Japan's Open Air Folk House Museum: Fascinating, Photogenic, Foreigner-Friendly
Historic homes and rural lifestyles are the focus of this sprawling outdoor museum near Tokyo.
A Day Trip Exploring Japan's Feudal History in Mito City
The city of Mito is within easy access of Tokyo or Narita Airport, perfect for a day trip.
Hakko Department: One-Stop Shop for All Things Fermented in Trendy Shimokitazawa
How one man is aiming to change the world with Japan's fermentation culture.
Jindaiji Temple and Environs: Hidden Historical Gem Not Far From Central Tokyo
A short hop from central Tokyo is the neighborhood of Jindaiji, a pleasant green area with Tokyo's second oldest temple, appealing soba shops, and a shop celebrating the beloved artist Mizuki Shigeru.
Small Spaces, Part 1: Japanese Ideas for Small and Tiny Homes
Innovative, space-saving methods from traditional and modern Japanese architecture that can be used in any home, regardless of size. The first of a series.
Recent Non-Fiction Books About Japan That You Must Read
Looking for your next great read about Japan? Here's a selection of some of the best non-fiction books—from memoirs to culinary explorations—published in the 2020s.
The Most Important Japanese Shrine You've Never Heard Of
While Usa Jingu Shrine is the most prestigious shine of the Shinto religion after Ise Jingu Shrine, it is little known, even among many Japanese. But it is an important part of Japan's religious history, and gateway to the fascinating Kunisaki peninsula.
Bamboo: the Secret to Takachiho’s Iconic Cuisine
The scenic valley of Takachiho in Miyazaki Prefecture is known for its bamboo cuisine. Here are three of the most popular dishes.
Running an Innovative Guesthouse in Japan's Mountain Sanctuary
An interview with Ryochi Takai, the owner of a guesthouse in Koya-san, the renowned Buddhist temple sanctuary in the mountains of Wakayama prefecture.
Small Spaces, Part IV: Japanese Ideas for Small and Tiny Homes
The fourth of a series on innovative, space-saving methods from traditional and modern Japanese architecture that can be used in any home, regardless of size.
Day Walk of Ryogoku: Sumo, Swords, Souvenirs, and Wild Boar
Tokyo's Ryogoku district is closely associated with sumo, but there's plenty more to see and do here in this traditional area of downtown Tokyo.
Water, Rocks, Plants, and More: Five Types of Japanese Gardens
There’s more to Japanese gardens than beautiful landscaping. Come stroll through the history of five types of gardens you should explore on your next trip.
The Perfect Weekend in Okayama
One of a series of Perfect Weekends in Japanese cities. Lovers of art, food, history, and nature will all find something to help them spend a fantastic weekend in Okayama.
Okinawa's Top 5 Wellness Oils: Nature's Best-kept Secrets
Introducing some lesser known essential oils of the island of Okinawa, where the locals have long known that health is a harmonic state of body, mind and spirit.
Onomichi: A Japanese Inland Sea Town That Saved Its Own Life
Cycling Sustainable Development Goals
How sustainability efforts have remarkably revitalized the Inland Sea town of Onomichi by attracting new residents and tourists—with an emphasis on cycling.
Small Spaces, Part II: Japanese Ideas for Small and Tiny Homes
Traditional Japan Architecture
The second of a series on innovative, space-saving methods from traditional and modern Japanese architecture that can be used in any home, regardless of size.
Small Spaces, Part III: Japanese Ideas for Small and Tiny Homes
The third of a series on innovative, space saving methods from Japanese architecture that can be used in any home. The theme is bringing the exterior into the interior to broaden horizons.
JAPAN MASTERY COLLECTION: Showcasing Japan’s regional luxury brands
The Japan Mastery Collection has been opened at Haneda Airport Terminal 3 last year. The collection features garments, artworks, household items, and other products that represent the refined skills, and history of different regions across Japan.
Fukui: A Self-Care Sanctuary Just A Train-Ride Away from Tokyo
With the post-Covid travel boom, Kyoto has become too crowded for temple-trotting and Wakayama's Koyasan is too far from a Tokyo travel base. Good thing that Fukui, Japan's ultimate power spot and zen haven, is so accessible!
The Old Town of Sawara: The Ideal Day Trip from Narita Airport
From centuries-old buildings to botanical gardens and picturesque canals, the Edo-era town of Sawara is a joy to discover—and a short distance from Tokyo’s Narita Airport.
