All About Japan

Gazing Across the Sea into Japan’s Past

Two castles peer out into the sea from Saga Prefecture’s picturesque coastal city of Karatsu.

16 Splendid Shikoku Castles

The island of Shikoku may be small, but who would've guessed it once contained 16 amazing castles, all in various shapes and forms!

First Day for a ‘Shakaijin’

So you've been hired to be part of Japan's work force? Congratulations! Check this out for some helpful tips and explanations about your first day.

10 Ways to Improve Your Japanese with Karaoke

How do you level-up your Japanese with karaoke? First read the advice, then check out our list of 10 karaoke songs that will wow your singing partners and build your language skills at the same time!

Hakodate: Gateway to the Northern Island

Now connected to Japan's main island by Shinkansen, Hakodate offers a scenic waterfront, historic buildings, a star-shaped fort—and one of the three greatest night views in Japan!

The Ins & Outs of 'Omotenashi'

'Omotenashi' is often defined as the spirit of hospitality, but it encompasses so much more.

10 Rare Japanese Sweets & Drinks

Ready for a new adventure? Try your hand at seeking out these 10 rare sweets and drinks in Japan!

Anime Characters Are Taking Over USJ!

These three shounen manga are jumping from the page and into theme park attractions at Universal Studios Japan!

Every Yu-Gi-Oh! Card Ever Made in One Place

Would you believe the heart of the cards lies in the heart of Tokyo?

Cradles of Subculture

Let's take a quick look at some trivia about various regions in Japan that are known as subculture hotbeds!

Japan's Top 11 Reconstructed Castles

Like a phoenix rising from the flames, so too have these restored beauties come back to life to prosper again on our list of the best reconstructed castles across Japan.

World's First Snoopy Museum Opens in Tokyo

Get your dancing paws ready for a Snoopy-tastic experience in Tokyo's Roppongi district!

Essential Tips for Navigating Trains

Day-to-day transit in Japan can be confusing for the uninitiated. Don't worry! We're here to help.

Riding the Rails from Top to Bottom

You'll never believe how long it takes to travel from the northernmost Shinkansen station to the one furthest south.

'Yurukyara' 101

Japan's cute mascots, often based on regional animals or foods, are known as 'yurukyara.' You've probably seen these fun and cuddly characters, but where did the idea come from?

Visiting 5 Landmarks of Haruki Murakami

Explore five Hanshin-area locations that appear as settings in Haruki Murakami's novels, as well as the landmarks of his life.

How to Do Tokyo Disney Like a Pro!

Want to make the most of your time at Tokyo Disneyland? Follow these six tips and you'll be navigating the park like nobody's business!

10 Ways to Experience 'Danso' Culture

'Danso'—women dressing and performing as men—has been an element of Tokyo girls’ underground culture for years. We've outlined 10 ways to get a taste of 'danso' culture, both in Japan and from abroad!

'Henn-na Hotel': Smart, Weird & Wonderful

The Henn-na Hotel has garnered global interest because robots handle many of its services.The hotel’s management concept is also designed to trim labor costs and conserve energy as well!

Tottori's Amazing Sand Sculpture Museum

Picture the Sapporo Snow Festival, just a little sandier.

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