Our Shibu Onsen Guide covers how to get here, what to see, and what to do in one of Nagano’s most photogenic onsens towns.

Hey Dada,” my six-year-old says. “When did Japan start believing in Pokemon?” It’s day three of our journey through the land of the rising sun and we’re getting to the big questions.

Zeljko Vojkovic plans to visit Shinano, Nagano, the present-day location of Kobayashi Issa’s (1763-1828) hometown. Kanematsu will enjoy rereading this encouraging line on the master poet’s Jan ...