Deep in the mountains of Shikoku lies Iya, which is home to a few small settlements. The steep, narrow and misty valley is the stuff of lore. In the 12th century it was a haven for fugitive Heike ...

Japan’s countryside offers a serene escape from the fast-paced city life. With its peaceful landscapes, traditional villages, ...

There are numerous Heike-no-Ochudo places throughout Japan. Every remote rural area has a story just like yours and I’m not impressed.” End of story. Deep in the Iya Valley, a mountainous ...

Shirakawa-go is famous for its gassho-zukuri farmhouses, which are more than two centuries old. These thatched-roof houses are built to endure heavy snowfall, making them architectural marvels. The ...