The Ancient Ninja Strongholds of Iga & Koka
The Sengoku Period was the golden age of ninja in Japan, with Iga in Mie Prefecture and Koka in Shiga Prefecture emerging as the bastions of the shadow warrior.
Pulling Back the Curtain on the Ninja World
Discover the secrets of these shadow warriors and practice your ninja star throwing skills at 'The Ninja' exhibit at Tokyo's Miraikan.
Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter
The immaculately preserved Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter is recognized as one of the most charming merchant’s quarters in all Japan. Located in Okayama Prefecture, local museums also feature masterpieces by El Greco, Monet and Picasso.
Netsuke: Ancient Pocket Charms from Edo Japan
Take a look inside the beautiful and historical world of Japanese 'netsuke.'
Niigata: The 'Ricebasket' of Japan
Located on the Sea of Japan in northwest Honshu, Niigata City is one of Japan’s most fertile farming areas. But there are plenty of things to see other than rice!
World's First Snoopy Museum Opens in Tokyo
Get your dancing paws ready for a Snoopy-tastic experience in Tokyo's Roppongi district!
Spring in Nagoya
The majestic Mount Fuji from shinkansen window, cherry blossoms at its peak, and Nagoya-jo is a nice way to enjoy spring in Japan.
An Incredible Adieu to Kansai
Hien Tran walks us through a moving farewell to the Kansai area, from the classic temples and shrines to the little things like festivals, ice cream, cat cafés and farewell parties. Just try not to be moved!
Impressions on Kyoto Manga Museum
Have you ever heard of the Kyoto International Manga Museum? Here's a sneak peek!
Travel Back in Time to the Early 20th Century
Slip back into the Taisho Period when you slip on one of these stunning kimono.
Celebrate Mount Takao’s Earthly Delights
Opened at the foot of Mount Takao in summer 2015, the Takao 599 Museum welcomes visitors with an exciting array of natural exhibitions, as well as a well-pruned lawn complete with avant-garde benches, a terrace and a café.
Top 3 Things to Experience in Takamatsu
From art islands to ancient gardens and intricate traditional lacquerware, there's plenty to enjoy in and around this Shikoku city.
The Bicycle Culture Center Museum in Tokyo
Calling all bike lovers! Ever been to the Bicycle Culture Center in Tokyo? If not, you'll be surprised to learn it's actually a uniquely designed museum showcasing the history of bicycles in Japan!
A Visual Love Letter to Japan
There are Japan videos, and then there are things like this. Set to Yuzo Koshiro's sweeping "Cerulean Woodlands," this 10-minute piece of art is truly a love letter to Japan.
Aomori's Stunning 'Tsugaru-nuri' Lacquerware
Looking for a unique souvenir from Japan that isn’t food? Tsugaru-nuri, a type of lacquerware local to Aomori Prefecture, may be the elegant souvenir you’ve been waiting for.
Get Your Ghibli On!
Couldn't get tickets for the Ghibli Museum? Head over to the Ghibli Exhibition in Roppongi Hills instead—but you'd better hurry since it's only open for a limited time!
Tottori's Amazing Sand Sculpture Museum
Picture the Sapporo Snow Festival, just a little sandier.
Tsukuba: City of Science & Nature
In addition to being a 'science city,' Tsukuba is also home to one of Japan's oldest shrines, located at the foot of a twin-peaked mountain associated with the origins of the Japanese people.
Budgeting for a Weekend Away from Tokyo
Tokyo’s great, but it’s nice to get away from time to time. Fortunately, from the capital, the short-trip traveler has access to some great weekend-away spots. We've selected some of the classics, and assess their travel budgets.
3 Earthy Things to Do in Kumamoto
Here are three great options in the Kumamoto area if you're looking to reconnect with creatures past and present, as well as the earth below!