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!
How Do You Bleach Kimono Fabrics? With Snow!
These stunning videos show how craftsmen keep their UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage practice alive during the coldest months of the year.
Full List—Japan's Intangible Cultural Heritage
Beyond its 20 spectacular World Cultural Heritage Sites, Japan has 21 traditions recognized by UNESCO as elements of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Things to Do on 5 Key Japanese Holidays
Japan has a worldwide reputation as a workaholic nation. But little do people know that Japan offers days off on holidays that don't exist anywhere else in the world. Here are some ideas for things to explore on those days!
Top 10 Japanese Companies Over 800 Years Old
Just how old is the oldest Japanese company? You might be surprised to learn that most of the companies on our list date back centuries before the Black Plague!
8 Real 'Laputa'-Like Locations in Japan
Immerse yourself in sites that look like they could be straight out of Ghibli's classic film 'Castle in the Sky.'
Take Home a Piece of Niigata
Savor the prefecture’s finest produce long after your trip is over!
Sake Blessed with Deep Snow
'Freezing weather with heavy snow' might not sound easy for living, but it's ideal for sake brewing.
Japan's Top Music Festivals
Summer Festivals Summer Vacation
Summer is upon us, and that means one thing—the country is rocking with a wide variety of awesome music festivals!
Gourmet Meals on Wheels
Kill two birds with one stone by riding on this bus that takes you sightseeing around Niigata while dining on the prefecture's local cuisine.
4 Awesome Fireworks Festivals Outside Tokyo
Tokyo may be the heart of Japan, but to see amazing fireworks this summer, you'll need to venture out of the capital.
Lesser Known But No Less Beautiful
No matter what the season, the stunning Bijinyashi Forest certainly lives up to its name: 'beautiful woods!'
4 Cool Things You Probably Missed on SnowJapan
As with any big site, there are many great parts of SnowJapan that get overlooked, even by frequent users. Here are four things you probably didn't know you could do!
House of Light is an Absolute Delight
With an “outside-in” room and a bath lit by fiber optics, this incredible complex, designed by internationally renowned artist James Turrell, is one of Japan’s most unique places to stay.
Japan's First Beer Mircrobrewery
Founded in 1994, Echigo Beer Co., Ltd. was the first beer microbrewery in Japan. Based in Niigata, you can now get it in the U.S., U.K., Thailand and more!
The Top 5 Fall Color Spots in Koshinetsu
Easily accessible from Tokyo by bullet train, Koshinetsu is fantastic for a fall getaway.
Japan's Fertility Festivals: The Hard Facts
Japan is a festive nation, home to countless different festivals. However, some of them, while safe to visit, aren't exactly safe for work!
8 Gorgeous Japanese Lantern Festivals
Japanese lantern festivals are held to ward off evil or send off the dead, or just to warm up a chilly winter.
Top 10 Historical Hotels & 'Ryokan' Inns
Stay at an accommodation that once served Japanese feudal lords or one that has been around since the Edo Period!
11 Lesser-Known Sporting Competitions in Japan
While the Tokyo Marathon may get a lot of attention, there are a number of other prime sporting events you can watch or take part in throughout the year, from triathlons and trail running to snowboarding and surfing.
