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A reflection on winter life in Morioka, Ichinohe, and Okunakayama. From Yuki Akari to rural landscapes, this essay explores slow travel, intimate experiences, and a quieter form of luxury in Northern Iwate, Japan.

Who would’ve thought that a Colombian tradition would make it all the way to Japan? Especially with unpredictable weather and rain? But the response was amazing!

From documents, costs, and exams to cultural tips, a complete guide to driving school life in rural Japan with honest advice and personal insights.

Experience how jazz brought new life to the historic Ichinohe Mandaikan theater, blending music, culture, and intimacy in the heart of Tohoku.

The day after the Ichinohe Festival, the streets are empty, the colors gone, but the echoes remain flutes in the air, mantises on the path, and the quiet lesson that even small things can be brave.

In northern Japan, the autumn season brings a series of festivals, known locally as aki matsuri (秋まつり), celebrating the harvest, nature, and local heritage. These festivals remain particularly distinctive, often overlooked by travelers. In this article, I will guide you on how to understand, experience, and enjoy them correctly, so read until the very end!

📌 This post is written entirely in Korean as a personal message to my Korean friends. You can read other blog posts in [Español], or [日本語].

Discover the hidden history behind Japan’s numbered "nohe" towns (1戸 to 9戸) in Iwate & Aomori! Explore samurai forts, eerie tunnels, and the legendary "Zero-Nohe" in this fascinating Tohoku adventure.

Discover the magic of Ichinohe's Food & Fireworks Festival, where local food stalls, vibrant fireworks, and the inspiring spirit of junior high school students come together for an unforgettable summer night in Iwate. From unique ice cream flavors to surprise concerts, this local festival shows the true charm of rural Japan.

Discover a one-of-a-kind event in Kuji where sumo wrestlers serve you lunch after a close-up training session. A heartwarming and unforgettable cultural experience in Iwate!

An intimate journey through the spiritual corners of Ichinohe, where Kagura dance, moss-covered shrines, and rural silence reveal a different way of experiencing faith.

Three towns. Three stories. One question: What’s next for the Japanese countryside? Around the world, big cities attract younger generations with promises of opportunity, culture, and connection, but facing overcrowding, overtourism, and skyrocketing living costs. Meanwhile, rural towns are shrinking, often overlooked and underimagined. This piece explores how small Japanese towns are rewriting that narrative with creativity, community, and bold ideas.