Giving Back: An Eco-tourism Experience at Tottori Sand Dunes
Helping to reclaim the Tottori Sand Dunes from an invasion of non-native plants.
Chiba's Secret: Unspoiled Beaches and Lush Forest Hills
Not far from Tokyo's Narita Airport, Chiba's east coast is a beautiful area of beaches, forests and unique accommodations.
Awaji Island Blue: Cycling Japan's Island Birthplace
Awaji Island is an ideal cycling destination located in Japan's picturesque Inland Sea. It is the legendary birthplace of Japan, and present home to a grassroots movement that includes indigo dyers, farm-to-table restauranteurs, unique local potters, and friendly cafes.
Kobe's Ijinkan: An Eclectic European Enclave
The city of Kobe's Ijinkan-gai (foreigners' house district) is a hillside neighborhood featuring European-style houses built for foreign residents more than a century ago. They are now a prime tourist destination for history and architecture buffs.
Steeped in Tradition: The Tea Culture of Shigaraki
Shigaraki, renowned for its pottery, is also the home of one of Japan's oldest tea-growing traditions. Meet two dedicated tea producers who honor centuries-old methods while embracing innovation in cultivation, marketing and brewing. Discover how Shigaraki’s rich tea culture continues to thrive—and how you can experience it firsthand.
Matsuyama Treasures: Historical Hot Springs and a Mountaintop Castle
The town of Matsuyama, on the island of Shikoku, is a gem for the adventurous traveler. It hosts one of Japan's most photogenic castle keeps and a newly restored traditional onsen bathhouse with a rich historical heritage.
Hike for Hope: A New Long Trail through a Former Disaster Zone
The Fukushima Coastal Trail highlights tragedy and hope following the 2011 triple disaster.
Hiking Tokyo’s Active Volcano: The “Sacred Fire” of Oshima Island
Mt. Mihara is an active volcano on a nearby island with a fascinating history, superb seafood, hot spring baths, and welcoming local people. It can be climbed on a day trip from central Tokyo, but you should at least plan on staying overnight.
