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.
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.
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.
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.
Giant Rice Cake Specially Made for the Gods
Farmers in central Japan were busy pounding giant rice cakes for Atsuta Shrine at the end of the year.
Asakusa's Sanja Matsuri Carrying on Tradition
Join a party of 1.8 million people in this giant festival in the third week of May that parades through the streets of Asakusa.
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.
Dashi Chazuke En: Umami-Filled Comfort Food
At Dashi Chazuke En, you can experience the unique texture and flavor of "Ochazuke," warm rice soaked in a gentle broth overflowing with umami flavors.
New Year, New Swords
Bladesmiths in central Japan show visitors the traditional method for making Japanese swords.
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.
Meguro River Cherry Blossom Viewing
Enjoy Tokyo's most acclaimed cherry blossom viewing destination where you can see beauty in its highest form at day or night, but only for a couple weeks in spring.
Going to Gotokuji, The Lucky Cat Temple
If you are obsessed with cats, then if there is one temple you should visit: Gotokuji Temple—the temple adorned with hundreds of maneki neko, or lucky beckoning cat statues.
Walk Through Time at the Edo Open Air Museum
At the Edo Open Air Museum, you can walk through time as you explore over 30 restored buildings with over 300 years of Japanese history.
Kemari: Japan’s Ancient Ball Game
People in Kyoto are reenacting an ancient type of Japanese football that was played by nobles centuries ago.
Crowning This Year's 'Luckiest Man in Japan'
Men from around Japan take part in a race at Nishinomiya Shrine in a bid to become this year’s "Luckiest Man."
Japanese Tradition of Scaring Kids Continues!
Men dressed as demons scare children in northeastern Japan to discourage them from being lazy.
People Are Grabbing Paper for Health
People scramble to grab pieces of “sacred” paper from a demon at a Shinto shrine in southwestern Japan.
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.
Bungee Jumping into Adulthood
Some of Japan’s new adults celebrate their coming of age this year with bungee jumping.
Year-end Cleaning at Naritasan Shinshoji
Buddhist monks spruce up Naritasan Shinshoji Temple for the annual end-of-year cleaning.
