mtashi

A passion for food, travel, writing, and photography all come together in my travel blog!

Tohoku Campervan Adventures – 2 Weeks Chasing Fall Colors – Road Trip Guide

For two weeks, I lived in a tiny car – one that had been retrofitted with lights, an external battery, and a flat sleeping space, turning it into an agile, incognito campervan.  Each day of my travels, I discovered new areas in Tohoku, off-the-grid places seemingly untouched by other travelers. Outside the window, breathtaking views […]

Tohoku Campervan Adventures – 2 Weeks Chasing Fall Colors – Road Trip Guide Read More »

Ainokura Gassho-zukuri Village: Japan’s Hidden Winter Wonderland

Ainokura Gassho-zukuri Village is a small, remote village located in the mountains of Toyama, Japan. I call it Shirakawago’s “little cousin” since, while it too features beautiful wooden houses with pitched thatched roofs, it is much smaller and less crowded.  Winter is a perfect time to visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site, since the pathways

Ainokura Gassho-zukuri Village: Japan’s Hidden Winter Wonderland Read More »

Kamikochi Day Trip Guide

Kamikochi is a spectacular mountain resort situated in the western part of Nagano prefecture. The area is inside the Chubu Sangaku National Park and is surrounded by tall mountains and the clear flowing waters of the Azusa River.  Due to the area’s high altitude, the temperatures in Kamikochi are much cooler than in other parts

Kamikochi Day Trip Guide Read More »