All About Japan

Monkeying around at Takasakiyama Monkey Park

Get up close and personal with the monkeys of Taksakiyama! Here, you can meet wild monkeys and learn about their lives in the mountains of Oita Prefecture.

Incredible Drive-By Hanami on a Tokyo Train

Tokyo's extensive rail network isn't only extremely convenient—it can also be extremely beautiful, especially during cherry blossom season!

Connecting the City with Nature in Aizu

The Aizu Railway in Fukushima Prefecture is a vital means of transportation for residents, but it offers so much more than just a way to get around.

Updated 2019 Cherry Blossom Forecast!

According to the latest forecast by the JMC, the first blooms are only a little over one month away!

Flowers & Sakura at Seaside Park in Fukuoka

Compared to some places, Kyushu's Fukuoka Prefecture isn't particularly famous for its cherry blossoms. But these shots—accompanied by gorgeous baby blue flowers—makes us think it should be!

2019 Tokyo Sakura Season Officially Begins!

As of Thursday, March 21, the flower frenzy that sweeps the nation has officially begun in Tokyo!

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.

All About Earthquakes in Japan

Japan has thousands of earthquakes every year, which can be scary if you don't know what to expect! Learn all about earthquakes in Japan, including how to prepare and what to do when it happens.

Hanami Starts in Tokyo with Index Tree

How is the official start of hanami season determined in Tokyo? The Japan Meteorological Agency uses a special 'index tree' located at Tokyo's Yasukuni Shrine.

Hiking Japan’s Ancient Roads

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

Whisk Yourself Away to a Land of Wisteria

Isn't spring just the best? Sure, the cherry blossoms may be on their way out, but Japan’s amazing wisteria flowers are here to make us all forget about them!

Getting Back to Nature in Kochi

Get away from tourist-filled Tokyo and Kyoto, and explore the nature, food and friendly villages of Kochi. Bring your sense of adventure!

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.

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.

A Crash Course on Tokyo's Plum Blossoms

Spring is one of Japan's most anticipated times of year, with good reason! Plum blossoms pop up in late February, and are the herald of the changing season. Find out what they are, how they're different and where you can see them in Tokyo!

Tokyo Hanami Hot Spot: Ueno Park

This expansive park in eastern Tokyo is one of the most popular places to enjoy cherry blossoms, and with good reason!

Snow & Sakura Make for Incredible Hanami

The weather is fickle in Japan as the seasons change, and occasionally this results in the beautiful and unlikely combination of snow and cherry blossoms!

The Many Expressions of Nara's Deer

Nara is known for its population of friendly sacred deer, who freely roam between the ancient capital's temples and shrines, always on the lookout for deer crackers. Check out some of our favorite, hilarious photos of these adorable, derpy critters.

Tokyo Hanami Hot Spot: Inokashira Park

Inokashira Park is a beloved spot in Tokyo for cherry blossom viewing. With some 200 cherry blossom trees, it's easy to see why!

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