Community Maintains Traditional Thatched Roofs
Once a flourishing post town, Ouchi-juku is home to many traditional thatched-roof residences, and residents adhere to an annual tradition of harvesting pampas grass every November to preserve their classical and eco-friendly roofs.
What Autumn Means to Japan
Robert Campbell, graduate school professor at the University of Tokyo, discusses how Japanese literature portrays the season, the unique ways people enjoy autumn in Japan, and more.
Japanese Festivals: Setsubun
Setsubun is the last day of winter in the traditional Chinese calendar, which is celebrated on February 3 each year in Japan. Find out how to celebrate with sushi!
Anime Shows How Kanji Can Help You Get Girls
This sweet high-school anime shows how learning kanji can be the key to getting a girlfriend!
6 Awesome Things to See & Do in Chichibu
Chichibu is located in western Saitama, just 90 minutes from central Tokyo. A popular tourist destination full of temples and shrines, it's known as a spot for delicious food and sightseeing.
The Truth About Toilet History
It's easy to get a chuckle out of toilet humor, but the reality is they're vital to our modern lives.
Laugh Your Way to Linguistic Enlightenment
Canadian rakugo sensation Katsura Sunshine offers a brilliant breakdown of some of the key quibbles of the Japanese language.
Style Yourself in Tenpyo Clothing
Want to dress up in some traditional Japanese wear, but find kimono rentals too expensive? A Japanese clothing store in Nara is specializing in Nara-Period clothing at a fraction of the cost of renting a kimono!
A Taste of Green Tourism in Traditional Japan
Despite their combined population of only 900, the villages of Shunran no Sato drew 11,000 visitors in 2014, attracted by the prospect of experiencing traditional Japanese life from locals only too happy to share.
Swiss Priest Guides Visitors at Koyasan
Coming to Koysan 18 years ago, Swiss national Kurt Kubli Genso became a Buddhist priest, and now guides visitors around this three-star World Heritage Site in five different languages.
A Guide to Japanese Spirits
Be on the lookout for 'yokai' dwellings in Tokyo and beyond!
Attention to Detail is Key
Don't take your eyes off this video for a second, or you'll miss seeing the precision and concentration that it takes to design a single bowl.
Kendo Looks Awesome in Kyoto
This incredible video will make you want to pick up a sword and visit Kyoto. In a good way.
A Primer on Christmas in Japan
From KFC and Christmas cakes to illumination and impending 'o-shogatsu,' YouTuber Mimei will walk you through the keys to the season.
Living Heritage: Ise Grand Shrine
With more than 1,500 years of history, this complex of Shinto shrines nestled in the forests of Ise is a living piece of Japanese culture.
Take an 8-Week Intensive Sushi Course in Tokyo
The Tokyo Sushi Academy claims to be Japan's foremost trade school for Edomae sushi, offering year-long chef courses and eight-week diploma classes.
The Skills of a Sushi Chef
An "itamae" is a multi-talented artist who oversees the complex operation of the sushi bar. Think it's simple? You may be in for a surprise!
Take a 2-Hour Lesson in Japanese Cuisine
Ayuko Akiyama’s Buddha Bellies cooking class offers hands-on courses in Japanese cuisine—including advanced courses in cutting sushi and sashimi.
6 Foreigners Making Waves in the Countryside
Japanese Countryside Deeper Japan
Most of the subjects of this story didn't see themselves where they are now—but all of them found something incredible in the Japanese countryside, leading each to develop a unique and indelible bond to the local community.
