Tourism in Japan is booming, with visitor numbers approaching an unprecedented 40 million per year. Japan hosts more foreign visitors than Italy and nearly matches France and Spain. With a national population of 124 million people (as of 2025), foreign travelers now represent the equivalent of one-third of the country’s population. That’s one visitor for...
The Old Hida Kaido, running from Toyama Bay to Shinshu via the Hida area, was known as the “Buri Kaido” (Yellowtail Highway). Yellowtail, referred to as the “fish of the gods,” was transported by porters and oxen, and was eaten as an auspicious New Year’s Eve dish in the landlocked Shinshu region.
Shimane is known as one of Japan’s most spiritual destinations, and the prefecture is filled with unspoiled landscapes and rich historical sites. Located in the southwest of Japan’s main island of Honshu, it is especially appealing to travelers with an interest in sustainability and the preservation of culture. The city of Yasugi was once the...
We have been commissioned by Kiso Town’s Tourism Bureau to carry out the “2024 Old Hida Highway/Shiroyama Historical Forest Walking Route Information Dissemination Project,” and the first on-site survey was conducted over four days from Sunday 20th October to Wednesday 23rd. The aim of this project is to resolve the recent issue of overtourism on...
There is a rare gem hidden in the hills west of Hiroshima, an hour’s drive from the nearest fast food chain. This is Tsuwano, the “Little Kyoto” of the San’in area, a little town that was once the capital of a feudal lord’s domain, where their oldest traditions are still maintained with a passion...
The real Japan expert’s way of traveling is to go beyond the standard route of Tokyo, Mount Fuji, Kyoto, and Hiroshima. If you want to escape from the famous tourist spots and experience Japan as it really is, we recommend visiting Hagi and Tsuwano, which are close to Hiroshima and can be reached in less...
The real Japan expert’s way of traveling is to go beyond the standard route of Tokyo, Mount Fuji, Kyoto, and Hiroshima. If you want to escape from the famous tourist spots and experience Japan as it really is, we recommend visiting Hagi and Tsuwano, which are close to Hiroshima and can be reached in less...
Situated just a few hours from the bustling streets of Kyoto by rail lies the coastal city of Obama. Considerably quieter and smaller than its tourist-centric neighbour, Obama remains, for the most part, relatively undiscovered by visitors. Yet, what this city lacks in size it more than makes up for in history and charm. While...
Travelling to Japan for the first time can be daunting, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the local language or the country’s cultural norms. To help make your trip go as smoothly as possible, Heartland Japan has created a series of helpful guidebooks, covering a range of useful topics such as how to navigate around Tokyo’s...
The Nakasendo is an ancient road that stretches from Tokyo to Kyoto, through the mountains of Central Japan. With daimyo, samurai, and even members of the imperial family using the road, the food had to be top class. The post towns of the Nakasendo also served the masses and street vendors sold local delicacies to...
Warmest greetings from Japan! Heartland Japan is a travel company and travel consultancy, devoted to bringing Japan’s lesser known secrets and hidden rural treasures to a global audience. We kindly request your participation in this questionnaire. This is a Japanese governmental project, initiated by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT); to develop...
The Seto Inland Sea is a body of calm water that lies between the Japanese main islands of Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu, stretching for 490 kilometers from Osaka to Kitakyushu. The Seto Inland Sea includes about 3000 islands – many of which are inhabited – blessed by a mild climate and a relaxed atmosphere, often...
