All About Japan

Masayoshi Sakamoto (坂本正敬)

Masayoshi Sakamoto (坂本正敬)

All About Masayoshi Sakamoto (坂本正敬)
Masayoshi Sakamoto is a Japanese writer and translator based in Toyama. He writes news and columns for a number of publications and web magazines, including All About Japan. He contributes to All About as its Kurobe-Tateyama guide.
The Polite Way to Sip Green Tea with Company

The Polite Way to Sip Green Tea with Company

When sipping tea with your host, the polite way to partake depends on the kind of cup and the type of tea provided. Are you sure you know the right way?

How to Brew the Perfect Cup of Green Tea

How to Brew the Perfect Cup of Green Tea

If you often enjoy drinking green tea at home, make sure you know the proper way to brew each kind. It's not as simple as just putting the kettle on!

A Basic Guide to Kenrokuen Garden

A Basic Guide to Kenrokuen Garden

Located in the heart of Kanazawa, Kenrokuen Garden is counted among the Three Great Gardens of Japan, and an absolute must-see when in Ishikawa Prefecture.

21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art

21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art

The 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art in Kanazawa is a must-see spot when visiting the region. Here's why!

Take a Kanazawa Side-Trip for Just ¥390

Take a Kanazawa Side-Trip for Just ¥390

For expert JR users, there's a way to take a round-trip between Osaka and Tokyo and add Kanazawa to your tour for just ¥390 (about US$3.46). Here's how.

3 Must-Visit Bakeries in Kanazawa

3 Must-Visit Bakeries in Kanazawa

Kanazawa bread shops are baking up the goods for residents and travelers alike, and we have the Top 3 bakeries you need to check out on your next trip.

World Heritage Villages Among Deep Valleys

World Heritage Villages Among Deep Valleys

Travel to Gifu and Toyama to learn all about the charming and scenic historic villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama, two of Japan's UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

This Hotel Plan Guarantees Heart Palpitations

This Hotel Plan Guarantees Heart Palpitations

A hotel in Ishikawa Prefecture has designed a program it guarantees to bring a throb to your heart: and if it doesn't, you don't have to pay!

2 Incredibly Secluded 'Ryokan' in Toyama

2 Incredibly Secluded 'Ryokan' in Toyama

These traditional inns go beyond just being secluded—they can only be accessed by boat or tram!

7 Unique Burgers in Tottori

7 Unique Burgers in Tottori

Tottori Prefecture hosts Japan's largest burger festival—so it's only natural that it should have some unique burgers of its own!

The 4 Most Awesome Burgers North of Tokyo

The 4 Most Awesome Burgers North of Tokyo

Head north of Tokyo for a prize-winning 'yakisoba' and potato burger—or all the way up to Hokkaido for a mouth-watering jumbo scallop burger! Yum!

Toyama: The Environmentally Friendly City

Toyama: The Environmentally Friendly City

The Environment Ministers Meeting was also held in Toyama on May 15th and 16th. This article covers the reason why the meeting was hosted in Toyama, and the reason itself may reveal the charm of Toyama as a tourism destination.

3 Classic Souvenirs from Toyama

3 Classic Souvenirs from Toyama

When shopping for souvenirs on your first tour of Toyama, you may not be able to make a quick decision about which to select. Here are three representative Toyama souvenirs that can help you make your choice!

3 Breathtaking Cherry Blossom Spots in Toyama

3 Breathtaking Cherry Blossom Spots in Toyama

Every spring, Toyama Prefecture's cherry trees come to full bloom, and a few places are popular nationwide. We have three fabulous viewing spots to share with you!

Take the Train through Japan's Deepest Gorge

Take the Train through Japan's Deepest Gorge

The Kurobe Gorge Railway is a perfect choice for tourists looking for something spectacular.

Heavenly Sake from Hokuriku

Heavenly Sake from Hokuriku

The Hokuriku region is home to many breweries famous for producing splendid sake. Let's take a look at some well-known Hokuriku sake we're sure you'll want to try!

3 Award-Winning Craft Beer Breweries in Toyama

3 Award-Winning Craft Beer Breweries in Toyama

Many local brewers have tried to produce their own craft beer, but these three breweries in Toyama have found the secret recipe to success.

10 Historical Sweets from Hokuriku

10 Historical Sweets from Hokuriku

Hokuriku has various wonderful 'omiyage' (souvenir) sweets for travelers. Here we outline 10 historical souvenirs you simply have to buy on your next Hokuriku trip!

Bus Down the Three-Star Road

Bus Down the Three-Star Road

In the snow belt between Hokuriku and Gifu's Hida Mountain Range, take a bus tour down a road lined with three-star tourist spots listed in the Michelin Green Guide Japan.

20 Meters of Snow in Toyama

20 Meters of Snow in Toyama

Every spring, 30-ton snow cutters carve through some of the deepest snow accumulations in the world to create the Snow Wall, or 'Yuki-no-Otani.'

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