All About Japan

YAMAGATA

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.

Japan's Culture & Culinary Artisans

Taste the best food cultures that make the most of an abundance of ingredients and preparation methods.

Wonders of Japan: Activities Amidst Nature

Experience a variety of sports activities carried out amidst nature.

Take the Path of Faith to Discover Nature

Rediscover yourself in mystical places deep in the mountains.

This is Actually an Ultramodern Train Station!

Despite appearing to be an incredibly spooky abandoned warehouse, this hollow station has one of Japan's most modern trains passing through it every day.

4 Incredible Kettles

Whether you're brewing up some powdered matcha green tea or a cup of Earl Grey, boiling water in these kettles will give your tea an extra kick!

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!

Magical Photos of Ginzan Onsen in the Snow

Ginzan Onsen is an achingly photogenic hot spring town in the Yamagata region of northern Japan. And it looks even better in the snow!

The Shinkansen Network in Japan

A visit to Japan is incomplete without some travel on the Shinkansen, Japan’s bullet train network. With a new line connecting Hokkaido, there isn’t a better time to see all of Japan in the blink of an eye!

3 Top-of-the-Line Kokeshi Dolls

Kokeshi are traditional Japanese dolls expertly carved from wood. You’ve probably seen them around Japan, and after reading this article, you may want to start your own collection!

Top 9 Sakura Spots in Tohoku & Hokkaido

Since northern Japan gets its cherry blossoms later than the rest of the country, even if you've missed the first round of 'sakura' to the south, you can often catch late blooms in Tohoku and Hokkaido as late as the end of April or even early May.

10 Events to Attend During Golden Week 2016

2016 is a golden year for Japan's big Golden Week holiday. Not only can you catch a few traditional annual Golden Week events, but also some pretty rare ones as well!

13 Tantalizing Tohoku Treats

Tohoku has a giant selection of sweet traditional treats to choose from. We've selected 13 of the best!

Taking It Easy in Yamagata

A little rest and relaxation at Zao Onsen in Yamagata.

9 Best Backcountry Ski Spots in Japan

When you get tired of the pistes, there's always plenty of powder off the back—or further up! From Nagano to Hokkaido, here are the nine best backcountry ski spots in the country.

4 Japanese Wines from The Wonder 500™

Japan may be more famous for sake and whisky, but these four Japanese wines are sure to delight.

8 Incredible Snow Scenes in Japan

Here's a selection of places that are beautiful in the warm weather, but in the winter, that beauty is multiplied!

Japan's 7 Best Spring Ski Locations

Japan gets so much snow that some of its biggest resorts offer skiing into the second week of May—and there's even one that goes into July!

Top 10 Castles in Tohoku

Spared many of the fierce territorial battles of the Warring States Period, the castles of northeastern Japan are a little different from those you'll find to the south and west.

4 Cool & Classic Souvenirs from Japan

‘Cool Japan’ is a government-sponsored campaign to promote Japan internationally through local products. And we've got our own ideas for some 'cool' and classic souvenirs!

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