Aomori's Stunning Winter "Cherry Blossoms"
These "cherry blossoms" at Hirosaki Castle in Aomori Prefecture are bringing some much needed warmth to Japan's wintery north.
Capturing the Perfect Pink of Sakura
The pastel pink of Japan's cherry blossoms paints the country for nearly a month in spring. One artisan has spent years trying to capture this color from nature and use it to dye fabrics.
Updated 2019 Cherry Blossom Forecast!
According to the latest forecast by the JMC, the first blooms are only a little over one month away!
Enjoy Flower Fun at the Tanto Tulip Festival
Every April the countryside town of Tanto in Hyogo Prefecture holds the Tanto Tulip Festival, which displays over one MILLION tulips of some 300 varieties.
Discover Secret Scenic Spots in Japan
Japan’s natural scenery and local cultural experiences are drawing more and more international visitors off the beaten path.
Snow, Craft Beer and a Western Take on Winter
Australian native Daniel Bacon manages several successful businesses in Hakuba Village, Nagano Prefecture, and a founding partner of Hakuba Brewing Company, a craft beer brewery based in the same area. What does it take to attract international tourists?
A Country Town Open to Diversity & Possibility
In the town of Kamiyama, tucked away in a valley of Tokushima Prefecture on Shikoku, the population is about a quarter of what it was six decades ago. But Shinya Ominami wants to make the town a place where diverse groups can gather.
A Short, Sweet Ride through Wakayama
The Kishu Railway runs slowly through fields and a residential area along a national route in Gobo City in Wakayama Prefecture, traveling so close to the houses that it nearly grazes their eaves. Both locals and railway enthusiasts love this tiny line.
