The Ancient Ninja Strongholds of Iga & Koka
The Sengoku Period was the golden age of ninja in Japan, with Iga in Mie Prefecture and Koka in Shiga Prefecture emerging as the bastions of the shadow warrior.
Ginormous Anime Snow Sculptures
It seems the 2016 Sapporo Snow Festival has some larger-than-life anime characters in store!
An Incredible Adieu to Kansai
Hien Tran walks us through a moving farewell to the Kansai area, from the classic temples and shrines to the little things like festivals, ice cream, cat cafés and farewell parties. Just try not to be moved!
Knights vs. Samurai—in Real Life!
Ever wondered who would win in a fight of knights versus samurai? At the Japan Armored Battle League, you can finally find out!
5 Ninja-Related Spots in & around Tokyo
No trip to Japan is complete without celebrating its signature order of clandestine spies and assassins! These five spots will give you your ninja fix while exploring Tokyo and beyond!
4 Essential Pieces of Ninja Gear
In the world of fiction, ninja climb like Spider-man and toss out weapons like they've got bottomless Bat-utility belts. But how much was real, and how much is modern embellishment? A look at their gear will help us find out!
Buffalo Car to Yubu Island
Take an unbelievable journey to Yubu Island, Okinawa by 'Buffalo Car.'
Savor Sacred Sake in Saga
The sake breweries of Kashima City open their doors to overseas tourists, offering a peek into how sake is made for one of Japan's three most prominent Inari shrines.
Rent an Island for a Day
For about as much as a month's rent in Tokyo, you can reserve an island for a day off the coast of Kanagawa Prefecture.
Impressions on Kyoto Manga Museum
Have you ever heard of the Kyoto International Manga Museum? Here's a sneak peek!
A Day at Jigokudani Monkey Park
Look out for some incredible shots of swimming monkeys and delicious-looking food—plus a time-lapse view of what it looks like when the staff set up your futon at a lovely 'ryokan' in Nagano!
Love Knows No Boundaries
Equal Wedding Japan offers traditional Japanese wedding ceremonies to all nationalities, genders, and sexual orientations in locations like on a Noh stage or in a samurai village.
Feel Like a Ninja on This Rope Obstacle Course
Head out to central Saitama to test your fake ninja skills!
Sneak Back in Time to a Ninja Village
Ninja roam the streets of this themed village in Saga Prefecture, giving visitors a close-up glimpse of their shadowy lifestyle.
Ninja for a Day: Koka Ninja Village
Is it possible to really become a ninja when traveling around Japan? Go to Shiga to find out—but you might be a little surprised by the reality!
Learn Japanese Calligraphy at Your Hotel
This workshop at the Shiba Park Hotel covers a single basic but fun point: how to write your name in katakana, hiragana and phonetic kanji. Best of luck with your brush technique!
Seritan Becomes a Ninja
Seriko Hamasaki (a.k.a. Seritan) from Tokyo Rad Girls attempted ninja training at the oldest amusement park in Japan.
Experience a Budget-Friendly Japanese Inn
Who says enjoying a Japanese 'ryokan' complete with cosplay backdrops, an onsen and sake tasting has to cost an arm and a leg?
