All About Japan

The Akiyoshidai Fire Festival

People come to the Akiyoshi Plateau in Yamaguchi Prefecture to watch rolling grasslands burn with strips of open flame, and to explore the famous giant cave and fascinating geology of the Quasi-National Park.

Awesome Ways to Spice up the Night in Kyoto

Kyoto is known for its iconic cultural landmarks and enduring place in Japan's history. But when the sun goes down, there's still plenty of opportunity to explore and have fun!

From Tokyo to Okayama with Zooming Japan

Join Jasmine from Zooming Japan as she does what she best—travels to locales around the country, getting up close and personal with local sights, food and culture!

PM Abe Helps Explain the Name of the New Era

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe gives his take on naming the Imperial era that starts next month, the Reiwa era.

The Battle of Kawanakajima Rages on in Mie

The legendary feud between prolific samurai Takeda Shingen and Kenshin Uesugi rages on in Mie! 100 people don armor and wield weapons to reenact the ferocious Battle of Kawanakajima.

Become a Ninja at Odawara Castle

The castle closest to Tokyo expands its English explanations and adds a Fuma ninja clan infilitration experience!

Driven Aloft: From Surgeon to Astronaut

Learn about Chiaki Mukai, the first Japanese female astronaut to join a space shuttle mission.

Discover Your Spiritual Side at Koyasan

Mount Koya is one of Japan’s most sacred spots, and the perfect place to experience an overnight stay in a Buddhist temple.

Men Bare Souls (& Bodies) for Good Fortune

This winter festival in Aomori sees a few dozen men strip down to pray for good health and a good harvest!

A Look Behind the Yen Makeover

Japan's currency is getting a big makeover for 2024. Learn a little bit more about the reasoning and process behind the change!

Show Us the Money: Japan's Currency Redesign

The Ministry of Finance has revealed new designs for the Japanese yen banknotes set to debut in 2024, and they look awesome! Check out the new designs, as well as their inspirations.

The Origins of the Tough G-SHOCK Watch

Over a hundred million G-SHOCK wristwatches have been shipped for sale to customers around the world since the brand debuted in 1983. This shockproof line of timepieces is a prime example of Japan’s high-quality manufacturing.

Time-Lapse of Recovery: Ofunato

This time-lapse video of Ofunato, in Iwate Prefecture, helps show how far Tohoku has come in its recovery efforts, and how far it still has to come.

Omotenashi of English-Speaking Geisha in Kyoto

The “flower town” district of Gion in Kyoto is where geiko and maiko in glamorous kimono enchant people with their talents, elegance and grace. One geiko in particular shines through her use of two languages; a unique dialect of Japanese, and English.

Interactive Map of Real Life Ukiyo-e Locations

Ever been curious about where in Japan your favorite iconic ukiyo-e print is actually depicting? Wonder no more!

Discover 'Hell' on Earth in Kyushu

Kyushu's Oita Prefecture is home to a collection of incredible onsen that are literally too hot to handle, and referred to collectively as the "Hells of Beppu."

All About's Guide to Sendai

If you're looking to explore a different side of Japan, there's no better place to visit than the northern region of Tohoku! As the region's largest city, Sendai has something to offer every type of traveler.

Telling the Tales Behind Historical Sites

World Heritage Site listings and the designation of Cultural Properties are primarily intended to protect sites. But Japan Heritage introduces the stories and historical context behind local Tangible and Intangible Cultural Properties.

Hiking Japan’s Ancient Roads

Follow in the footsteps of pilgrims, samurai and royalty on these historic Japanese highways.

122-Year-Old Video Shows How Tokyo Has Changed

Jump back into history with this awesome video of Tokyo from a hundred years ago. Many of the people in the video spent their early lives living in a Japan that was ruled by a shogun!

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