Author Archives: Masa

Nagano Tour Featured on JAPANKART　Authentic Japan Travel Experience 📝 Featured on JAPANKART – Sharing the Heart of Nagano with a Wider Audience We’re excited to announce that one of our tours has been featured on JAPANKART, a bilingual travel media … Read More

❄️ How We Time Our Snow Monkey Tours for the Best Possible Experience At o8Experience, we care deeply about offering tours that truly deliver—especially when it comes to the beloved Snow Monkeys of Nagano. These wild macaques soaking in natural … Read More

Why Starting Early from Matsumoto is the Best Way to Experience Kamikochi (Avoid the crowds, breathe the morning air, and truly connect with nature) Kamikochi is one of Japan’s most breathtaking natural destinations — a pristine alpine valley with crystal-clear … Read More

Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan’s most iconic and well-preserved castles, is a must-visit destination in Nagano Prefecture. Its striking black exterior, rich samurai history, and panoramic views from the top floor make it a highlight for travelers. However, for most … Read More

How to Spend 5 Days in Tokyo: An Ultimate Guide Tokyo, the world’s largest metropolis, is a city of contrasts—where ancient temples meet futuristic skyscrapers, and serene gardens coexist with bustling neon-lit streets. With over 14 million residents and countless … Read More

Unraveling Pachinko: Japan’s Noisy, Colorful Obsession If you’ve ever wandered the streets of Japan, chances are you’ve encountered a pachinko parlor. With an estimated 1 in 10 people in Japan playing regularly and an industry valued at a staggering $200 … Read More

Exploring the Historic Nakasendo Trail: A Journey Through Time in Nagano Japan’s geography is as striking as it is diverse, and its central spine, a vast mountain range stretching from Tokyo to Kyoto, divides the country into two distinct halves. … Read More

Nestled in the Snow-Draped Valleys of Nagano: A Journey to the Enchanting Snow Monkeys In the serene, snow-laden valleys of Nagano Prefecture lies one of Japan’s most extraordinary natural wonders: the Snow Monkeys of Jigokudani Yaen-Koen. These Japanese macaques, famous … Read More

Matcha, a finely ground powder made from specially grown and processed green tea leaves, has been a cherished part of Japanese culture for centuries. From its origins in the tranquil tea ceremonies of Zen monasteries to its rise as a … Read More

The Daruma doll, a symbol of perseverance, luck, and goal-setting, is an iconic figure in Japanese culture. These round, hollow dolls are modeled after Bodhidharma, the founder of Zen Buddhism, and hold deep cultural significance. If you’re considering purchasing a … Read More