Imari Shrine: The Vermilion Gate, the Sweets God & Tontenton
Imari Shrine in Saga: a photogenic vermilion gate over a white tunnel, a rare shrine to the god of sweets, and the Tontenton fighting festival.
Nobu
Nobu is a Japanese travel writer based in Fujiyoshida, at the foot of Mt. Fuji. He photographs the mountain from the base each morning and logs whether it is visible, partially visible, or hidden — a first-hand observation record kept since May 2026 — and has traveled all 47 prefectures for the guides on Hidden Japan Gems.
Imari Bay Fireworks: Saga’s Giant Autumn Show (2026 Guide)
Imari Bay Fireworks is a rare November fireworks show in Saga, headlined by a giant 3-shaku shell fired over the bay.
Arita Sera: Where to Shop for Arita Porcelain in Saga (2026)
Arita Sera: 22 Arita-porcelain shops on one hilltop in Saga, open year-round with free parking — the easy place to buy the real thing.
Imari Ware: Japan’s First Porcelain (Arita, Old Imari & Nabeshima)
Imari ware is Japan's first porcelain — made in Arita from the 1610s, named for the port it shipped from, and exported to Europe as Old Imari.
Lake Shusenko’s Submerged Forest: Akita’s Cobalt-Blue Spring Spectacle (2026)
Each spring, snowmelt floods Akita's Lake Shusenko until the shoreline trees stand in cobalt-blue water — a submerged forest at its best in early-to-mid May, and possibly on borrowed time.
Japan in August 2026: A Day-by-Day Calendar of Festivals, Fireworks & the Year’s Busiest Week
A local's day-by-day calendar of Japan in August 2026 — Tohoku's great festivals, the biggest fireworks, the Obon travel crush, and where to escape the heat.
Japan in July 2026: A Day-by-Day Calendar of Festivals, Fireworks & the Mountains Opening
A local's day-by-day calendar of Japan in July 2026 — the rains lifting, Mt Fuji opening, Gion Matsuri, the great fireworks nights, and where to escape the heat.
Summer in Japan 2026: Weather, Festivals & Where to Go
A local's guide to a Japanese summer — the weather month by month, the rainy season, Mt Fuji's July climbing window, the festivals and fireworks, and where to escape the heat.
Tsubakiya Café Kichijoji: Taishō Coffee & Curry (2026)
A Taishō-roman coffee parlour on the 7th floor above Kichijoji Station — siphon coffee in Royal Copenhagen cups, beef curry, hayashi rice and the café's signature chiffon cake.
Murō-ji Temple 2026: Nara’s ‘Women’s Kōya’ and Its 1,200-Year Pagoda
Murō-ji, Nara's mountain 'Women's Kōya,' has a National Treasure five-story pagoda, spring rhododendron and a June hydrangea pilgrimage. Hours, fees, access and what to see.