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Aomori’s Hirosaki Park Reopens

Aomori’s landmark park famous for cherry blossoms reopens after closing for 38 days to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Run with the Foxes at Zao Fox Village

Zao Fox Village in Miyagi Prefecture is home to 100 foxes that visitors can feed, hold and pet!

The 1,000-Year-Old History of Hanawa Bayashi

The small town of Kazuno in Akita Prefecture holds the Hanawa Bayashi Festival, designated by UNESCO as part of Japan’s Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Float On, Giant Princess Kaguya

This year’s Tachinebuta Festival in northeastern Japan has a new, and very tall, princess.

Unique Ways New Years 2020 Was Celebrated

New Years in Japan is steeped in traditions, but there was more than one way to celebrate the coming of the new decade.

6 Tohoku Festivals in 1!

Tohoku's Kizuna Festival takes place in one of its six prefectures every year in the hopes of a full recovery from the 2011 disasters.

Designer Apples Fetch $2,300!

It's common knowledge that fruit is more expensive in Japan. Three of producer Chisato Iwasaki’s designed apples went for $2,300 at auction in Aomori Prefecture.

Holy Hairy Fish!

Locals in Aomori, northern Japan, find fish with algae growing from their heads that looks like hair.

Retreat to Towada-Hachimantai National Park

Retreat to the deep mountain resort home to meditative lakes, fantastical moors, and healing hot springs!

Color Your World with Vegetable Crayons

A company in Aomori Prefecture is making sustainable crayons out of vegetable waste.

Diamond Dust Glitters in Fukushima

The shimmering, icy crystals known as "diamond dust" made a village in Fukushima Prefecture look like a fairytale come to life!

A Reunion 9 Years After Tohoku Earthquake

Nine years after the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami on March 11, 2011, and Japan is still on the road to recovery. But one grieving couple found some comfort in the rubble.

Deep Dive Kanto Day Trips

More than just the beloved mega metropolis, Tokyo, the Kanto region is home to many local areas, each with their own unique charms. If you want to explore another side of Japan, these day trip ideas from Tokyo are the perfect way to do it!

Japanese Tradition of Scaring Kids Continues!

Men dressed as demons scare children in northeastern Japan to discourage them from being lazy.

Patients With COVID-19 Antibodies Found Immune

The results of Japan’s large-scale antibody test show all eight patients who had antibodies against the novel coronavirus were immune to COVID-19.

Japan-Exclusive Converse's Made with Sakura

Putting these sakura-pink kicks on your feet will help put more cherry blossom trees in Japan’s northeastern Tohoku region.

Time-Lapse of Recovery: Ofunato

This time-lapse video of Ofunato, in Iwate Prefecture, helps show how far Tohoku has come in its recovery efforts, and how far it still has to come.

Keep Your Eyes Peeled for These New Poké Lids

Pokémon have been popping up all over Japan in the craziest of places—below us!

Traditional Tsugaru-Style Shamisen Rocks

A professional shamisen artist in Aomori Prefecture gives concerts and teaches people to play the Tsugaru-jamisen.

Flip Out at This Unique Iwate Event

People compete in Iwate Prefecture to be the best table-flipper, venting their frustrations or shouting out their hopes and dreams.

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