When You Wish Upon a Pun
There’s a special reason why Japanese people offer ¥5 coins at temples and shrines.
Tokyo's Final Photos of the Sakura Season?
As the spring breeze kicks up, cherry blossom petals get whisked away where they scatter on rivers and sidewalks, giving us one last dazzling display.
How Akita Warms the Winter
See life in Akita through the eyes of elementary school students as this snowbound town prepares for its winter balloon festival. If you've ever lived in small-town Japan, we challenge you not to cry.
Get a Good Whiff of Sakura-Infused Beer
Even beer companies are getting on the cherry blossom bandwagon with products like this aromatic 'sakura' beer. We'll drink to that!
4 Signature Snacks from Kumamoto
Sweet treats can be found around the world. In addition to being good gifts and satisfying certain cravings, many Japanese sweets boast long tradition and history as well!
These Sakura Petals Float on a Moat
Missed out on the blooming sakura in Tokyo? Why not head north to view the cherry blossom flower rafts in Aomori Prefecture?
The Purr-fect Yukata for Cat Lovers
Wear your love for cats on your sleeve, and even across your entire body, in the form of a beautiful 'yukata,' or lightweight kimono.
Ski with Sakura in Sapporo
The end of April sees all but the nation's northernmost cherry blossoms fall to the ground. But on the island of Hokkaido, the annual wave of pink and white is only about to begin.
Salty, Yet Sweet Pretzel Rolls
We've heard of matcha-infused drinks, but a matcha-infused pretzel?! This we've got to try!
Catch a Glimpse of Daily Life in Akita
Family and nature both feature prominently in this stirring glimpse of a day spent far away from the bright lights of Tokyo.
Japanese Art & Design Shows in New York
Check out some Japanese-inspired art and design this spring in New York.
Top 6 'Hanami' Spots in Shikoku
While Shikoku might be a bit off the grid when it comes to mass tourism, this island region is full of hidden natural gems—including gorgeous cherry trees!
The Birds & the Bees of Sakura Trees
Three fun facts about the reproductive ecology of Japanese cherry trees.
Spend a Night in a Historic House
Built to withstand and even take advantage of their environment, these singulse structures known as gassho-zukuri can only be found in two villages in Japan. So why not spend the night in a UNESCO-recognized farmhouse?
10 Events to Attend During Golden Week 2016
2016 is a golden year for Japan's big Golden Week holiday. Not only can you catch a few traditional annual Golden Week events, but also some pretty rare ones as well!
Above the Sakura & into the Sky
This amazing video takes us above the canopy of Nakameguro for a truly spectacular view of Tokyo's cherry blossoms.
Sakura & Samurai Houses in Kakunodate
Cherry Blossoms Tohoku Resorts
Check out one of the Three Famous Cherry Blossom Spots of Michinoku, including the centuries-old weeping cherry blossoms of Kakunodate's samurai district.
5 Tokyo Cafés for Sakura-Themed Treats
Let the atmosphere of the cherry blossom season linger as you enjoy sakura-themed treats and more at these chic Tokyo cafés.
4 Day Trip Destinations to Escape from Tokyo!
Mount Takao First Time in Japan
Tokyo is definitely one of the most exciting and interesting cities in Japan, but there are so many other places that are definitely worth visiting!
What Exactly Is Golden Week?
Find out about the nation's most popular holiday!
