I walked along the old Nakasendo trail from Tsumago to Magome. Met lots of foreign backpackers along the way—everyone was there for the same reason and super friendly.
Magome Inn | Review by Hollin_A_A_A
Other Reviews by Hollin_A_A_A
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Bamboo Forest at Wakayama Farm
Drive about 1.5 hours north from Tokyo. In Utsunomiya-just 50 minutes from Tokyo Station by shinkansen-you’ll find a farm with a vast bamboo grove. Its lush greenery and quiet calm make it feel like you’ve stepped into a story. This one-of-a-kind, breathtaking bamboo forest is also frequently used as a filming location for movies and commercials. Cosplay photo shoots are welcome too, so if you’re interested, apply in advance via the reservation form.
The Bamboo Forest at Wakayama Farm is truly soothing.
The bamboo sways gently, and the sound of the wind feels so soft.
Walking through it naturally makes you slow down. You don’t have to think about anything—just being there feels so comfortable. -
Yakiniku Furusato Danbara Main Branch
Yakiniku Furusato Danbara Main Branch keeps an esteemed reputation for Hiroshima-sourced yakiniku and a full-step process managed entirely in house for all of its beef, from raising, shipping and wholesaling to processing. By never freezing the meat from slaughter to serving, orders here come with the promise of maximum freshness and a fully enhanced, rich and beefy umami.
The meat is super fresh and there's a lot to choose from. When grilled, the fat is just right—not too greasy. Pairing it with the side dishes makes everything go down smoothly. The staff are really friendly, too. It's a great place for a meal with friends or family. Eating lots of meat here is so satisfying.
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Tsuruya Karuizawa Store
A local supermarket chain based mainly in Nagano Prefecture, Tsuruya is loved by locals and also popular among tourists looking to buy fresh local ingredients.
They have pickles, miso, and all kinds of local produce—lots of Karuizawa exclusives! The sauce selection is amazing, and even the onion and wasabi sauces are super tasty.