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.

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!

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.

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.