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Two scarecrows in hats and backpacks look towards the mountains beyond Niegawa-juku in Chichibu.

Collection guide · Chichibu, Saitama

An Odd Day in Chichibu: Scarecrows, Dragon Bones and Mountain Soba

Chichibu’s scarecrow village, mountain soba, curious temple treasures, face-like stones and an old-town dinner.

From Tokyo · About 2–3 hours · TrainIkebukuro → Mitsumineguchi

5 stops

Published: 2026-09-07

Day TripsFood
A plant-filled restaurant frontage with Japanese signs, an outdoor menu and diners visible through the window.

Practical guide · Across Japan

Eating Somewhere With No English Menu in Japan

A step-by-step guide to entering, ordering and paying at a small Japanese restaurant when there is little or no English support.

8 sections

Published: 2026-09-03

FoodPractical Travel
Golden Shō Kannon rising above Entsuji Temple, with rows of balconies on either side of the modern temple building in Tokyo.

Collection guide · Greater Tokyo

Ghost Jizō, 108 Foxes and a Giant Kannon: Unusual Sacred Figures Around Tokyo

From a nearly faceless Jizō to 108 foxes and a giant Kannon, six unusual sacred figures within easy reach of central Tokyo.

Example train journey · add walking time

From Tokyo (Ueno) · About 6 minutes · TrainUeno → Minamisenju

6 places

Published: 2026-08-31

Sacred FiguresFaith & Ritual