Horyu-ji's Famous Buddhist Monuments
Travel to Horyu-ji, a historic Buddhist temple in Nara Prefecture that was once one of the powerful Seven Great Temples of Ancient Nara.
UNESCO Sites in the Tokyo Area
Tokyo is great for food, shopping and relaxation. But you should know there are also a handful of stellar World Heritage Sites right in the area!
Masanori Aoyagi on Japan's World Heritage
World Heritage Temples & Shrines
When the sites of Japan’s Meiji industrial revolution were added to UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites, Highlighting Japan spoke with then-Commissioner for Cultural Affairs Masanori Aoyagi about the significance of World Heritage Sites in Japan.
Instagram's Top 10 Japan Spots of 2016!
Instagram released its Top 10 Japanese spots of 2016 on December 1. The list includes international airports as well as the biggest tourist spots in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka. See if your favorites made the list!
East Meets West in Wedding Dress Form
Japanese brides are taking control of their Western-style weddings with a uniquely Japanese flair. Find out how fashion-forward brides are swapping out kimono for dresses without losing cultural significance.
Harajuku Station's Getting Revamped
The old-fashioned facade of Harajuku Station is slated for a modern makeover. So, if you want to see the Tokyo landmark in its current form, you'd better go now.
3,000-Year-Old Baths: A Look Inside Dogo Onsen
The rejuvenating waters of Dogo Onsen have been drawing people to this famed location for 3,000 years.
10 Stellar Night Views in Kansai
Amid all the hustle and bustle of the Kansai region, don't forget about these incredibly scenic views, especially after the sun has set. If you're visiting the Kansai area—including Osaka, Kyoto and Kobe—you must check out these stellar night views!
Video: Kyoto - Timeless Beauty in 4K
Filmmaker Osamu Hasegawa takes us on a stunning journey through spring and fall in Kyoto, making majestic use of drones, glidecams and time-lapse photography. Even if you've visited the city a dozen times, you're sure to find something new!
Save up to 86% with Advance Airfare!
Want to travel Japan, but worried about the cost? JAL’s ‘Sakitoku’ advance fares lets you save up to 86 percent on airfare if you book at least 28 days in advance on domestic flights! Here are 12 ideas for places you can go!
Japan's 20 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
World Heritage Temples & Shrines
Every traveler to Japan should be sure to visit at least a few of the nation's stellar World Heritage Sites, ranging from 1,000-year-old temples and shrines to breathtaking natural biospheres.
World Heritage Villages Among Deep Valleys
Travel to Gifu and Toyama to learn all about the charming and scenic historic villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama, two of Japan's UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Shoryudo: Knockout Destinations
From ropeways and waterfalls to castles and historic gardens, the 'Rising Dragon Road' through central Japan does everything to catch your eye!
UNESCO's Historical Monuments of Ancient Nara
Once the capital of Japan, the historical monuments of Nara include temples, a shrine, a palace, a forest and lots of deer!
Shoryudo — Rising Dragon of Japan
Have you ever made soy sauce by hand? Neither had Rachel! Follow her journey through the 'Rising Dragon' of Japan, a route that travels through Shizuoka, Aichi, Ishikawa, Gifu and Nagano Prefectures.
The Tomioka Silk Mill
Historical Site World Heritage
Located in Gunma Prefecture, the Tomioka Silk Mill is a well-preserved symbol of modernization and international cooperation. It was recognized as a World Cultural Heritage Site in 2014.
True Colors: Nikko Toshogu Shrine
Attracting almost 2 million visitors every year, Nikko Toshogu Shrine is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Japan.
Can You Keep a Secret? 4 Hidden Hot Springs
There are a lot of incredible hot springs in Japan. These four hot springs are not well known, but they'll surprise you! They all have something special in common—can you guess what it is?
Hiraizumi: Pure Land Heritage
Located in Iwate Prefecture, Hiraizumi was the administrative center of northeastern Japan in the 12th century, said to have rivaled the splendor of Kyoto at its peak.
Shimane: Silver & The Sea
The Iwami Ginzan silver mine was designated a World Heritage Site in 2007. At its peak in the mid-16th to early 17th century, it was believed to be the source of one third of all the silver in circulation in the world.
