'Shooting Star' Bullet Train
A beaming bullet train running through the Kyushu area was created to mark the 10th anniversary of the Kyushu Shinkansen.
Homeowners Open Public Bath Under Their House
As thousands had been displaced in the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake, the disaster revealed one of the flaws of the community: there were no public baths. Until now!
Englishwoman, Buddhist Priest, Country Mom
Victoria Yoshimura went from English teacher to Buddhist priest at a rural Kyushu temple, with many adventures on the way
5 Great Reasons Why You Should Go Out to a Japanese Baseball Game
Although Sumo is nominally Japan's national sport, baseball is what the people really play and watch here. The experience surrounding a Japanese baseball game is unique and an absolute must if you are living in or visiting the land of the rising fastball.
Defeat the "Attack on Titan!" in the City Where It All Started
For fans of the manga, a must-visit destination is Hita, Oita Prefecture, where you not only can learn about the iconic comic, but also engage in the story via augmented reality (AR).
Bamboo: the Secret to Takachiho’s Iconic Cuisine
The scenic valley of Takachiho in Miyazaki Prefecture is known for its bamboo cuisine. Here are three of the most popular dishes.
13.000 Wintering Cranes Headed to Kagoshima
More than 13,000 cranes are flocking to Izumi Plain in Kagoshima Prefecture, southwestern Japan.
Kumamoto Castle's Renovation Observation Path
Kumamoto Castle is letting visitors have a backstage pass to see how the renovation work is proceeding after the major 2016 earthquake.
Mount Unzen Eruption Site to be Preserved
Locals in southwestern Japan begin digging up areas devastated by the 1991 eruption at Mount Unzen as part of efforts to preserve the disaster remains.
The Association of the Most Beautiful Villages
The Association of the Most Beautiful Villages in Japan is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and preserving the most interesting and beautiful rural towns in Japan. There are truly some hidden gems on this list!
Delicious Wagyu in Japan’s Volcanic Heartland
Known for its smoldering craters, Aso also offers an exotic stop-over for the gourmand seeking to experience the best Japanese ingredients.
Volcanic Playground: Exploring Kyushu’s Fiery Shimabara Peninsula
The Shimabara Peninsula is a little-touristed corner of Nagasaki with something for everyone: volcanic hikes, hot springs and beaches, eye-popping vistas and historical sites.
Fukuoka's Giant Gorilla Is Symbol of Strength
Since the Amabie didn't swoop in to save Japan from the pandemic, one town in Fukuoka decided to bring in a straw-based specialist to, well, smash the virus with fearsome fists and glowing red eyes!
Huis Ten Bosch Illumination Warming Up Winter
Huis Ten Bosch is enticing visitors to don their masks and head out for some outdoor holiday cheer featuring 13 million colorful LED light bulbs.
The Perfect Weekend Tour of Fukuoka City
A long-time resident shares her knowledge of mouth-watering local food spots, great shopping and open green space in one of Japan's most fascinating regional capitals.
Discovering Fukuoka's Autumn Treasures
Looking for an underrated time of year to explore Kyushu? This autumn, come to the city of Fukuoka for seasonal fun & feasting for the whole family!
Centenarians Set Record High 50th Year in Row
The number of people in Japan aged 100 and above totaled 80,450 as of September 1, marking a record high for the 50th consecutive year.
All About Japan’s Top Five Tea-Producing Regions
Japanese tea, well-known worldwide for its delicate taste and health benefits, hails primarily from five Japanese prefectures. Get to know their different characteristics.
The Vibrant Island Art of Tanaka Isson
The Japanese painter Tanaka Isson fled mainland Japan for one of the country’s most beautiful southern islands—Amami Oshima. There he labored for years in obscurity, creating large, vivid artworks of his subtropical surroundings.
Sweet, Sour, and Everything In Between: The Aromatic World of Japanese Citrus
Get a primer on Japanese citrus beforeWith over a hundred varieties grown throughout the country today, citrus has plenty of uses in Japan, from fruit snacks to alcoholic drinks.your next trip to the supermarket!
