Water, Rocks, Plants, and More: Five Types of Japanese Gardens
There’s more to Japanese gardens than beautiful landscaping. Come stroll through the history of five types of gardens you should explore on your next trip.
Aizu Wakamatsu Lives by the Code of its Samurai Past
A visit to Aizu Wakamatsu is a chance to study the samurai code that emphasized honor, respect and ethical behavior.
JAPAN MASTERY COLLECTION: Showcasing Japan’s regional luxury brands
The Japan Mastery Collection has been opened at Haneda Airport Terminal 3 last year. The collection features garments, artworks, household items, and other products that represent...
Life in Rural Japan: Three International Kochi Residents
More foreign nationals are finding their base in rural Japan. Here are the stories of three residents of nature-rich Kochi Prefecture.
This Sushi Ambassador Promotes Japanese Culture
Matsunozushi is a historic sushi shop located near Tokyo’s Omori-Kaigan Station. From behind the counter, its fourth-generation chef Yoshinori Tezuka can explain in detail about th...
An Early Spring Spectacle: 10 Spots in and Around Tokyo for Plum Blossom Viewing
While cherry blossoms often take the spotlight in late spring, plum blossoms are their lesser-known, early-blooming cousin that are equally appealing!
Small Spaces, Part IV: Japanese Ideas for Small and Tiny Homes
The fourth of a series on innovative, space-saving methods from traditional and modern Japanese architecture that can be used in any home, regardless of size.
Three of Japan's Wine Regions You Need to Visit
With around 350 wineries now scattered across Japan, crafting a travel itinerary around some of them is a wonderful way to experience the country. Exploring three of Japan’s most c...
From Ancient Ruins to 20th Century Homes: Five Historical Parks in Japan
Japan has a number of historical parks that feature buildings and items from prehistorical times to reconstructed Meiji-era neighborhoods. Here are five of the best historical park...
Great Kansai Craft Beer Breweries and Taprooms
The Kansai region of central Japan is enjoying a craft beer boom. Here is a six-pack selection of some of the best local breweries and taprooms.
Tokyo's Yokocho: Great Alleyways Old and New
Yokocho are backstreets and alleyways lined with drinking dens, taverns and restaurants, and Tokyo has a number of them, both classic and modern.
Japan's Finest Glamping Spots
the beauty of glamping (a term derived from the words "glamorous camping") is that all the hard work has been done before the camper even arrives. Here's a guide to some of Japan's...
Sweet, Sour, and Everything In Between: The Aromatic World of Japanese Citrus
Get a primer on Japanese citrus beforeWith over a hundred varieties grown throughout the country today, citrus has plenty of uses in Japan, from fruit snacks to alcoholic drinks.yo...
Exploring Azabudai Hills, Tokyo’s Latest Luxe Urban Microcosm
Mixing office, residential, retail and culture, Azabudai Hills is a bid to enhance Tokyo’s status as a competitive global city and a remarkable gamble in an era when remote work ha...
Recent Non-Fiction Books About Japan That You Must Read
Looking for your next great read about Japan? Here's a selection of some of the best non-fiction books—from memoirs to culinary explorations—published in the 2020s.
Fukui: A Self-Care Sanctuary Just A Train-Ride Away from Tokyo
With the post-Covid travel boom, Kyoto has become too crowded for temple-trotting and Wakayama's Koyasan is too far from a Tokyo travel base. Good thing that Fukui, Japan's ultimat...
Abroad in Japan: A Book Review
Influencer Chris Broad's chronicles his experiences in Japan—and his immensely popular Youtube channel—in a new, best-selling book.
Touring the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant
As TEPCO struggles to decommission the nuclear power plant wrecked in the 2011 earthquake and tsunami, visitors can safely tour the facility on regularly scheduled tours.
Trekking Ancient Trails Along Tokamachi's Amazing Rice Terraces
The terraced rice fields of Tokamachi Tanada have been called one of the most beautiful scenic spots in Japan. Here's a hike that follows ancient trails through the spectacular lan...
A Perfect Weekend in Gifu
Itinerary Japan Tips From Locals
Easily accessible from Tokyo, Kyoto, Nagoya and Osaka, Gifu is the perfect location for a perfect weekend. Enjoy this local expert's tour itinerary to the unique art of cormorant f...
