APT Blog

For those traveling to Japan in May, spring has finally begun and the change of seasons is palpable, both in terms of weather and the rhythms of Japanese life. The first week of May (actually [...]

Last week was a glorious full bloom of Sakura (Cherry Blossoms) and almost everyone was out enjoying nature’s show at Hanami parties. “Hanami” literally means flower viewing and that, when done [...]

Spring in Japan is unforgettably and rightly associated with Sakura (Cherry Blossoms) heralding Spring, a change in the seasons, at time of transition and renewal and new beginnings. In Japan the [...]

The Takayama Autumn Festival is a spectacular float festival that has been held for over 350 years, in both the spring and autumn. It features eleven tall floats that weigh several tons and [...]

With spring ski season almost upon us, we want to highlight one of our all time favorite ski areas in a Skiing in Japan series – Hakuba. Hakuba is located in the Japanese Alps of Nagano and with [...]

Upon arrival, if you are not a guest at the ryokan or are visiting an onsen (Japanese hot spring) not attached to a ryokan, you will need to pay first. Enter the reception. Many onsen will [...]

The annual festival boasting gaudy, incredibly large, intricate and simply amazing ice sculptures took place earlier this month in Sapporo in the north of Japan. The focus of the week-long [...]

Ski Season is upon us, so it’s time for an overview of the fantastic skiing in Japan.   The snow season in Japan is long and in some places begins as early as November and lasts into May, with [...]

Traveling the Japan Alpine Route: The Kurobe Dam  A torrent of falling water evokes Niagara Falls, only man made. “Kurobe Dam“, Japan’s largest dam and indeed one of the largest [...]

One of the truly great things about the Japanese is their love of festivals, known as Matsuri.  Festivals in Japan abound for all reasons, seasons and occasions. These festivals are steeped in [...]