Neal Beaver

All About Neal Beaver: Hello! I'm Neal, from Jacksonville, Florida. I've been living in Japan for almost seven years now, first in Gunma Prefecture and now in Kanagawa. I run an international school in Kawasaki and when I'm not chasing kids around, I'm writing and shooting film.

2020 Fall Foliage Forecast

As the sweltering heat of summer subsides and the weather gets cooler, autumn spreads from north to south. Find out where and when to make the most of fall foliage this season.

Celebrating 100 Years of Meiji Shrine

Temples , Shrines

2020 marks one hundred years since the enshrinement of Japan's beloved Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken at Meiji Shrine in Yoyogi. Check out all of the celebrations and special exhibits here!

The Association of the Most Beautiful Villages

Historical Site , Natural Japan

The Association of the Most Beautiful Villages in Japan is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and preserving the most interesting and beautiful rural towns in Japan. There are truly some hidden gems on this list!

Getting to Know Japan's Daikannon

Historical Site , Kanto

Some of Japan's tallest and most interesting statues represent the deity Kannon. The Goddess of Mercy is the centerpiece of many religion sites in Japan, several of which are easily accessible from Tokyo, and are perfect for a day or weekend trip!

Past Features

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All About Japan's World Heritage

UNESCO's had a lot to say about Japan, and doesn't seem to be slowing down!

Summer in Japan

Things really heat up in Japan during summer!

All About Rainy Season Tips & Tricks

There's plenty to do when the skies are gray!

Stay Home

It's a tough time right now, and we all have to do our part. But staying home can still be a rewarding and positive (if challenging!) experience!

All About Undiscovered Japan

Leave the large cities and explore the bounty of regional Japan. From the unique cuisine to the local crafts and traditions, there's magic out there just waiting to be discovered.