Only two hours from Tokyo by train lies Matsumoto, home to one of the best-preserved castles in Japan. Matsumoto Castle is a National Treasure of Japan, and one you have to see with your own eyes.

Saitama is home to two major rivers, the Arakawa and Tone, which provide high-quality water that’s perfect for brewing sake. With over 30 breweries spread throughout the prefecture, you’re invited to come and get a taste of the region yourself. We’ll take a closer look at three top producers.

Shake off the chill of winter, or any season for that matter, with a dip in the refreshing hot spring waters of Hakone. A quick day trip from Tokyo is just what the doctor ordered for weary travelers who need a break from the Tokyo streets.

Visit Joshin’etsukogen National Park in the volcanic highlands of the Kanto region to discover a stunning display of natural phenomena. Not only is Gunma famous for hot spring resorts, world-class skiing, plentiful hiking trails and diverse wildlife, it is also the location of several volcanoes, making Mt. Asama Magma Stone Park a unique and wonderful destination for both adventure seekers and nature lovers.

Visit Kiryu, a city whose revived cultural heritage offers locals and visitors new ways of living in and experiencing this historical town. Tucked in the east of Gunma Prefecture, the city of Kiryu is famous for producing traditional Japanese silk textiles. Recently, Kiryu’s historic shopping district has been undergoing a cultural revival to reimagine its past, present, and future. Experience this “fashion town” firsthand to see how local communities and lifestyles are changing with the times, while protecting crafts that have been passed down over generations.

Spend the night at a centuries old brewery and immerse yourself in the traditional work of sake-making.

Live the life of a Buddhist monk, from early morning meditation to sampling the delectable vegetarian cuisine, while experiencing the peaceful surroundings of Zenkoji Temple in Nagano.

Discover a different side of Tokyo at Sorano Hotel in Tachikawa, a contemporary haven that perfectly combines modern design with the concept of wellness. This innovative hotel offers a refreshing break for those seeking a "well-being trip" focused on relaxation and rejuvenation. Located in the Western part of Tokyo, Sorano Hotel provides an oasis of calm, offering a peaceful environment for both body and mind, making it a standout choice for travelers looking for more than an ordinary hotel stay.

Walk in the footsteps of samurai as you follow an ancient path through a bamboo forest and visit centuries-old samurai manors in Sakura.

The world has fallen in love with wagyu, regional, high-quality Japanese beef. If you’re traveling in the Kanto region, you’ve got to head to Yamanashi Prefecture to try Koshu wagyu beef, the high ranking wagyu of the region.

Maebashi Galleria is an architectural marvel where visitors can experience contemporary Japanese culture through local art, events, and accommodation in Gunma.

Unwind and take a step back from daily life to enjoy a peaceful retreat in the lush forests of Chiba Prefecture. Check in to Resol no Mori to experience luxurious spa treatments and glamping in a peaceful natural setting, as well as a multitude of exciting outdoor activities.

Taste authentic maple syrup tapped straight from the surrounding Japanese maple trees at Chichibu Muse Park in Saitama.

With their otherworldly hues of cobalt and emerald and four seasons of natural beauty, these gorgeous ponds attract nature lovers from around the world. Take a trip into the mountains of Fukushima to see the exceptional natural beauty of Goshikinuma Ponds. The name “Goshikinuma” refers to the marshes and ponds of the area, each containing waters that range from emerald green to turquoise to cobalt blue. This difference in hue is due to the fact that each body of water contains a slightly different mix of minerals caused by the volcanic explosion of Mt. Bandai in 1888.

Hidaka City’s Kinchakuda Manjushage Park is home to some 5 million bright red spider lilies that burst into bloom every autumn.

Are you a Japanese sake and beer enthusiast? Then discover a blend of tradition, craftsmanship, and flavor at Ishikawa Brewery, located just outside the heart of Tokyo. Established in 1863 during the Bunkyu Era, with six buildings designated as registered tangible cultural properties and a museum dedicated to brewing history, Ishikawa Brewery offers an immersive journey through time and taste.

As any snow junkie in Japan might tell you, few locales on earth can compare to the powder slopes of the Land of the Rising Sun. And the Happo-One resort is up there with the very best.

Visit this former residence, a significant piece of cultural and architectural heritage in Takasaki City. Have a seat and enjoy this wonderfully atmospheric former residence in the heart of Takasaki City, which connects Tokyo and the mountainous terrain of Gunma and beyond.