All About Japan All About Japan

Fresh start every Monday!

Plan a Perfect Trip with GoodDay Hokkaido

Japan's northernmost island is at the top of many travelers' must-visit lists, and with good reason. Plan your perfect trip to Hokkaido at GoodDay Hokkaido, the revamped website of the Hokkaido Tourism Organization!

Best 2021 Year of the Ox Holiday Card Designs

Sending cards to celebrate the New Year is a long-held tradition in Japan, and Spoon & Tamago is bringing you some of their favorite designs to ring in the Year of the Ox.

Walk Through Time at the Edo Open Air Museum

At the Edo Open Air Museum, you can walk through time as you explore over 30 restored buildings with over 300 years of Japanese history.

Happo-en: a Japanese Garden Hidden in Tokyo

Happo-en is a hidden gem featuring a traditional tea house, koi pond, bonsai, cherry trees, and everything else a Japanese garden should have.

Going to Gotokuji, The Lucky Cat Temple

If you are obsessed with cats, then if there is one temple you should visit: Gotokuji Temple—the temple adorned with hundreds of maneki neko, or lucky beckoning cat statues.

Imperial Bonsai Ready for New Year

Imperial Household Agency gardeners are preparing traditional potted plants that will be used as decoration in the New Year period.

Travel Back in Time at the Edo-Tokyo Museum

If you're a history buff, you can't miss the Edo-Tokyo Museum, a museum filled with hands-on exhibits and displays to help you imagine how life was in Japan back in the 17th and 18th centuries.

Japan’s Ancient Art Exhibit in Tokyo

This exhibition at the Tokyo National Museum features artwork from the mid-1600s through the early 1900s, with representations of Japan's transition through the ages.

Get Hands-on in Rural Japan: Akita Farm Stay

By giving people unique first-hand experiences, green tourism can help revitalize and re-popularize the lifestyles and customs of rural Japan.

Crown Prince Next in Line of Succession

Emperor Naruhito proclaimed his younger brother, Crown Prince Fumihito, as the first in line to Japan’s Chrysanthemum Throne on November 8.

Painting FFVII Cloud Using Traditional Methods

While Cloud and the gang from Final Fantasy VII got a big remake release this April, one artist took the protagonist back in time using traditional Japanese painting techniques.

Architectural Techniques to Join UNESCO Ranks

Japan’s traditional wooden architectural techniques are set to be recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Discharge Drill at Shirakawago Making Waves

The annual water discharge drill was carried out at Shirakawago, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Gifu Prefecture, central Japan, to the delight of visitors.

Japan to Abolish Seal-Stamping System

Bad news for fans of Japanese seals! Japan is looking to do away with its custom of physical seal stamping and come up with a digitized process.

Sake Brewing in Saku

Ever tried sake brewing? Learn how an ancient beverage can give you a glimpse into some of Japan's most enduring cultural traditions in the city of Saku, in Nagano.

List Of Temples Which Let You Stay Inside

Japan’s rich history and natural beauty have made it one of the most endearing tourist hotspots. Read on to find the list of temples which let you stay inside and explore the appeal of Japan temple lodgings.

Japan Cultural Expo

The Japan Cultural Expo coinciding with the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics will showcase the country’s traditional arts starting mid-March.

Traditional Artisans Adapting to the Pandemic

Traditional artisans in Japan are looking for innovative ways to adapt to the new normal to ride out the pandemic.

Shogi Prodigy Becomes Youngest with 2 Titles

Sota Fujii became the youngest player of the traditional Japanese board game to hold two of its eight major titles.

Marvel at These Unique Satsuma Kiriko Glasses

Sculptural satsuma kiriko glasses are a rare find these days. But, here's your chance to own a piece or two.

know-before-you-go