Patrick Murphrey, Author at Tokyo Weekender

Patrick Murphrey

Achi Village: Japan’s Home for the Best Stargazing

When poet Matsuo Basho referred to the “silent clouds of stars” he very well could…

Travel Japan: See Cherry Trees with Samurai Origins at Nagano’s Ina Valley

In southern Nagano Prefecture between the Southern and Central Alps is the scenic Ina Valley.…

The Top 4 Ski Resorts in Nagano For the Ultimate Japan Winter Adventure

While the ski resorts of Hokkaido are currently the hot ticket with international visitors, and…

Take a Boat Tour Through Tenryukyo Gorge for Poetic Fall Foliage Views

“The Mississippi River will always have its own way; no engineering skill can persuade it…

Tokyo Day Trip: Relive Epic Moments from Japanese History at Odawara

Snug between the Hakone Mountains and Sagami Bay, the seaside town of Odawara is commonly…

Cool Off in Rural Nagano at Some of Japan’s Best Summer Festivals

For centuries Tokyoites have escaped the scorching summer heat by heading for the hills of…

Take In Japan’s Best Views of Mount Fuji from Every Angle in Shizuoka

As a travel destination, Shizuoka is often overlooked, yet this city deep in the shadow…

Nagano Cherry Blossoms: Escape into the Japanese Alps for Hanami

Imagine the Swiss Alps covered in cherry blossoms. While that is a bit of fanciful…

Discover Winter’s Wonders in Nagano Prefecture’s Castle Town of Matsumoto

Matsumoto in central Nagano Prefecture is surrounded by the beauty of the snow-covered Japanese Alps…

Discover the Hiking Trails and Autumn Foliage of Yatsugatake

As fall settles in and you think about getting out and enjoying the nice weather…

Discover the Bright Lights in the Scenic Nagano City of Suwa

“Oh look, it’s a heart!” I hear a child say to their parents. It is…