Ekiben: Symbols of Colorful Local Culture
There was a time in Japanese history when each domain acted practically as its own country. So it's hardly surprising that each area developed its own culture and customs, giving a distinctive flavor and flair to each region.
New 4K Video Showcases the Beauty of San'in
Ditch Tokyo and Kyoto to explore the region that combines Tottori and Shimane Prefectures: San'in.
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.
Kagura: A Dance Fit for the Gods
Kagura is a ritual dance associated with autumn that, according to legend, was entertaining enough to coax the goddess of the sun to come back out of a cave and light the world again.
7 Awesome Japanese Castles Made of Lego
While there have only been a few official Japanese-style Lego castles, brick fans have been more than happy to do the rest!
All About Manneken Waffles
Love that fresh-baked-bread smell? In the Kansai area, you can savor the scent of freshly fried waffles at 18 train stations thanks to the famous Mannekin chain. Read on to learn all about these amazing waffles!
Japan's 20 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
World Heritage Temples & Shrines
Every traveler to Japan should be sure to visit at least a few of the nation's stellar World Heritage Sites, ranging from 1,000-year-old temples and shrines to breathtaking natural biospheres.
Save up to 86% with Advance Airfare!
Want to travel Japan, but worried about the cost? JAL’s ‘Sakitoku’ advance fares lets you save up to 86 percent on airfare if you book at least 28 days in advance on domestic flights! Here are 12 ideas for places you can go!
Different Types of Soba Around Japan
Soba Beyond Sushi: Best Eats & Treats in Japan
Do you know that there are places across Japan with local ways to enjoy soba? Let's go on a tour together to check out several delicious kinds of unique soba!
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.
Shimane Museum of Ancient Izumo
This museum beside Izumo-taisha Grand Shrine attempts to unravel the mysteries of one of the most important religious sites in all of Japan.
16 Splendid Shikoku Castles
The island of Shikoku may be small, but who would've guessed it once contained 16 amazing castles, all in various shapes and forms!
Shimane: Silver & The Sea
The Iwami Ginzan silver mine was designated a World Heritage Site in 2007. At its peak in the mid-16th to early 17th century, it was believed to be the source of one third of all the silver in circulation in the world.
Bathroom Beauty: Soaps & Towels
For that moment you want to feel refreshed with elegance.
7 Lesser-Known Art Galleries You Should See
In Japan you can find delicate scrolls, exquisite pottery and incredible kimono art along with works by Yoshitomo Nara, Henri Matisse or Pablo Picasso—you just need to know where to look!
21 Top Spots Outside Japan's 'Golden Route'
Many tourists concentrate on the so-called 'Golden Route' connecting Tokyo to Kyoto and Osaka. But what do you do if you want to get off the principal tourist highway and see the best of the rest? Here are Japan's 21 best off-the-Golden-Route spots!
11 Record-Setting Sites in Japan
Venture out and discover these 11 spots that break records in Japan, from the tallest building to the deepest lake. Or how about the city that eats the most ice cream?!
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!
5 Must-See Castles in Autumn
Japanese castles are great at any time of year, but these five truly shine in the fall!
Masanori Aoyagi on Japan's World Heritage
World Heritage Temples & Shrines
When the sites of Japan’s Meiji industrial revolution were added to UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites, Highlighting Japan spoke with then-Commissioner for Cultural Affairs Masanori Aoyagi about the significance of World Heritage Sites in Japan.
