All About Japan All About Japan

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How Are Men's & Women's Kimono Different?

While traditional Japanese clothing may look the same to the average person, there are some variances between men's and women's kimono. See if you can spot some of the differences.

10 Reasons to Visit Yamaguchi

Yamaguchi Prefecture is an incredible travel destination that is overlooked far too often. With a rich cultural identity, incredible landscapes and architectural marvels, delicious food and more, check out why it should be at the top of your itinerary!

Purify Body & Mind with Waterfall Training

A Shinto priest in western Tokyo offers a traditional form of ascetic training for monks and priests to the public. With waterfall training, he hopes to help others relieve the stress of living in modern society.

Flock to Shikoku to See the City of Scarecrows

Tourists are making their way to a dwindling community in Tokushima Prefecture, where the number of residents is greatly outnumbered by scarecrows.

Picture-Perfect Hidden Gems in Tokyo

Tokyo is a massive metropolis, with many hidden areas you're unlikely to find in any guidebook. Check out these lesser known spots just begging to be photographed!

Stranger than Fiction: 5 True Tales from Tokyo

Want to learn more about Tokyo? These 5 nonfiction novels examine different aspects of Japanese life and culture in the country and its colorful capital.

A Train That Conveys the Spirit of Recovery

A journey on Minami Aso Railway’s trolley train, which trundles past the Aso Caldera—one of the world’s largest volcanic craters—gives riders the leisurely opportunity to marvel at the natural splendors of Kumamoto’s landscape.

Taming the Tiger Temple of Nara

Head to Chogosonshi-ji in Nara for a uniquely feline temple experience!

7 Japanese Foods Beyond Sushi

Japan is a nation with incredible food and a strong sense of regionalism and seasonality when it comes to cuisine. As such, it's home to a countless, eclectic selection of unique foods that sometimes get left behind in favor of staples like sushi.

9 Craft Beers Perfect for Spring

Is there anything better than beer, sunshine and friends? A nice CRAFT beer, sunshine and friends! These nine beers are perfect for spring (or any season!), and are sure to take your hanami or picnics to the next level!

7 Superb Latte Art Spots

Looking for more latte flair than what Starbucks and Doutor have to offer? These Tokyo coffee shops won't let you down!

7 Tricky English to Japanese Translation Fails

Communicating in a foreign language isn't just a matter of translating what you want to say word for word. If you do, you might end up conveying a completely different meaning than your intended one!

Olympic Torch Relay Route Decided

Set to begin March of 2020, the route across Japan for the Olympic torch relay has been decided! It is expected to stop at myriad World Heritage sites and historical hotspots.

Two Airlines to Carry Olympic Flame to Japan

Two Japanese airlines, JAL and ANA, announced that they will both transport the Olympic Flame from Greece to Japan ahead of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

How 5 Tokyo Neighborhoods Were Named

Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ginza, Asakusa and Akihabara are incredibly popular areas, and at the top of many traveler's 'To See' lists! Learn how these famous Tokyo neighborhoods got their names.

How Inheritance Tax Hits Foreigners in Japan

If you’ve lived here for more than 10 years—even without a permanent visa—you may be on the hook for taxes on inheritance anywhere in the world.

5 Popular Japanese Foods (Besides Sushi)

Although sushi might be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about Japanese food, it's actually an irregular part of the Japanese diet. The following five foods are consumed far more frequently. Have you tried them all?

10 Onomatopoeia Terms You Need to Know

Whether you're a first-time visitor to Japan, a current resident or simply studying the language, if you want to impress your friends with some Japanese try out these incredibly useful onomatopoeia expressions!

All About Pensions in Japan

We answer important questions about Japanese pensions: who has to contribute, how much you have to pay, when you can receive benefits and how much you can get back?

Getting Back to Nature in Kochi

Get away from tourist-filled Tokyo and Kyoto, and explore the nature, food and friendly villages of Kochi. Bring your sense of adventure!

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