, Omicho Market has formed an essential part of Kanazawa’s food culture for more than 280 years. The sprawling market features more than 170 stores, including a large ...
KANAZAWA City
The institution surrounded by mud walls is rest facilities for tourists, and provided with a lobby and restrooms. Sightseeing volunteer guides stand by here and guide visitors (in Japanese only) around the Naga-machi samurai (feudal powerful milit...
KANAZAWA City
Learn about the life and teachings of Kanazawa’s most famed philosopher Known around the world, Daisetz Suzuki – also known as D.T. Suzuki – is one of Japan’s most famous Buddhist philosophers. His essays and teaching were incredibly influentia...
KANAZAWA City
A hub for contemporary art in Kanazawa Opened in 2004, the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art in Kanazawa stands out compared to more traditional art museums. The museum features a captivating disc-like design, as if it were a UFO touching...
KANAZAWA City
Kaikaro is a refurbished chaya house originally existed more than 180 years ago. The interior of the house includes vermilion-lacquered stairs, vegetable-dyed tatami (mats made of woven straw), fusuma-e (paintings on sliding-door panels) created b...