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.
Make Your Very Own Japanese Paper
‘Washi’ (Japanese traditional paper) is made from wood fiber, making it stronger than today’s common paper made of wood pulp. And the Uchiyama style of ‘washi’ made in northern Nagano’s Iiyama City is especially durable!
4 Beautiful Castles Home to Terrible Ghosts
Ancient buildings almost always seem to come with a ghost story, and Japanese castles are no exception.
5 Outdoor Autumn Activities in Karuizawa
Easily accessible from Tokyo and home to luxury resorts, shops and restaurants, Karuizawa is a gorgeous year-round getaway. But autumn is when the town shows its true colors!
Traditional Meets Modernity at Hoshino Resorts
Hoshino Resorts is a renowned resort group in Japan, creating a luxurious Japanese vacation experience. After a century, Hoshino Resorts continues its tradition of providing a blend of the premium with the decor of the past.
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!
Top 6 Castles Around Tokyo
These six castles, all easily accessible from the Tokyo area, are more than enough to slake your thirst for the days of the samurai.
10 Top Nighttime Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots
Between March and April, people flock outdoors to enjoy the brief life of Japan's blooming cherry blossoms. But just because the day ends doesn't mean the 'hanami' (flower viewing) has to as well. Take a look at our 10 recommended night viewing spots!
5 Instagram-Worthy Castles for Every Season
Winter, spring, summer or fall, you'll fall in love with these sites, and snap a photo as you do!
The Ise-Shima G7 Summit Regions
10 cities around the country were selected to host ministerial meetings surrounding the 2016 G7 Summit in Ise-Shima. From education to IT and agriculture, each was selected for a very specific reason!
List: Japan's 12 Original-Construction Castles
While Japan is home to over 300 castles, there are only 12 that still retain their original castle keep. These 12 so-called 'original construction' castles are the cream of the crop.
10 Events to Attend During Golden Week 2016
2016 is a golden year for Japan's big Golden Week holiday. Not only can you catch a few traditional annual Golden Week events, but also some pretty rare ones as well!
Japan's 12 Best Keepless Castles
These castles may not have keeps, but many of them are much older than any of Japan's so-called "original construction" castles.
Experience the Onbashira Festival—Safely!
This Nagano festival frequently results in deaths when it’s held every six years. Now you can experience the ride firsthand—and safely—at any time of year.
The Salt of Life
Salt from the sea and other essential goods were hauled along Salt Road from Japan’s coastal areas to the mountainous territories inland—and delivered even to mortal enemies in need.
3 Karuizawa Hotels with Atmosphere!
These accommodation options embody the rustic-chic atmosphere of Karuizawa, the popular Nagano resort town just over an hour from Tokyo.
A Magical Hotel Stay
Ikenotaira Hotel, facing Shirakaba Lake in Nagano Prefecture, has created a special suite that's fit for a magical girl!
5 Unbelievable Hiking Spots in the Japan Alps
The Japan Alps in the north-central parts of Honshu offer some of the most exhilarating wilderness outings in the country. You won't believe what you can see.
Karuizawa Resort Region Guide
Kariuzawa is a popular mountain resort escape for Tokyoites, and a chic getaway for Naganoites. Its forests, lakes and waterfalls attract many for relaxing in the woods, while others come for the trendy shops and restaurants.
Top 10 Best Ryokan of Japan
If you're looking for traditional Japanese-style lodging, look no further than these ten Japanese inns.
