All About Japan

12 Great Ways to Spend the Year in Hokkaido

Not sure when you can make it out to Hokkaido? Here are twelve events worth checking out, one for each month of the year.

Japan's Best Ekiben

Japan's regional cuisine hits the road—er, tracks—with "ekiben," or bento sold at train stations.

The Shinkansen Network in Japan

A visit to Japan is incomplete without some travel on the Shinkansen, Japan’s bullet train network. With a new line connecting Hokkaido, there isn’t a better time to see all of Japan in the blink of an eye!

Navigating Japan's Regional Ramen

Though most diners categorize ramen into shoyu, miso, shio and tonkotsu types, here we examine the basic characteristics of a number of established regional styles—and just barely scratch the surface!

5 Must-Visit Hokkaido Spots During Christmas

Whenever we talk about Christmas in Japan, most of us immediately imagine a snowy image and naturally associate it with Hokkaido.

From Osaka to Wakkanai on the Seishun 18 Kippu

Your guide to taking a leisurely four-day trip to the top of Japan using scenic local trains.

Top 12 Must-Visit Eateries in Hakodate

While you can't go wrong when eating in Hakodate, we've got the 12 places you shouldn't miss. Go out and grab a table for the best dining experience ever!

Posh Japan Train Travels to Try Before You Die

If you think cross-country train rides only offer magnificent views, think again. Japan, teeming with glorious natural wonders, has made moving from one prefecture to another a luxurious experience you'll never forget!

Five Hokkaido Dishes to Warm Up Your Winter!

When the winter weather on Japan's northern island of Hokkaido turns delightfully cold, you can be sure that these local dishes will warm you up from the inside.

Top 12 Must-Visit Eateries in Hakodate

If you have a trip to Hokkaido on your itinerary, check out what we listed as our best eats around Hakodate!

7 Incredible Events at Japanese Castles

The castles dotting Japan's landscape no longer host battles and political upheavals, but they're not boring relics. Many were the backdrop to some pretty unbelievable stories!

The 5 Most Beautiful Night Views in Hokkaido

Take a trip to Japan's northernmost island of Hokkaido for some stunning nighttime views, breathtaking no matter the season!

The 4 Forts & Castles of Hokkaido

Hokkaido has only one castle; the rest of its fortifications are actually relatively modern forts. And in the late 1860s, they were the site of the last hurrah of the Tokugawa Shogunate.

The Freshest Seafood in Hakodate, Hokkaido

Hakodate is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Hokkaido, and it's famous for fresh and delicious seafood. The seafood served in Hakodate is mostly caught locally, allowing you to enjoy the best of each season.

Hakodate: Gateway to the Northern Island

Now connected to Japan's main island by Shinkansen, Hakodate offers a scenic waterfront, historic buildings, a star-shaped fort—and one of the three greatest night views in Japan!

Escape to Hokkaido on the Bullet Train

Japan's speediest train, the Shinkansen, now extends up to Japan's most northern island of Hokkaido, making it easier to enjoy red king crabs and the famous Sapporo Snow Festival.

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