A Perfect Weekend in Kobe
Kobe is Kansai's best-kept secret. Its foreign influence is a great attraction, while often overlooked is its ancient history and natural beauty. This guide sets you on track for an awesome weekend getaway.
Japan's State of Emergency: What Does It Mean?
If you were thinking of traveling to Japan, there are new restrictions to heed.
Japan Expands State of Emergency
The Japanese government expands its state of emergency over the coronavirus to seven prefectures such as Osaka and Kyoto in addition to the four in the greater Tokyo area that was originally included.
The Nada District: Historic Gateway to Japanese Sake
The sake brewing district of Nada, 30 minutes from central Kobe or Osaka, is Japan's top sake-producing region with 25 breweries, over a dozen of which welcome visitors. Exploring Nada is a great way to learn about and taste Japan's most famous drink!
10 Best Day Trips From Kobe
Sandwiched between the blue sea and the verdant Rokko Mountains, the bustling city of Kobe is a must-visit destination in Japan. Find our list of best day trips from Kobe, Japan, below.
State of Emergency Will Not Disrupt Services
Japan declares a state of emergency, but it will be business as usual for public infrastructure, major banks, and convenience stores.
Soar in the Sky at Japan's Castle in the Sky
Known as the "Castle in the Sky," the ruins of Takeda Castle mesmerize visitors to western Japan year after year.
Japanese Supercomputer Is World's Fastest
Japan’s Fugaku supercomputer, developed jointly by Riken and Fujitsu, has been ranked the fastest in the world.
Supercomputer Shows How Coronavirus Is Spread
Researchers in Japan used the supercomputer Fugaku to simulate how the novel coronavirus spreads, looking at a case in which four people are sitting at a dining table and talking without masks on.
The City of Himeji: More than Just a Castle
Himeji is a major destination for many visitors to Japan thanks to its spectacular castle, but there is far more to experience in this compact city, filled with history, regional foods, and friendly locals!
Discover Japanese Woodwork Traditions at Takenaka Carpentry Tools Museum
This Kobe museum features the traditions and technology of Japanese carpentry and tool artisanship that are used in buildings from simple tea houses to complex temple designs.
Enjoy Flower Fun at the Tanto Tulip Festival
Every April the countryside town of Tanto in Hyogo Prefecture holds the Tanto Tulip Festival, which displays over one MILLION tulips of some 300 varieties.
Takeda Castle Floating in the Sky
Thanks to a natural phenomenon, the ruins of Takeda Castle (in Hyogo Prefecture) often appear to be floating in the sky!
Mixed Reactions Over End of State of Emergency
People in Osaka, Hyogo and Kyoto in western Japan where the coronavirus state of emergency was lifted show mixed reactions over the move.
University Finds New Uses for Tuna Skin
Kindai University is working with businesses to find new uses for the skin of its farmed tuna.
Great Kansai Craft Beer Breweries and Taprooms
The Kansai region of central Japan is enjoying a craft beer boom. Here is a six-pack selection of some of the best local breweries and taprooms.
Crowning This Year's 'Luckiest Man in Japan'
Men from around Japan take part in a race at Nishinomiya Shrine in a bid to become this year’s "Luckiest Man."
Hot Spring Towns Expand Horizons
Some sleepy hot spring towns are coming up with innovative local products and activities to attract new visitors.
Kinosaki Onsen Celebrates 1300th Anniversary
2020 is the 1300th anniversary of Kinosaki Onsen, a historic onsen town in Hyogo Prefecture, with seven bathhouses located within walking distance of each other.
Kobe: Japan’s Jazz Capital Celebrates 100 Years of Great Music
Kobe has been Japan's jazz capital for 100 years, and the scene remains lively with a healthy schedule of performances at bars and clubs, and annual jazz festivals.
