Visiting 5 Landmarks of Haruki Murakami
Explore five Hanshin-area locations that appear as settings in Haruki Murakami's novels, as well as the landmarks of his life.
The Oldest Business in the World
Founded over 1,400 years ago, Kongo Gumi is a Japanese temple-building company that's responsible for a number of the most famous structures in the Kansai area.
Riding the Rails from Top to Bottom
You'll never believe how long it takes to travel from the northernmost Shinkansen station to the one furthest south.
Amazing Aerial Video of Western Japan
Discover Western Japan as you have never seen it before from a breathtaking birds-eye view!
Himeji Castle Reborn
In March 2015, Himeji Castle completed its first major renovation in 50 years, leading it to be reborn in resplendent white befitting of the "White Heron Castle."
Tour Ise-Shima with the KINTETSU RAIL PASS
While the Ise-Shima area is best known for Ise Jingu, the area also offers picturesque scenery and gourmet food. And you can access this resort region easily from Osaka using the KINTETSU RAIL PASS!
4 Phrases to Help You Speak 'Kansai-Ben'
Speak like a local in Osaka, Kyoto or Kobe with these four simple phrases from the Kansai Dialect.
How to Ninja-Proof Your Castle
Ninja and other assassins were a serious problem for high-ranking officials and royalty back in the day. Here we take a look at how they managed to thwart these silent killers.
How to Enjoy Studying Abroad in Japan
Follow this dancing girl all through her amazing study abroad experience in Japan, and be sure to watch for some stunning respect from a well-antlered deer!
47 Souvenirs from All 47 Prefectures!
Traveling around Japan but don't know what souvenir to buy from each region? We've got you covered with this crazy list of our Top 47 'omiyage' from each of the nation's 47 prefectures!
7 Great Train Passes to Save Money on Transit
There are a number of passes you can buy to get unlimited transit in popular tourist areas. Here are seven great picks, with a focus on the Tokyo and Kyoto areas!
Take Home Historical Memories from Nara
Win friends and score brownie points with your family by giving them these souvenirs from Nara as gifts!
The 11 Spookiest Spots in Japan
Whether they’re haunted, abandoned or just plain old creepy, these spots will definitely show you a chilly side of Japan you may never yet have known.
Sssssip With Care At These 4 Reptile Cafés!
In a country where sipping tea with cats and boozing it up with penguins aren’t (so) out of the ordinary, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that coffee with reptiles is also now an option.
Top 10 Cheap Activities In Osaka
A city with a long history as a merchant center, Osaka has a bit of a reputation for wheeling and dealing. So it's only natural that there would be plenty of cheap things to do in the city!
Top 5 Sakura-Viewing Sites in Osaka
From castles to riverbanks, Osaka has some amazing spots for viewing cherry blossoms with your friends and family. Check out these sites during your next visit!
5 Tasty 'Omiyage' Worth Lining Up For
Orderly lines outside everything from chic coffee shops to blue-collar ramen shops are a common sight in Japan, and food-based specialty 'omiyage' (souvenir) stores are no different. But are these snacks really worth lining up for?
4 Purrfect Kansai Cat Cafés
Tired of running around, trying to see all the beautiful temples and castles in the Kansai area? Recharge your batteries at a cozy cat café!
Full List: Japan’s UNESCO Shrines & Temples!
World Heritage Temples & Shrines
Japan is home to thousands of historic shrines and temples, and a good few of them are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. A visit to just one can give insight into Japanese culture.
Modern Shops with a Traditional Twist
These shops near one of Shinto’s holiest shrines will make you feel as though you have slipped back into the feudal period.
