All About Japan

A Gold Medalist's Running Route

Olympic gold medalist Naoko Takahashi gives us the lowdown on one of her favorite running spots—in the mountains!

An 8-Day Journey Through the 'Rising Dragon'

Travel through the 'Rising Dragon' region of Japan, where you'll find ancient shrines, exquisite gold leaf, top-ranked gardens, incredible festivals, panoramic mountain views, plus markets, museums, kabuki and more!

Charming Traditional Ryokan in Gero

This charming and magnificent ryokan, with its in-room 'kaiseki' dinner, is a great reason to venture into the hills above Gero.

Japan's 3 Great 'Bon Odori' Dance Festivals

Summer is the season of the festival in Japan, and these three celebrations will have you literally dancing in the streets.

5 Unbelievable Hiking Spots in the Japan Alps

The Japan Alps in the north-central parts of Honshu offer some of the most exhilarating wilderness outings in the country. You won't believe what you can see.

5 Childhood Fantasies Come to Life in Japan

Tooth fairies, gingerbread houses, chocolate factories... your childhood fantasy may exist somewhere in Japan.

Japan's 20 UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Every traveler to Japan should be sure to visit at least a few of the nation's stellar World Heritage Sites, ranging from 1,000-year-old temples and shrines to breathtaking natural biospheres.

Top 4 Fall Foliage Spots around Takayama

Fall in love with the stunning fall foliage of Hida Takayama, a beautifully preserved castle town tucked in the remote mountains of Gifu Prefecture.

It's Easy to Discover the History of Takayama

Ranked as a three-star Michelin destination, Takayama's ancient streetscapes are full of traditional shops, while its Takayama Matsuri is known as one of Japan's top three most beautiful festivals.

Japan's 3 Great Mountain Castles

Prior to the Warring States Period (1467-1590), most castles in Japan were 'yamajiro,' or mountain castles, and they were the pinnacle of defense for Japan's clashing warlords. Trek into the countryside to find out more about them!

Dance All Night at Gifu's Gujo Odori

Held every summer in the picturesque riverside town of Gujo Hachiman in Gifu Prefecture, Gujo Odori is one of Japan’s largest and most famous traditional folk dance festivals.

The 5 Best Burgers in the Tokai Area

These tasty treats feature local ingredients to create out-of-this-world burger sensations.

15 Unique Festivals Only Found in Japan

There are a variety of interesting festivals in each prefecture of Japan throughout the year.

Stay in a Luxurious 160-Year-Old Farmhouse

Immerse yourself in traditional Japanese culture at this 160-year-old 'ryokan' in Hida-Takayama.

This Lawson Station is an Actual Station!

While Lawson convenience stores are usually called 'Lawson Station,' this store in south-central Gifu Prefecture takes the name literally!

Classic Pottery via Gintama & Naruto

These stunning new plate series bring iconic imagery from the modern-day world of manga and anime to a revered traditional art.

11 Record-Setting Sites in Japan

Venture out and discover these 11 spots that break records in Japan, from the tallest building to the deepest lake. Or how about the city that eats the most ice cream?!

Light up the Night with These Paper Lanterns

From the creative design team of Yuruliku comes the 'Washi Torch', a paper pendant lamp inspired by the streets of Mino.

10 Beautiful Spots to Take Photos in Japan

It's hard to take a bad picture at these gorgeous locations!

Top 3 Autumn Spots in the Tokai Area

The Tokai area is covered in beautiful mountains that change into fiery reds, apricot oranges and golden yellows in the fall. The following are our favorite spots to enjoy and admire the colorful autumn leaves.

know-before-you-go