The Porcelain Legacy of Arita’s Kilns
Japan's porcelain industry was kickstarted by events that shook the country 400 years ago. Andrew Lee visited Saga Prefecture and discovered the history of the region's ceramics.
A Great Wetland Wilderness: Exploring Kushiroshitsugen National Park
This sprawling land of reeds, winding rivers, and open sky is Japan’s largest wetland and a sanctuary for rare wildlife. Ancient marshlands and local communities exist in careful balance, shaped by water, conservation, and time.
Living with Fire and Sea: Exploring Unzen-Amakusa National Park
This dynamic landscape of volcanic peaks, steaming hot springs, and island-strewn seas brings together fire and water in one of Kyushu’s most distinctive national parks.
Above the Clouds: Exploring Daisetsuzan National Park
This vast landscape of volcanic peaks, deep forests, and wild rivers is home to hot springs, adventure, and a rich Ainu heritage. Nature and local communities coexist in one of Japan’s most awe-inspiring national parks.
Seascapes and Island Traditions: Exploring Saikai National Park
From former whaling ports and hidden Christian sites to coral-rich seas and quiet farming villages, this maze of islands form a maritime landscape shaped by wind and tide—and faith, community, and commitment.
Shodoshima: Fermentation, Art, and an Island Shaped by Time
Floating in the calm waters of the Seto Inland Sea, Shodoshima is a place shaped by climate, by centuries of small-scale industries, and most of all by the people who live here. It is often associated with olives or soy sauce, but offers much more: unique sake, a revival of almost lost traditions, and a quiet but growing reputation for contemporary art.
Get Thunderstruck at a Sumo Training Session
Japan’s titans of the ring live and train at roughly 40 sumo stables, with the majority located in Tokyo. A visit to one of these grappling incubators will give you a closeup look at how these giants train and what their lives are like.
GO WILD TOKYO! / Wild Tokyo Adventures in Tama and the Islands
The GO WILD TOKYO! series introduces eight experiences across the city’s western and southern reaches that showcase the appeal of adventure tourism. These are not just sightseeing itineraries, but travel meant to encounter fascinating ways of life: meeting people who protect forests while welcoming visitors, and innovators creating new experiences through fire, water, and the natural world.
