Karuizawa, located about an hour from Tokyo by the Shinkansen, lies on the border of Nagano and Gunma Prefectures. Known as a popular summer retreat, the town’s history dates back to 1886 when Canadian missionary Alexander Croft Shaw visited and was captivated by its pristine natural beauty and pleasant climate. Surrounded by lush nature, Karuizawa is a true haven for relaxation. Escape the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy the slow pace of time in a place where the landscape changes with each season.

When it comes to soft-serve ice cream in Japan – known locally as soft-cream – Hokkaido holds a special place in the hearts (and stomachs) of locals. With its rich agricultural heritage and countless dairy farms, Hokkaido is known for producing the highest quality milk in Japan. That milk doesn’t just go into cheese and yogurt – it’s also the reason why soft-cream here is so famously smooth, rich, and flavourful.

As we continue exploring the magical island of Kyushu in the south of Japan, we arrive in Kumamoto Prefecture. The 15th largest prefecture in Japan and with slightly under 1.8 million people, the prefecture has beaches, mountains, castles, and everything you could want from a trip to Japan. Kyushu is only a short flight away from Tokyo and other big cities, so make sure to explore and see all that Kumamoto has to offer!

We know that Japan is made up of four main islands, Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Shikoku. There is a lifetime of travel between the four islands, from the snowy slopes of Hokkaido to the volcanoes of Kyushu. However, did you know that the total number of islands that comprise the Japanese archipelago total to more than 14,000 islands? With so many islands comprising Japan, there are so many magical places that are worth traveling to and discovering even more of the beauty and charm that Japan has to offer. So let’s take a look at some of the other islands of Japan!

With the winds of change bringing in the striking natural phenomenon of changing leaf colours, we take you through the best off-the-beaten-path, 'koyo' viewing destinations the Chubu region has to offer, where you can spend less and get more!