Things To Do
in Yasu

Wide open views for sunrise/sunset shots, water reflections and fishing boats; great for landscape and long-exposure photography.

Important habitat for birds — ideal for birdwatching and telephoto shots during migration seasons; early morning mist can be atmospheric.

Classic countryside scenes with seasonal patterns: planting in spring, lush green in summer, golden harvest in autumn and frosty geometry in winter.

Low-rise traditional architecture, narrow lanes and small temples provide intimate street and cultural photography opportunities.

Small markets and roadside stalls sell seasonal vegetables, rice and pickles — great for tasting fresh renkon (lotus root) and local greens.

Occasional weekend markets (check local event listings) where small vendors sell homemade snacks, onigiri and sweets — good for casual street-food style tasting.

Bowing is the common greeting; be polite, speak softly in public and follow staff instructions. Use basic phrases like 'sumimasen' (excuse me) and 'arigatou' (thank you).

Remove shoes when entering homes, some ryokan, temples or traditional restaurants — watch for shoe racks or slippers.

Keep phone calls to a minimum on trains, set devices to silent and queue in designated spots on platforms.

Do not litter, be quiet at sacred sites, and follow posted rules at parks and wetlands to protect wildlife.

Tipping is not customary in Japan and can be awkward; good service is included in the price. For exceptional service, a small gift or a polite thank-you is appropriate.

Cash (yen) remains important in smaller towns. Credit cards are increasingly accepted but not everywhere; have cash for family restaurants, markets and buses. IC transit cards (ICOCA, Suica) are handy for trains and some shops. ATMs at 7-Eleven and post offices accept international cards.

Late March–April bring cherry blossoms in parks and along rivers; pleasant temperatures and many outdoor activities open up. Pack a light jacket for cooler mornings.

Hot and humid with warm lake breezes; rainy season (tsuyu) usually in June and risk of typhoons in late summer. Expect lively outdoor festivals but prepare for humidity and sunscreen.

September–November offers comfortable temperatures and colorful foliage, especially in nearby hills — great for hiking and photography. Layers are useful as evenings cool down.

Winters are cool to cold with occasional snow; lakeside areas can be crisp and clear — good for crisp landscape photos but bring warm clothing.

Vegetarian options exist but can be limited in small towns; ask for vegetable tempura, rice, soba (check for fish-based broth), pickles and salads. Use the phrase 'watashi wa bejitarian desu' and show a short written note in Japanese explaining no meat/fish/dashi.

Challenging because many soups/broths use fish stock (dashi) and many dishes use bonito flakes or egg. Bring a translated dietary card and seek out temple cuisine (shojin ryori) in nearby larger towns if available.

Soy sauce and wheat are common in Japanese cooking; rice-based dishes are safer. Communicate clearly and look for grilled fish, rice bowls and sashimi in nearby cities.

Specialty halal or kosher restaurants are uncommon locally; plan ahead by buying groceries or visiting larger cities like Kyoto or Osaka for certified options.