All About Japan

Sakura & Samurai Houses in Kakunodate

Check out one of the Three Famous Cherry Blossom Spots of Michinoku, including the centuries-old weeping cherry blossoms of Kakunodate's samurai district.

4 Day Trip Destinations to Escape from Tokyo!

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!

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?

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!

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.

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.

The Birds & the Bees of Sakura Trees

Three fun facts about the reproductive ecology of Japanese cherry trees.

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.

Salty, Yet Sweet Pretzel Rolls

We've heard of matcha-infused drinks, but a matcha-infused pretzel?! This we've got to try!

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.

When You Wish Upon a Pun

There’s a special reason why Japanese people offer ¥5 coins at temples and shrines.

Japanese Art & Design Shows in New York

Check out some Japanese-inspired art and design this spring in New York.

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?

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.

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!

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!

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 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!

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.

What Exactly Is Golden Week?

Find out about the nation's most popular holiday!

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