Learn the Legacy of the Samurai
Experience 700 years of Samurai history at the Shinjuku Samurai Museum. See real swords, armor, helmets, and other tools and weapons.
Year-end Cleaning at Naritasan Shinshoji
Buddhist monks spruce up Naritasan Shinshoji Temple for the annual end-of-year cleaning.
20,000 Bamboo Lanterns Light Up Oita
As the sun set on Taketa City last month, tourists and locals alike gathered together near the Oka Castle ruins to be amazed by the Chikuraku Festival.
Geisha in Kyoto Prepare for New Year
Geisha in Kyoto's Gion district begin their traditional New Year’s rituals. Click to learn more about the <i>koto hajime</i> ritual.
Toshogu Shrine: Lavish Tomb of Tokugawa Ieyasu
Nikko's top attraction, UNESCO World Heritage Site Toshogu Shrine, also serves as the extravagantly embellished tomb of historical shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, ruler of Japan for over 250 years.
Explore the Sumo World at Kokugikan Street
The best place to experience authentic sumo wrestler culture is at Kokugikan Street in Ryogoku. You can learn about sumo wrestling, watch a sumo match, and even eat like a sumo wrestler.
Imperial Couple Visits Ise Jingu
Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako visit Ise Jingu Shinto shrine to mark the completion of enthronement ceremonies including November's Daijosai.
Henro: A Mystical Pilgrimage Through Shikoku
Learn more about the Henro, a sacred pilgrimage that takes travelers deep into the heart of Japan's smallest island, Shikoku.
