Toyama is my favorite city. But actually, it is not a very famous tourist destination. Toyama is highly my recommendation for all tourists, and they have everything. In this post 3 reasons to visit Toyama-ken , I wrote about the reasons. The main reason why I recommend it is SUSHI. You can enjoy the most delicious sushi in Toyama. I’ll introduce five of my best sushi restaurants there. By the way, I am Jupiter Ishida, I traveled around all prefectures in Japan and love eating. Let’s get started!

Where is Toyama-ken

Toyama Prefecture is one of the prefectures in the Hokuriku Region. It is rich, located between the Sea of Japan and the Tateyama mountain range. A famous nearby city is Kanazawa. With the recent opening of the Shinkansen bullet train line from Tokyo, it takes only about 2 hours to get there from Tokyo.

Why is Sushi in Toyama so good?

Because Toyama Bay. Toyama Bay is so abundant with fish that it is called a natural fish tank. Nutritious melted snow water flowing from the Tateyama Mountain Range is one factor that makes the fish grow so delicious. Famous seafood here includes cold yellowtail, white shrimp, and firefly squid. Whatever you eat is delicious.

① Toyama sushi Taneya at Toyama airport

This is the best place. You will be surprised not only by the taste but also by its appearance. The chef is very friendly and will serve you sushi while explaining the process. You can enjoy the freshest and most seasonal sushi. It is located inside Toyama Airport, so if you are flying to Toyama, definitely stop by!

Adress：30 Akigashima Toyama
Opening hours：11:00〜15:00 for Lunch, 17:00～20:00 for dinner
Regular holiday： Wednesday

② SUSHIEI

This is a popular restaurant located in downtown SOGAWA Toyama City. You can enjoy fresh Toyama sushi at a reasonable price. My recommendation is the “Toyama no Aji Nigiri Set” for 3,300 yen. Try the seasonal fish from Toyama!

Adress：2-chome-8-22 Sogawa Toyama
Opening hours：11:30〜14:30 for Lunch, 17:00～21:00 for dinner
Regular holiday： Wednesday

③ SUSHI-JIN

This place is extremely popular and top-rated in Japan. You must make a reservation to go. You can have the best sushi of your life for 10,000 yen. All the sushi was delicious, especially the trout sushi, a Toyama specialty.

Adress：3-chome-5-7 Shinnezukamachi Toyama
Opening hours：12:00〜14:00 for Lunch, 18:00～21:30 for dinner
Regular holiday： Sunday

④ MINO-SUSHI

This restaurant is recommended by my parents who live in Toyama. The chef, who was originally a sushi chef in Tokyo, returned to his hometown Toyama to open this restaurant. The fusion of Tokyo-style sushi and delicious fish from Toyama is worth a try! It costs around 5000 to 10000 yen.

Adress：2-3-4 Marunouchi Toyama
Opening hours：11:30〜14:00 for Lunch, 17:30～21:00 for dinner
Regular holiday： Sunday

⑤ MIKI-SUSHI

This is a popular restaurant near Toyama Station. It was the first time I had sushi in Toyama. I still remember I was really impressed. The famous white shrimp sushi is sweet, juicy and exquisite. You can also enjoy local sake such as Japanese sake. It costs around 5000 to 10000 yen.

Adress：1-chome-7-5 Sakuramachi Toyama
Opening hours：11:30〜14:00 for Lunch, 17:00～23:00 for dinner
Regular holiday： Wednesday

Gincho Iki-zushi

Gincho is a recently reopened restaurant. You can enjoy fresh Toyama fish purchased from the market every morning. Chirashi-sushi and sushi are available for lunch starting from 1,700 yen. I had the special top dish for 2,450 yen, which was very tasty.

Sushi-Tama at Toyama station

This is a trendy conveyor-belt sushi restaurant located in Toyama Station. Be careful during lunchtime, as there is a long line of people waiting. You can enjoy fresh seafood reasonably, costing about 3,000 yen.

Kito-Kito Sushi at Toyama station

Tama Sushi introduced earlier is always crowded, so in such cases, I also recommend Kitikito Sushi nearby. It costs about 2,000 to 3,000 yen.

Takayoshi Masu Sushi

Toyama Prefecture is also famous for trout sushi. This sushi is wrapped in leaves to make it last longer. The taste varies from restaurant to restaurant, so please try different restaurants. The local people do not eat it at the restaurant, but take it home to eat.

Supermarket is also great

Toyama is a seafood producing area. Therefore, you can find delicious sushi at any supermarket. If you are short on time, please visit a supermarket and look for sushi. It is very fun to visit local supermarkets.

The things to do in Toyama

Toyama is such a great tourist destination. They have great food as I wrote, historical places such as a Takaoka Big Buddha, and nature like a mountain, ocean, and so on. I highly recommend visiting there.

Sushi in Toyama is Brilliant!

How do you like it? I always want to go to Toyama for fantastic sushi. One more thing, Sashimi-don is also famous for Toyama, so I will write another article about them. his post may be good for you, Top 10 you must visit in Japan. See you next time!

The post The 10 Best Sushi restaurants in Toyama first appeared on Japan Travel Guide Blog.

Where is Kagawa and how to get there

Kagawa is located in Shikoku, Japan. It is an hour and a half flight from Tokyo. From Osaka, it takes 2 hours by train. There is an express train from Okayama for easy access.

What is Udon noodle?

Udon is a Japanese noodle dish made by kneading wheat flour and cutting it into long strips with a certain width and thickness. It is eaten throughout Japan because it is very inexpensive and easy to eat. The cooking method and ingredients differ depending on the region. In Kagawa, it is called Sanuki udon and is representative udon of Japan. Kagawa is a wheat-producing region, and udon has long been eaten in the region. There are more udon shops than traffic lights, and there are udon shops everywhere. So let’s get started!

MUGIZO（麦蔵）MY BEST UDON

This is the best place to go. Mugizo is located near the port of Takamatsu. The combination of the thirst-quenching udon noodles and juicy toritenpura (chicken tempura) is the best. It is a very popular restaurant and there is always a line out the door.

GAMOU UDON

Gamow Udon is next. It can only be reached by car, but it is very popular among tourists. Their kakiage is good!

HINODE UDON

At Hinode Udon, try the kamatama udon, udon noodles with raw egg. The combination of soy sauce, egg, and udon are just divine!

Nagata in Kanoka

Nagata In Kanoka is the most highly rated udon restaurant in Japan. Try the kamaage udon here! Udon noodles eaten with dashi broth are excellent. You may be surprised by the unseen line, but you will be able to enter the restaurant in no time!

SAKAEDA

Udon noodles can be eaten as breakfast. Sakaeda is located near City Hall and is thriving with businessmen from morning. Simple udon noodles are available at a very reasonable price.

Lots of kind udon in Kagawa

In Kagawa, you can eat many kinds of udon. It is always evolving. Please try some of the more eccentric udon!

So many things to do in Kagawa

Although we have introduced udon in this issue, Kagawa is a place full of charm. We hope you enjoy your fun trip to eat udon, see spectacular scenery, and experience art!

How was Kagawa? Do you want to go there? If so, I’m so happy. This post may be good for you, Top 10 you must visit in Japan. See you next time!

The post Best 5 Udon shops in Kagawa, Japan first appeared on Japan Travel Guide Blog.

Where is Onomichi

Onomichi is located in the eastern part of Hiroshima Prefecture. The population is approximately 130,000. It is famous as a city of temples, and there are numerous temples in the city. It is the entrance to the Shimanami Kaido(a big bridge to Shikoku), which connects to Shikoku Island, and many islands can be visited using Onomichi as a base. It is also possible to tour the islands by cycling.

How to get Onomichi

From Tokyo, it takes about 3.5 hours to Fukuyama Station by Shinkansen bullet train, and from there it is a 30-minute transfer to a conventional train for a total of 4 hours. The price is about 150$. From Osaka, you can take a highway bus or the Shinkansen just like from Tokyo. From Hiroshima City, it takes only 1 hour by train. The price is about 10$.

Onomichi shopping arcade 

Exploring holy forest

Amazing city view from the observation deck 

Amazing city view from the Temple

The old town it’s like frozen in time

Onomichi Ramen MIYACHI

Onomichi Ramen and Karaage

Anago-don and Oyster

Ice cream

Staying great guest house

Visiting another island Ikuchi-jima

How was Onomichi? Do you want to go there? If so, I’m so happy. This post may be good for you, Top 10 you must visit in Japan. See you next time!

The post Best 10 things to do in Onomichi, Japan first appeared on Japan Travel Guide Blog.

Where is Shimane

Shimane is located in the San-in region. The main cities are Matsue, famous for its castle, Izumo City, where Izumo Taisha Shrine is located, and Gotsu City, the furthest city from Tokyo.

How do I get there

It takes about 2 hours from Tokyo by air, and both ANA and JAL operate flights. A round trip costs about 30,000~50,000 yen. From Osaka, it takes about 2 hours by express train. From Hiroshima, it takes 1.5 hours by bus.

Visiting Matsue Castle

Walking around Matsue city

Chilling out at Lake Shinji

Trying Japanese traditional Izumo Soba

Hot spring at Tamatsukuri onsen

Trying fabulous Sashimi-don

Riding a Sanin Honsen Train

Visiting Izumo Taisha

Enjoying whole Izumo city and ocean view

Visiting Gotsu city which most far city from Tokyo

Staying local traditional Japanese house at Gotsu

How was Shimane? Do you want to go there? If so, I’m so happy. This post may be good for you, Top 10 you must visit in Japan. See you next time!

The post Best 10 things to do and places to visit in Shimane, Japan 2022 first appeared on Japan Travel Guide Blog.

Where is Yamanashi?

Yamanashi is a popular tourist destination among Japanese people because of its proximity to Tokyo. With an area of 4,465 square kilometers, Yamanashi Prefecture is the 32nd largest prefecture in Japan. It is an inland prefecture, not facing the sea and surrounded by mountains. Fuji, Houtou, grapes, and wine are famous.

How to get Yamanashi from Tokyo?

There are two ways to get Yamanashi from Tokyo. Bus and train. Buses leave from Shinjuku bus terminal, Tokyo Station, Ikebukuro Station, etc., and take about 2 hours and cost about 2,000 yen. By train, the express train from Shinjuku Station takes 1.5 hours and costs about 3,000 yen. Renting a car is also recommended.

Exploring Shosenkyo Gorge

Shosenkyo Gorge is located in the northern part of Kofu City, Yamanashi. It is designated as a special place of scenic beauty by the national government, is said to have the “most beautiful valley in Japan” and is a popular sightseeing spot. Visitors can see granite cliffs, oddly shaped rocks and stones, and clear, abundant water flowing through the canyon.

Visiting Kofu-castle

Kofu Castle was built in 1583 by the order of Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Although there is no castle tower today, it is a popular tourist spot from which to view the city of Kofu and Mt.Fuji.

Testing a wine at Winery Sadoya

Founded in 1917, Winery Sadoya is located 5 minutes from JR Kofu Station. Today, the winery produces and sells wines made from grapes grown on its own farm in the city, and you can taste the wines!

Roaming around downtown Kofu

The once prosperous city of Kofu had numerous drinking establishments. As time went by, however, the number of people in Kofu decreased. However, the retro buildings are still there, and now the old streets remain and have become a tourist attraction. It is recommended to walk through Kofu’s drinking district, which is like a maze, have a meal at an izakaya (Japanese-style pub), and have a drink.

Trying specialty HOUTOU

Houtou is a specialty of Kofu. Thick, short noodles kneaded from wheat flour and cut into chunks are stewed in a miso broth with vegetables such as pumpkin, and served hot. It is a little like thick udon noodles. There are many restaurants, but I recommend a restaurant called Shinshu, which serves a delicious meat hoto. It is located in the retro drinking district I mentioned earlier.

Eatting a tuna sushi

Yamanashi is a sea-less prefecture, but its residents love sushi. It is said that there are the most sushi restaurants in Japan. One of the reasons for this is that Yamanashi was the last place where fish caught in Tokyo could be transported while still fresh. The people of the prefecture love tuna, and you must try their tuna sushi! I recommend a restaurant called Uoso.

Visiting Lake Kawaguchi

Kawaguchiko is a popular tourist destination located near Mt. Visitors can bike around Lake Kawaguchi, enjoy hot springs, and view the beautiful Mt.Fuji.

Taking Mt. Fuji Panorama Ropeway

If you go to Kawaguchiko, take the ropeway to the top of Mt. Tenjozan. The view of Mt. Fuji from there is breathtaking.

Trying super hard Udon noodle YOSHIDA UDON

There is special udon around Kawaguchi Lake. It is Yoshida udon. It is a special udon with resilient noodles and horse meat on top. You may be surprised at how hard it is when you put it in your mouth, but I personally recommend this udon. I recommend a restaurant called Takekawa.

Checking Mt.Fuji train station

Fuji Station is worth a visit. I believe this is the only place in Japan where a Torii, which is related to Shinto, gate is located in the station. Also, buses and trains to Tokyo leave from Fujiyama Station, making it very convenient.

Eating Soft serve at Kiyosato

Kiyosato Town is at a high altitude and is a popular tourist destination as a summer resort during the summer season. It can be reached by bus from Tokyo and Kofu. Here, Seisenryo is famous for its soft-serve ice cream. You can feel the richness of the milk.

How was Yamanashi? Do you want to go there? If so, I’m so happy. This post may be good for you, Top 10 you must visit in Japan. See you next time!

The post Best 10 things to do and visit place in Yamanashi 2022 first appeared on Japan Travel Guide Blog.

Ishigaki island

Ishigaki Island is Okinawa’s third largest island with approximately 50,000 residents. It is an attractive island visited by more than 1 million people a year. I lived here for about 2 months and I really loved it because it is full of nature with the ocean, mountains, and waterfalls. Another attraction is that you can go to Ishigaki Island and other nearby islands by ferry.

Hateruma island

Hateruma Island is the southernmost inhabited island in Japan. It takes about 1 hour by ferry from Ishigaki Island. The population is a whopping 500. However, many tourists visit the island every year. The reason for this is to visit Nishi Beach, which is said to be the best beach in the world. At night, there are no street lights and you can see the stars shining above your head. It is the best luxury to spend a relaxing time on a slow island.

Miyako island

Miyako Island is Okinawa’s second-largest island. It is an island with many attractions that attract many people from the city to move here. Maehama Beach, called the best beach in the East, is a famous tourist attraction. There are bridges from Miyako Island to other islands, making it easy to enjoy touring the islands. It is also a famous diving spot, and you will be impressed by the coral reefs spreading out below you!

Irabu island / Shimoji Island

Irabu Island is my recommendation. You can go there from Miyako Island over the longest bridge in Japan. The population is 6,000. It is easily accessible from Shimoji Island via a bridge. Irabu Island is a large island, but I recommend taking your time to tour the island by bicycle. Of course, please do not ride in the middle of summer. Also, be sure to drink plenty of water. The sugar cane fields, beautiful ocean, and relaxing air will definitely refresh you. Also, the famous Irabu soba, a basic dish of Okinawa soba with bonito and tofu, is superb. Writing this article makes me want to visit Irabu Island again.

Okinawa Honto

Finally, there is the main island of Okinawa. Naha, the central city of Okinawa Prefecture, is located there, and the main island of Okinawa accounts for most of the prefecture’s population. It is easily accessible by air from various cities in Japan (Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka, Nagoya). The island offers nature, beautiful beaches, and an aquarium, but my recommendation is to go to downtown Naha to eat delicious food and drink alcohol. You will definitely have a good time with cheerful locals and tourists. After you have had your drinks, finish off with a steak like the locals do. Naha is truly a fascinating city.

How was Okinawa? Do you want to go there? If so, I’m so happy. This post may be good for you, Top 10 you must visit in Japan. See you next time!

The post 5 must-visit islands in Okinawa, Japan first appeared on Japan Travel Guide Blog.

Where is Hokkaido and how to get there?

Hokkaido is a large island in the north of Japan. It is 83,454 km² in size. It is about the same size as Austria.

Hokkaido is a very popular tourist destination among Japanese people every year. It is known for its volcanoes, natural hot springs, and ski resorts. The rugged Daisetsuzan National Park is home to the steamy volcano Asahidake, while Shikotsu-Toya National Park features caldera lakes, geothermal hot springs, and Mt. Yotei, which resembles Mt. Popular ski resorts include Rusutsu, Furano, and Niseko.

① Sapporo, capital of Hokkaido

The first is Sapporo, the largest city in Hokkaido. The population is about 2 million. It is one of the top five most prominent cities in Japan. If you visit Hokkaido for the first time, Sapporo is a great place to start.

The downtown area of Susukino has many excellent restaurants where you can enjoy delicious seafood. Sapporo Tower is located in the city’s center and is a popular spot for locals to relax. In winter, the temperature in Susukino can be as cold as minus 10 degrees Celsius. Still, underground tunnels allow visitors to get around without being exposed to the cold.

② Hakodate, gate of Hokkaido

Next stop is Hakodate. Hakodate is the gateway to Hokkaido. It is the only place in Hokkaido served by the Shinkansen bullet train, and it takes about 5 hours to get there from Tokyo.

Hakodate is famous for its night view. It is one of the three most beautiful nightscapes in the world. Hakodate has a long history as a prosperous port town, and many Western-style buildings remain, making visitors feel as if they are in Europe. The city is famous for its squid and salted ramen noodles. Koike, a curry shop, is also famous.

③ Rebun and Rishiri island

Next are Rebun Island and Rishiri Island, recommended for nature lovers. Located at the northernmost tip of Japan, these two islands offer great natural beauty.

There are two ways to get to these islands. Ferry and airplane. It takes longer to get there, but it is worth it. Rebun Island is a paradise called the Floating Island of Flowers and is famous for trekking. You can also view Rishiri Fuji on Rishiri Island on the other side of the island and always enjoy the spectacular view. Fresh seafood can be enjoyed on either island.

This is a blog about Rebun Island.

④ Kushiro and Shiretoko

The fourth is Kushiro and Shiretoko. Kushiro is located in eastern Hokkaido and once prospered from coal.

The city has famous landmarks known to all Japanese people. It is the Kushiro Marshland. The marshland, one of the largest in Japan and registered as a World Heritage site, is a spectacular sight. If you drive north from Kushiro, you can see many famous lakes, and in Shiretoko, you will surely be amazed by the overwhelming nature. Oysters are famous for their renowned food.

⑤ Toya lake and Hot springs

Lastly, we would like to introduce you to Lake Toya Onsen. It takes about 2 hours to drive from Sapporo, the largest city in Hokkaido. Look at the shape of the lake!

It is one of the most famous hot spring resorts in Japan. There are many inns around Lake Toya and you can enjoy the hot spring baths while viewing the lake. Fireworks displays are held at night.

How was Hokkaido? Do you want to go there? If so, I’m so happy. This post may be good for you, Top 10 you must visit in Japan. See you next time!

The post 5 must-visit city in Hokkaido, Japan first appeared on Japan Travel Guide Blog.

Toyama is my favorite city. But actually, it is not a very famous tourist destination. Toyama is highly my recommendation for all tourists, and they have everything. After reading this blog, you would definitely want to visit there.

Where is Toyama-ken

Toyama Prefecture is one of the prefectures in the Hokuriku Region. It is rich, located between the Sea of Japan and the Tateyama mountain range. A famous nearby city is Kanazawa. With the recent opening of the Shinkansen bullet train line from Tokyo, it takes only about 2 hours to get there from Tokyo.

Amazing Sushi, Sashimi-don and Seafood

Toyama is famous for having the best sushi in Japan. The reason is Toyama Bay. Toyama Bay is so abundant with fish that it is called a natural fish tank. Nutritious melted snow water flowing from the Tateyama Mountain Range is one factor that makes the fish grow so delicious. Famous seafood here includes cold yellowtail, white shrimp, and firefly squid. Whatever you eat is delicious.

Extraordinary Scenery entire Toyama

In addition to food, Toyama has a rich natural environment. The sea is wonderful because it faces the ocean, but the mountains are also wonderful. You can see mountains of 3000m class from the city, and you can take a cable car to 2500m. The scenery is amazing and the place is loved by mountain climbers.

Easy to access from Big city

With the Shinkansen bullet train passing through, access to the area has become outstanding. It takes only 2 hours from Tokyo. From the famous Kanazawa, it takes only 15 minutes. It is also easily accessible from Osaka and Nagoya by rapid train.

Where should I visit in Toyama

Toyama is a small prefecture, but there are many places to see. I will introduce three of them in this article, though I will write more about them in detail in another article.

Toyama city

Toyama City is the central city of Toyama Prefecture, with a population of 1 million. There are many famous sushi restaurants, Toyama Castle, and views of the Tateyama mountain range. The compact size of the city makes it a great place to stay. You can stay couple nights there, you would love Toyama.

Unatsuki hotspring

Unatsuki Onsen is a famous hot spring resort in Toyama. In addition to enjoying the high-quality hot spring water, you can take a ride on the trolley train and enjoy the view of the valley!

Himi city

Himi City is famous for its bri and manga. It takes one hour by train from Toyama City. There are many statues of anime in the city. You can also enjoy excellent seafood bowls at a restaurant in the Himi fishing port.

The post The Best Things to do in Toyama, Japan first appeared on Japan Travel Guide Blog.