Visiting Daisetsuzan National Park in Hokkaido

Daisetsuzan National Park is a huge, rugged wilderness area on Japan’s northernmost island, Hokkaido. Established in 1934, it is a popular destination for hiking and camping, and one of the first places in the country to welcome both fall foliage and snowfall in the autumn.

One of the most mountainous and biggest national parks in the entire country, Daisetsuzan is larger than some Japanese prefectures and is home to a variety of rare species of flora and fauna. Daisetsuzan means “great snowy mountains” in Japanese, and the indigenous Ainu people of Hokkaido also call the area Kamui Mintara,  meaning “playground of the gods.”

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Autumn Season in Japan in 2025

Many travelers often consider autumn in Japan to be the most beautiful time to visit.

As temperatures dip after the scorching summer, the colors of the leaves change into vibrant shades of orange, red, yellow, and brown. This natural phenomenon is called koyo or momiji (meaning red leaves).

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Tashirojima: Cat Island travel guide

An idyllic getaway off the east coast of Japan, Tashirojima Island is perfect for visitors looking for a unique destination that is not overrun with tourists. This rural paradise is steeped in tradition, from its small fishing villages to its shrines to the cats that watch over the island and its people.

Cats are probably the most famous thing about Tashirojima — there are more feline residents here than humans! This has given it the nickname “Cat Island. These furry inhabitants are often more than happy to approach visitors. They might even pose for a photo with you!

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Kabuki in Japan: What it is and how to watch it

If you’re planning to visit Japan and are eager to learn about its vast cultural heritage, then you should definitely include at least one Kabuki performance on your travel itinerary. The traditional dance-drama is one of the three major classical Japanese theaters, alongside noh and bunraku.

This complete guide can help you to understand the cultural meaning and significance of Kabuki, where to see a performance, what to expect from a show, and how to book tickets.

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