All About Japan

Five Secret Spots in Nara You HAVE to Visit

Escape the crowds at these secluded temples and shrines in Japan's ancient capital, Nara!

You Ain't Never Heard 'Aladdin' Like This!

Have you seen this stylish and dynamic performance by the members of two Japanese high schools? It's truly worthy of a full-scale Disney production!

Travel to Kyoto on a Traditional Train

With tatami mats, noren curtains and a zen garden, this is one of the most stunning and surprisingly affordable ways to travel in Japan.

Kyoto's Amazing Gion Festival

Kyoto's incredibly historic, long-standing Gion Festival reached its thrilling climax!

Getting the Great Buddha Ready for Summer

Watch as Nara's Great Buddha, in Todai-ji Temple, gets cleaned before the Obon summer holiday.

7 Superb Festivals in Nara

Try and catch one of these fantastic events on your trip to this picturesque and historic city!

Grab a Bite at Gion's New Hard Rock Café

Let’s take a look at the unique menu items you can enjoy only at the café’s Kyoto branch.

Stay at a Machiya-Style Hostel in Kyoto

Utsuwa is a designer hostel in Kyoto that provides visitors with an affordable way to get an authentic, local experience in Japan's ancient capital!

Kyoto Gets a Rockin' New Restaurant

One of Kyoto's most traditional areas is getting a very modern new addition in the form of a Hard Rock Café! But of course, it has a tradition-inspired Kyoto twist!

Hotels Are Getting Creative in Osaka

Hotel owners in Osaka are trying new designs and services to attract customers, including the 10 million foreign tourists that visit the city each year.

A Perfect Sunset on Engetsu Island

One man spends months waiting to photograph the perfect sunset on Engetsu Island off the coast of Wakayama Prefecture. And once you see it for yourself, you'll understand why.

Dine on Decadent, Artisanal Donuts in Kyoto

Koe Donuts is bringing ethical, artisanal donuts to Kyoto—so you can satisfy your sweet tooth without feeling guilty.

Iga Ninjas Clean Up the Town

The town of Iga in Mie Prefecture was home to a renowned clan of shadow warriors. In conjunction with their annual Ninja Festival, the garbage men donned shinobi garb to get in on the action!

Giant Panda Saihin Celebrates First Birthday

Saihin, a giant panda at Wakayama’s Adventure World, just turned one, and we have the cute video.

Say Hello to Kansai's New Cup Noodle Factory

Nissin, manufacturer of Japan's original instant ramen, Cup Noodle, is opening a new, state-of-the-art factory in Shiga Prefecture

University Finds New Uses for Tuna Skin

Kindai University is working with businesses to find new uses for the skin of its farmed tuna.

Tasty Bits of Osaka

Millions of people visit Osaka every year and locals hope they will keep coming back. To make sure of that, some creative minds are developing tasty souvenirs that make a lasting impression.

Osaka Café Has Proof That Cats & Baths Do Mix

Looking around Japan, you'll likely find a cat café located nearby, with some offering unique experiences like doing yoga in the midst of the adorable critters. Rescue cat café Neko Yokujo in Osaka definitely belongs in the “unique” subset of cat cafés.

Taming the Tiger Temple of Nara

Head to Chogosonshi-ji in Nara for a uniquely feline temple experience!

Head to This Hotel if You're Keen on Katana

If you want to see Japanese swords and armor, and you don’t happen to have a time machine, usually you’ll need to head to a museum. However, we recently came across an astounding collection of katana not in any museum or gallery, but inside a hotel.

know-before-you-go