All About Japan

Autumn is for the Arts in Japan

As the heat and humidity drop and the leaves start to change color in Japan, there’s almost poetry in the air. Autumn is the season of the arts!

Spend a Night at this Classy Japanese Prison

When staying at this century-old correctional facility, you might hope they lock you up and throw away the key!

Butoh: A Unique Japanese Dance

Join us for an introduction to one of Japan's most provocative performance arts!

Hanazono Remixes Traditional Japanese Music

Audiences may not know what to expect when Naomichi Hanazono appears on stage. Dressed in garb inspired by traditional Japanese garments, he could have stepped out of a kabuki play. Then Western pop music starts up, and Hanazono springs into action!

Tour Reconstructed Kabukiza Without a Ticket

Kabukiza reopened in 2013 after three years of reconstruction and renovation, but the newly opened theater has been turned into a place that anyone can enjoy.

Unmasking the World of Kabuki

Thanks to kabuki actor Ebizo Ichikawa XI, the public can now get a special look at what goes on behind the scenes.

Now Serving: Hot Autumn Performances

If you think the only thing delectable in Japan is the rich cuisine, you're missing a lot. There's a vast menu of performances to enjoy in Tokyo in the early days of autumn—served hot, even as summer ends.

Sakura: A New Non-Verbal Musical Show in Tokyo

Non-verbal shows have proven to be a huge hit in Korea, attracting audiences of international visitors and even going on worldwide tours. Now Meijiza is bringing this accessible musical style to Tokyo!

The Oldest Extant Wooden Theater in Japan

Come with us on a journey to Akita Prefecture to see an incredible wooden theater, the oldest one in existence in Japan.

Savor the Harvest Moon

'O-tsukimi' refers to the Japanese custom of viewing the harvest moon on August 15 of the old lunar calendar, which is the day the beauty of the moon is considered to be the greatest. For 2016, that date corresponds to September 15.

8 Great Kinds of Theater in Japan

Japan has a vast array of theatrical traditions, both ancient and modern. From kabuki to Broadway musicals, there's always something great to see!

Think You Know All the Hirgana Characters?

Only one out of five Japanese people can read these characters—can you?

A Fulfilling 8-Day Itinerary for Fukuoka

We've got an 'all-planned-out' travel itinerary for eight days of exploration in Fukuoka, Japan.

Distinguishing the 4 Big ¥100 Chains

You may know Daiso, Seria and Can★Do—but have you heard of Watts? And do you know the differences between them?

5 Fundamental Kabuki Plays

Kabuki is a traditional form of theater that has been around for over 400 years. Get to know this ancient art, which is a lot more understandable and accessible than you might think!

Bringing Japanese Performing Arts to Europe

Would traditional Japanese comic storytelling work in Edinburgh? Believe it or not, it does!

Hikers, Beware the Bear!

Don't let your guard down when you hike through Japanese forests—bears are not cute and cuddly when alarmed!

Top Photogenic Spots in Shikoku, Japan

One of Japan's four main islands, Shikoku is full of charm. Being a remote island, it has a lot of unique attractions that you simply cannot see anywhere else. Get ready with your camera and take shots of these picturesque spots!

Top 20 Most Popular Castles of 2016

TripAdvisor has revealed its Top 20 best Japanese castles for 2016 based on commentary from domestic travelers—can you guess which castle is number one?

Japan's Largest Desert

Japan has a desert? That's right! The Tottori Sand Dunes are Japan's largest desert, a 16 kilometer by 2 kilometer (9.9 x 1.2 mi) strip of sand located on the Sea of Japan.

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