Beyond the Cities: Nature Walks, Culinary Craft, and Local Legends in Japan

Introduction

Step off the well-trodden tourist trail and discover a more intimate, grounded side of Japan. This month’s featured experiences invite you to breathe deeply among ancient trees on a Nordic walking forest tour, taste history at century-old culinary establishments, and explore sustainable outdoor resorts built in harmony with nature.

You’ll sample ramen from globally loved brands, savor charcoal-grilled meats at renowned family-run eateries, and witness the quiet dedication behind traditional soy sauce brewing—still carried out by hand, and honored by top international chefs.

These are not just attractions—they are living parts of Japanese life, crafted and preserved by local hands. Whether you seek stillness in the woods or richness in the bowl, your journey into the heart of Japan starts here.

MENYA MUSASHI: The Origin of Double-Soup Ramen

Founded in 1996, Menya Musashi is the original flagship of the Musashi Group, now with locations overseas as well. Known as a pioneer in the ramen industry, Musashi revolutionized the idea of ramen shops by putting the customer first—emphasizing hospitality, cleanliness, and the joy of eating, alongside great taste.

At the heart of our ramen is the iconic double soup: a bold combination of rich animal-based broth (chicken and pork bones) and fragrant seafood-based broth (bonito flakes and dried sardines). This signature “two-sword style” soup delivers a deeply satisfying, well-balanced flavor.

In an era when ramen shops focused solely on taste, we were among the first to offer excellent service and hygiene as part of the full dining experience. Our mission has always been to bring joy through food—and that’s the spirit you’ll feel in every bowl at Menya Musashi.

Come taste the ramen that helped reshape the industry.

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Yakiniku Stamina-en Toyosu Ekimae Branch

Founded in 1950, this renowned and long-established yakiniku restaurant is located just steps from Toyosu Station in Tokyo — literally a 0-minute walk.

Specializing in premium Japanese black wagyu beef, the restaurant serves carefully selected cuts from all over Japan, focusing on the highest-grade A5–A4 ranked beef, all at reasonable prices.

The restaurant accommodates groups of up to 40 guests and offers three course options to suit different needs and preferences.

Opening hours are as follows:

  • Weekdays: Lunch from 11:00–15:00, Dinner from 17:00–24:00

  • Weekends and holidays: Open continuously from 11:00–24:00

Enjoy exquisite wagyu while taking in the beautiful night views of Toyosu — a perfect dining experience for visitors looking to savor Japanese flavors in a memorable setting.

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Welcome to NAHO’s Wellness Tours – Nature and Healing in Beppu & Hiji, Oita

We are NAHO, a local team offering wellness tours in Beppu City and Hiji Town, located in the heart of Oita Prefecture, Kyushu. Our tours are designed especially for international travelers who want to experience Japan’s natural beauty and healing traditions through Nordic walking and forest bathing. Each tour is a half-day program that invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with nature.

One of our signature programs takes place in the forests surrounding Mt. Tsurumi, the mountain that gives rise to Beppu’s famous hot springs. You’ll walk a beautiful trail connecting two serene lakes — Lake Shidaka and Lake Kagurame. The highlight of this route is Lake Kagurame, where in early to late June, over 15,000 iris plants bloom across roughly 80 varieties. It’s one of Beppu’s seasonal treasures and a truly breathtaking sight to enjoy while walking mindfully through nature.

Another popular experience focuses on Myoban Onsen, the area with the highest sulfur content in all of Beppu. This tour also includes Nordic walking and forest bathing, and concludes with a sweet treat: Beppu’s locally loved onsen-steamed pudding. It’s a comforting and memorable way to immerse yourself in local flavors and culture.

For those seeking spiritual refreshment, we offer a third tour in Hiji Town, just next to Beppu. Here, you’ll walk around Mt. Kyouzuka, a mountain known for its natural spring believed to have cleansing and detoxifying powers. Drinking the fresh spring water from the base of the mountain while surrounded by quiet forest is a deeply calming experience that many guests find spiritually uplifting.

We hope you’ll join us on one of our Wellness Tours during your visit to Beppu. It’s a chance to refresh your body, clear your mind, and experience the essence of Japanese nature and hospitality. We look forward to welcoming you.

Welcome to Nishiazabu World Nature Farm, an 11-seat restaurant six minutes from Roppongi Station. Specializing in wine and game, we use only select ingredients. Our artisans perform perfect blood-draining so even those who shy away from game can savor it. Try premium Chiba wild boar and Bhutan matsutake mushrooms with select wines and sake. A reservation-only premium wine list offers rare vintages. We use Uonuma Koshihikari rice, hand-planted, hand-harvested, and sun-dried in Matsunoyama. Enjoy an urban journey to nature.

A Japanese Tsukemen Experience That Engages All Five Senses — Where Dashi Meets Spice

Conclusion

Whether you’re drawn to quiet forest trails, handcrafted cuisine, or cultural heritage shaped over generations, Japan offers immersive encounters that stay with you long after your trip ends.

With more experiences continuing to emerge from regions across the country, your journey into the heart of Japan is only just beginning.

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