3 Breathtaking Cherry Blossom Spots in Toyama
Every spring, Toyama Prefecture's cherry trees come to full bloom, and a few places are popular nationwide. We have three fabulous viewing spots to share with you!
9 Reasons Why I Love 'Hanami'
'Hanami' literally means flower-viewing, but it actually refers to picnic parties that appear under the blooming cherry trees all across Japan every spring. Grace from Texan in Tokyo offers us her Top 9 reasons to love them!
Why Japanese People are Obsessed with Sakura
Cherry blossom viewing parties aren't just an excuse to get drunk in a public place, but a traditional practice of celebrating the coming of spring that has become an important part of Japanese custom.
How to Play Go
If Google's AlphaGo program can learn this traditional two-tone board game, then so can you!
Sip on Sakura Soda Under the Cherry Blossoms
No cherry blossom viewing party would be complete without at least one bottle of 'sakura'-infused cola!
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.
Japan's Top 5 'Hanami' Hikes
Japanese culture is deeply tied to nature, and there's no better time to appreciate the Japanese wilderness than cherry blossom season.
Sakura in Hirosaki City
Hirosaki is a city in western Aomori Prefecture known for its beautiful castle and cherry blossoms. The city holds a Cherry Blossom Festival every year from April 23 to May 5.
See How Momotaro Jeans are Made
Momotaro Jeans' craftspeople have dedicated their lives to denim. See how they produce a pair of jeans, from start to finish.
Japan's Oldest Manga Gets Animated
Studio Ghibli, the famed animation production house that brought us 'Spirited Away' and 'My Neighbor Totoro,' is breathing animated life into a centuries-old manga.
How Japanese Textiles Enable Global Fashions
Nobuyuki Ota, the CEO of the Cool Japan Fund and an expert on fashions both domestic and overseas, expounds on the history and appeal of Japanese textiles.
11-Day Sakura & Word Heritage Tour of Japan
Get to know the beauty of Japan on an 11-day, all-inclusive tour with a licensed English-speaking guide!
4 Spots for Sakura Along the Water in Tokyo
If you want ideas besides picnics for your cherry blossom viewing, how about walking along the river? You'll definitely appreciate the beauty of sakura from another angle!
8 Key Sakura Types in Japan
Before you step outside for 'hanami' this year, be sure to check this guide to a few of the most beloved types of cherry blossom in Japan!
Top 5 Sakura-Viewing Sites in Osaka
From castles to riverbanks, Osaka has some amazing spots for viewing cherry blossoms with your friends and family. Check out these sites during your next visit!
5 Fantastic Websites for Fall Foliage
These five sites will make sure you don’t miss a beat as the leaves change color from north to south across the country!
Kanazawa: Traditional Scenes Among the Sakura
Known for retaining much of its feudal, old-city atmosphere, Kanazawa is a castle town that boasts beautiful landmarks that can be enjoyed in every season. However, the spring cherry blossom season is in a class of its own.
Understanding Japanese Phone Culture
Before heading off to Japan, you may want to check out these keen observations by visitors from overseas regarding Japanese smartphone etiquette.
Key Japanese for the Cherry Blossom Season
Cherry Blossoms Learning Japanese
Do you know your 'sakura' vocabulary?
