Former Emperor Akihito Turns 86
Tokyo Imperial Palace Deeper Japan
Japan's Emperor Emeritus Akhito turns 86 years old.
Daiba 1-chome Shotengai: Time-travel to 1960s
The Showa era might be over, but you can still take a trip back in time at Odaiba's Daiba 1-chome Shotengai—a mini-theme park made of 10 stores and 7 entertainment facilities with the retro feel of the 1960s.
Learn the Legacy of the Samurai
Experience 700 years of Samurai history at the Shinjuku Samurai Museum. See real swords, armor, helmets, and other tools and weapons.
Create Ukiyo-e Art at a Woodblock Party
If you're a fan of traditional Japanese art, you can create your own version of famous ukiyo-e paintings at Mokuhankan's woodblock print party experiences.
Yutenji Temple: 300-Year World War Survivor
Yutenji Temple was founded in 1723 near Shibuya and miraculously managed to escape the world wars without much damage. As a result, you can witness the history of the original Buddhist temple as it was 300 years ago.
Conquer Tokyo in One Day with the SKY BUS
SKY BUS TOKYO offers guided and hop-on tours all around Tokyo via their open-top double-decker buses. For those that have limited time, you can see all of Tokyo's must-visit landmarks quickly and efficiently—leaving your schedule open for more activities.
Sleep in a Real Sleeper-Train-Turned-Hostel
The Hokutosei Hostel is designed like the inside of a sleeper train—and that's because that is exactly what it was!
The Sumida Hokusai Museum of Ukiyo-e Art
Katsushika Hokusai, ukiyo-e woodblock artist of The Great Wave, is so synonymous with Japanese art that the Sumida Hokusai Museum is dedicated to him. If you're a fan of traditional Japanese art, you can't miss it.
Garden Opened to Public Despite Outbreak
A private garden in central Japan opened its doors to tourists for free, while other gardens in Tokyo shut its doors due to the growing coronavirus pandemic.
All-Star Kabuki at Kyoto's Minamiza Theatre
Yearly Kabuki event "Kaomise Kogyo," a series of plays with several famous performers in the cast, has begun at Minamiza Theatre in Kyoto.
Tokyo Olympics Will Start July 23, 2021
The postponed Tokyo Olympics will kick off on July 23 2021, while the Paralympics will begin August 24. The games were delayed for a year due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Giant Rice Cake Specially Made for the Gods
Farmers in central Japan were busy pounding giant rice cakes for Atsuta Shrine at the end of the year.
Exploring Japan's Three-Star Road
Japan's Three-Star Road is home to a host of Michelin-recognized sites and wonders, comprising a compact area that covers four prefectures. With the new Three-Star Ticket option, exploring this stretch of Japan is easier than ever before.
200-Year-Old Soy Sauce Manufacturer Rebuilds
Kumamoto Earthquake Historical Shops
In April of 2016, a powerful earthquake rocked Kumamoto, toppling parts of Kumamoto Castle and damaging many other historical sites. One of those was 200-year-old soy sauce maker Hamada Shoyu. This is the story of their historic redesign by Kengo Kumo.
Temple of Thousands of Foxes: Toyokawa Inari
You won't find a temple as uniquely decorated as the Toyokawa Inari Betsuin Temple. The temple is adorned with thousands of fox statues and bright red banners. With such an impactful imagery, you'll feel like you've been whisked away to Kyoto.
Soar through the World's First Kite Museum
At the Kite Museum in Nihonbashi, you can explore over 500 unique kites, spanning through different historical eras and countries around the world.
Toshogu Shrine: Lavish Tomb of Tokugawa Ieyasu
Nikko's top attraction, UNESCO World Heritage Site Toshogu Shrine, also serves as the extravagantly embellished tomb of historical shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, ruler of Japan for over 250 years.
Walk Through Time at the Edo Open Air Museum
At the Edo Open Air Museum, you can walk through time as you explore over 30 restored buildings with over 300 years of Japanese history.
Savor Traditional Culture & Sweets at Matoi
Take your senses on a journey at Matoi, a traditional Japanese dessert café in Asakusa. With over a century perfecting timeless Japanese classics like matcha, mochi and red beans, you know it'll be good.
Tokyo's Hub of Hidden Street Food Gems
Most first-time visitors tend to overlook Ningyocho, but this historical district hides some of the best traditional Japanese street foods in Tokyo.
