Be the Lord of the Domain with a Luxury Stay in a Japanese Castle!
Two unusual programs offer accommodations that are fit for nobility—or an Edo-period ruler of one of Japan’s feudal provinces.
Brit Amelia Hiorns is Working to Save Japan’s Bear Population
Amelia Hiorns has one of the most unusual jobs in Japan. As a member of the Picchio Wildlife Research Center’s Bear Team, she works with black bears, Karelian bear dogs, and humans...
Shimbun Nishiki-e: The Meiji-era Origins of Japan’s Lurid Tabloids
In the Meiji Era (1868--1912), some enterprising woodblock artists used their traditional skills to bring a mix of news and entertainment to the masses.
The Perfect Weekend on the Yokohama Waterfront
Yokohama is often overlooked by the bigger, brighter lights of Tokyo and Osaka. Big mistake! Japan’ second largest city has developed a unique identity influenced by Western and Ch...
Bring Japan’s Springtime into Your Kitchen
In Japan, spring doesn’t just bring cherry blossoms and blue skies. It comes with a number of delicious, fresh ingredients that are unavailable at other times of the year. Let’s ta...
Five Young Japanese Women Making a Difference
A look at some young Japanese women making waves and inspiring others in their respective fields. Our “A list” includes an actress, an artist, an athlete, an author and an advocate...
10 Japanese Craft Beers You Must Know (Drink!)
Excellent craft beers are springing up from small breweries all over Japan. Choosing just ten is an impossible task, but we've given it a shot.
Five Women Warriors from Japanese History
Samurai, street fighters, and shamanesses--Japan has its share of fighting women over the centuries. Here are five of the country's most celebrated warriors.
The Japanese Village That Inspired Steve Jobs
Tsubame-Sanjo is one of Japan’s leading metalworking hubs, boasting time-honored craftsmanship that has caught the eye of many big-name manufacturers, including Apple.
Learning Japan's Ancient Horseback Archery
Yabusame is a traditional samurai martial, involving shooting an arrow at a target from the back of a horse galloping at full speed. I attempted to learn this in one day. And so c...
Four Japanese Women Who Changed History
Meet four Japanese women who were pioneers in education and medicine. Tsuda Umeko, Oyama Sutematsu, Ogino Ginko, and Kusumoto Ine fought the status quo and created new opportunitie...
Teenage Beer Brewer to Shochu Prophet
American Christopher Pellegrini has spent two decades in Japan, much of it on a mission to bring the delights of shochu and awamori, Japanese alcoholic drinks, to the rest of the w...
Japan's Himekuri Calendars: Amazing Almanacs
Life in Japan Traditional Japan
Japan's traditional page-a-day himekuri calendars are fascinating windows into traditional ways of keeping track of everything from seasonal events to festivals and lucky days.
In the Footsteps of Japan’s Yamabushi Ascetics
Visit this isolated village in central Japan for a glimpse of Japan's ancient ascetic traditions that are still being practiced today.
Travel by Train to Superb Sakura Viewing Spots
Some lesser-known but magnificent hanami spots in Japan’s eastern and northern regions and tips on how to reach them using the excellent railroad passes.
A Fresh Fashion Twist on Vintage Kimono
A young Japan-based Australian designer is reconstructing vintage kimono into bespoke garments.
Homesick?! Comfort Food Cures, Part 2
The second of a two-part series on where to buy ingredients for those dishes you miss the most. From tiny shops to on-line retailers and supermarket chains, Japan offers a wealth o...
A Perfect Weekend in Tokushima City
In this second of a series on perfect weekends in Japan, an insider offers hints for enjoying this picturesque riverfront city.
A Valentine Chocolate Tour of Tokyo
Introducing a delicious tasting route of 11 elite Tokyo chocolatiers and their creations.
How I Learned to Wield a Samurai Sword
Spending a few hours, or even a day, at Meihodo, a complex of Edo-style buildings and gardens in the Mt. Aso caldera of Kyushu's Kumamoto Prefecture, is a wonderful way to immerse...
