Hirosaki Castle – A tale of two seasons

Just a few miles from Aomori’s capital lies Hirosaki, a historic city steeped in tradition and known for its iconic castle. I first visited Hirosaki in the summer of 2016. It is one of the twelve remaining original castles in Japan, a rare treasure where the keep (Tenshu 天守) has survived since its reconstruction in […]

Top 5 Winter Activities in Japan

Is winter a good time to visit Japan? The answer is definitely ‘yes’. When I talk about winter in Japan, things that come to my mind are illuminations and snow festivals. Japan has made it a point to devote festivals for each season. There is a theme for every season in Japan. Spring welcomes the […]