All About the Local Creators' Market
Handicrafts Local Creators' Market
Launched by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), the Local Creators’ Market focuses on five Japanese locales noted for producing exquisite traditional handicrafts.
Exploring Japan's Three-Star Road
Japan's Three-Star Road is home to a host of Michelin-recognized sites and wonders, comprising a compact area that covers four prefectures. With the new Three-Star Ticket option, exploring this stretch of Japan is easier than ever before.
Discover Secret Scenic Spots in Japan
Minshuku Japan Tips From Locals
Japan’s natural scenery and local cultural experiences are drawing more and more international visitors off the beaten path.
The Organic Beauty of Kaga Lacquerware
Local Creators' Market Ishikawa
A mountainous land dotted with hot springs, Yamanaka in Ishikawa Prefecture is a major center of lacquerware production, thanks to woodturners who emigrated to this area 400 years ago.
The Nobel Prize Road Between Toyama & Gifu
A little known fact about Japan: there is a long road between Toyama and Hida Takayama that just happens to be the connecting thread between five Nobel laureates, which has earned this stretch of highway the nickname of "Nobel Prize Road".
12 Great Hikes in Japan's National Parks
You can follow the trails through Japan's national parks to mountain peaks and coastal views—and sometimes both at the same time!
Hot Spring Towns Expand Horizons
Some sleepy hot spring towns are coming up with innovative local products and activities to attract new visitors.
Affordable Travel to Snow Wall Yuki-no-Otani
Make time in your schedule to visit the snow wall, Yuki-no Otani, this spring using our cash-saving tips.
Crack Open a Cold One with Totoro
This frosty brew from Echigo Beer in Niigata Prefecture gets its seal of approval (and label!) from the masterful animation legend, Hayao Miyazaki.
2 Modern Masters of Woodwork & Lacquer
Local Creators' Market Ishikawa
Working by hand at scales that can at times only be seen with a magnifying glass, these two artisans are heirs to a 400-year-old legacy of woodworking in Ishikawa Prefecture.
Trekking Through the Mosaic
Each year about 38,000 visitors hike through the verdant trails of the Shin-Etsu trail in northwestern Japan.
Take Your Prefectural Pride on the Road
These stylish license plates feature iconic imagery from prefectures throughout Japan, so you can show off your prefectural pride every time you hit the road!
How Are You Spending Your Golden Week?
Golden Week is Japan's most anticipated holiday—and these Instagrammers give us some great ideas for things to do this holiday season!
Top 6 Historical Places Around Fukui City
Fukui Prefecture has a rich history and is home to many historical sites including the oldest castle keep in Japan as well as one of the most important Zen temples.
World's 3 Snowiest Cities All in Japan!
If you've never lived in Japan, you may now know the nation has sort of a thing for snow. How much snow? Well, the world's three snowiest cities are all in Japan! Can you guess which ones they are?
12 Female Sake Brewers Concoct a Bold Project
As fewer than 50 sake breweries in Japan are female-owned, one crowdfunding project is offering a chance to sample brews from a dozen of them.
The Cherry Blossom Forecast for 2018 Is Here
Presenting the 2018 sakura speculation map and dates for each prefecture in Japan released by Japan Weather Association.
Discover an Alpine Land of Natural Beauty
Home of the northern Japanese Alps, Chubusangaku National Park is a fantastic destination for lovers of the outdoors!
Travel to Toyama to Peek the Japanese Alps
Who knew Japan had its very own Alps? And they are right in the heart of the nation.
Buddhist Temple Decked Out in Historical Hunks
One buddhist temple in Niigata Prefecture is hoping to draw attention and crowds with sexy, anime-style art of its historic patrons.
