All About Japan All About Japan

Fresh start every Monday!

Wonders of Japan: The Coastline

Enjoy the breathtaking coastal landscapes unique to this island nation.

The Many Sides of Kitakata

We've traveled around the Tohoku region with Nick, checking out some of the great moments from his travels. But this time, we'll join the intrepid writer as he revisits his old stomping grounds, getting a deeper look at the city of Kitakata!

Discover Fresh Greenery in the North of Japan

Snow still stands majestically on the mountains of northern Japan even as new leaves bud on the trees in the valleys. If you want to truly feel spring as it comes to Japan, you want to visit Tohoku.

How to Fully Enjoy Your First Visit to Tohoku

Follow along with our writer Wut who went on an incredible journey to Tohoku to discover the best things to see and do for any traveler's first trip to the region.

10 Reasons to Visit Tohoku in Spring

There's a lot to love about Japan's northern region of Tohoku, no matter the season. Travel along with Nick to find out why the area really shines in spring.

Discover Cherry Blossoms with Snow in Tohoku!

While Japan may be known for its springtime cherry blossoms, the Tohoku region offers something even more unique: cherry blossoms with snow!

AAJ Adventures: Kitayamazaki

While checking out a few other spots in Iwate Prefecture, we just had to see the sights from the observation decks of Kitayamazaki. And the views were truly breathtaking. We've got the video to prove it.

Flock with the Seagulls at Kabushima Shrine

Take flight with our writer Nick as he heads back to Tohoku to visit a shrine that's quite literally 'for the birds!'

AAJ Adventures: Goishi Coast

What's waiting for you along the cliffside shore of Goishi Kaigan in Iwate Prefecture? A team of AAJ editors and a videographer head out to Ofunato to capture the natural wonder of the region.

Top 20 Power Spots in Japan

Japan seems to be overflowing with so-called 'power spots.' Here are 20 of the best, many of them tied to mountain worship, ancient shrines, and the very origins of Japan.

All Aboard the Pikachu Train!

This adorably awesome Pokémon train is part of disaster relief project for a tsunami-damaged region of Japan.

The 10 Best Spring Spots in Tohoku

With some of the best nature and scenery in all of Japan, spring is particularly spectacular in Tohoku, with a magnitude of cherry blossom viewing spots that typically bloom a few weeks later than Tokyo and Kyoto.

AAJ Adventures: Ryusendo Cave

We're back with another AAJ Adventure, this time in Iwaizumi Town in Iwate Prefecture, to check out one of the Three Great Limestone Caves in Japan.

Is Japan Boring Outside of Tokyo?

Tokyo certainly has charm and no one could doubt the convenience of living or staying in the major city. However, there’s so much more to see outside of Tokyo and I'm happy to give you a few examples... it’s literally my job to promote the entire country.

Undiscovered Japan: Fukushima & Miyagi

While Fukushima and Miyagi prefectures were both badly hit by the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami, the region has now largely recovered, and is looking to see travelers flock in once again.

Matsushima: The Shining Jewel of Miyagi

We're proud to present a guide to Matsushima, one of Japan's three most beautiful views, brought to you by our friends at Spoon & Tamago.

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!

Tohoku: Japan's Treasureland

While Japan's northern Tohoku region may be best known for its incredible winter landscapes, the JNTO and All About Japan headed north in spring to prove there are plenty of reasons to visit the region year-round!

Kizuna Festival: Coming Together in Tohoku

Join our intrepid writer Nick on a journey to the inaugural Kizuna Festival in Sendai to celebrate the community, cooperation and cultural diversity of the Tohoku region.

How to Get Around (& to) Tohoku

Ready to start your trip to Tohoku? Before grabbing your luggage and putting on your shoes, you'd better plan how to move around once you’re there. We’re here to help!

know-before-you-go