February 18, 2026 – Your Japan Insider

Chasing Snow Monsters & Soaking in Secret Onsens: A Deep Winter Adventure in Yamagata’s Zao

Have you ever dreamed of a winter wonderland so enchanting and mysterious that even the locals speak of it with reverence? Deep in the heart of Yamagata Prefecture, the Zao…

arici February 18, 2026

Travel

Walking Ancient Paths Anew: The Kumano Kodo’s Modern Revival Through Local Wisdom and Nature

Japan’s Kumano Kodo is more than just an ancient pilgrimage route through the awe-inspiring landscapes of Wakayama—it's a living link to centuries of spiritual tradition, local wisdom, and an evolving…

arici February 18, 2026