All About Japan

All About John Asano
I'm a blogger, traveler and freelance writer living in Gifu, Japan. Originally from Melbourne, Australia, I have lived in Japan now for over 12 years.
What I like about Japan
I love nothing better than picking up my camera and exploring all the amazing sights and attractions that Japan has to offer. I write about the must-see sights and attractions in Japan on my travel website Japan Travel Advice, as well as about Japanese culture and modern life on my blog Japan Australia.
Top 4 Fall Foliage Spots around Takayama

Top 4 Fall Foliage Spots around Takayama

Fall in love with the stunning fall foliage of Hida Takayama, a beautifully preserved castle town tucked in the remote mountains of Gifu Prefecture.

Top 3 Autumn Spots in the Tokai Area

Top 3 Autumn Spots in the Tokai Area

The Tokai area is covered in beautiful mountains that change into fiery reds, apricot oranges and golden yellows in the fall. The following are our favorite spots to enjoy and admire the colorful autumn leaves.

Enoshima: The Perfect Beach Escape from Tokyo

Enoshima: The Perfect Beach Escape from Tokyo

Blessed with an abundance of beautiful natural sights, this island is only a short 60 minute train ride away from the hustle and bustle of central Tokyo.

Hokokuji: The Bamboo Temple of Kamakura

Hokokuji: The Bamboo Temple of Kamakura

Hokokuji is a fascinating old Rinzai Zen Buddhist temple located in the eastern hills of Kamakura.

7 Popular Insects in Japan

7 Popular Insects in Japan

Japan has a deep fascination with insects that dates back to the age of the samurai. Let’s take a look at the seven most popular insects in Japan and what makes them so popular.

An Amusement Park with Spanish Flair

An Amusement Park with Spanish Flair

Get the essence of Spain, without the expensive plane tickets or long flights, in Japan's Mie Prefecture.

An Action-Packed Day at Nagashima Spa Land

An Action-Packed Day at Nagashima Spa Land

You could kick back and relax all day at Nagashima Spa Land. Or, you can get your thrills on the best roller coasters in western Japan, enjoy some smooth jazz, go shopping, and cap off the day with a leisurely soak in the hot springs!

Experience the Edo Period at Toei Eigamura

Experience the Edo Period at Toei Eigamura

Where can you still see samurai, ninja and geisha roaming the streets of Japan? The answer is this theme park in Kyoto!

10 Scary Superstitions & Taboos in Japan

10 Scary Superstitions & Taboos in Japan

Why might Japanese people sometimes hide their thumbs? And which way should you avoid sleeping? For that matter, why is it bad to cut your nails at night? Find out!

The Three Oldest Hotels in the World

The Three Oldest Hotels in the World

Japan is famous for its ancient temples and shrines, but did you know that it's also the home to the three oldest hotels in the world?

Japan’s Top 5 Resort Hotels

Japan’s Top 5 Resort Hotels

Resort hotels are the perfect destination for any vacation, catering for all your needs while offering you luxury and grandeur in style. Here are our Top 5 picks throughout Japan!

The Summer Resort Area of Lake Hamana

The Summer Resort Area of Lake Hamana

Lake Hamana is a popular summer resort area located on the Pacific Coast in the western part of Shizuoka Prefecture in central Japan. Take a look at the natural splendors surrounding this lake that's only two short hours away from Tokyo.

Ichinomiya Tanabata Festival

Ichinomiya Tanabata Festival

Located in Aichi, the Ichinomiya Tanabata Festival is one of Japan’s three largest and most famous Tanabata Festivals, celebrating the one day a year when the celestial lovers Orihime and Hikoboshi can meet.

Dance All Night at Gifu's Gujo Odori

Dance All Night at Gifu's Gujo Odori

Held every summer in the picturesque riverside town of Gujo Hachiman in Gifu Prefecture, Gujo Odori is one of Japan’s largest and most famous traditional folk dance festivals.

Rainy Season 101

Rainy Season 101

While June to mid-July can be a drizzly experience in much of Japan, there are a few spots that look their very best at this time of year.

The 5 Best Burgers in the Tokai Area

The 5 Best Burgers in the Tokai Area

These tasty treats feature local ingredients to create out-of-this-world burger sensations.

Ise Azuchi Momoyama Bunkamura

Ise Azuchi Momoyama Bunkamura

Check out this historical theme park that recreates the golden age of samurai!

Traditional Shopping in Ise

Traditional Shopping in Ise

Oharai-machi and Okage-yokocho are two fantastic places that transport you back in time along the bustling shopping streets of Ise Grand Shrine.

The Wedded Rocks: Meoto Iwa

The Wedded Rocks: Meoto Iwa

These 'wedded rocks' near Ise Grand Shrine are tied to the origin story of Japan.

Japan's 3 Great Mountain Castles

Japan's 3 Great Mountain Castles

Prior to the Warring States Period (1467-1590), most castles in Japan were 'yamajiro,' or mountain castles, and they were the pinnacle of defense for Japan's clashing warlords. Trek into the countryside to find out more about them!

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