The lesser-known side of Kyoto is a place of quaint fishing towns, quiet beaches, and gently flowing waters. A perfect get-a-away from the bustle of city life and an ideal location to discover what small town Japan has to offer.

Kyushu is a land of verdant scenery, spirited people, and some of the most delicious cuisine to be found in Japan. From towering castles, multi-cultural districts seemingly preserved in time, and the sweeping valleys in the heart of Kyushu, there is always something to do.

Beneath the fiercely azure sky that has earned the moniker “Yatsugatake Blue,” is a land of rich nature, rustic vineyards, and mountain top views that see the land and sky disappear into each other.

Peek behind the tourism scene, diving deeper into a local culture not as a tourist, but as a member of a local family.

Only 70 minutes from the bustling streets of Tokyo is the northern “snow country.”

Enjoy this traditional footpath tour through the unspoiled nature and townscape of the Hakushu area.