All About Japan

Different Types of Soba Around Japan

Do you know that there are places across Japan with local ways to enjoy soba? Let's go on a tour together to check out several delicious kinds of unique soba!

21 Top Spots Outside Japan's 'Golden Route'

Many tourists concentrate on the so-called 'Golden Route' connecting Tokyo to Kyoto and Osaka. But what do you do if you want to get off the principal tourist highway and see the best of the rest? Here are Japan's 21 best off-the-Golden-Route spots!

Japanese Inn Gets New Lease on Life

Traditional hospitality mixes with modern otaku culture at this mountainside 'ryokan.'

13 Places to Paraglide in Japan

There are over a dozen places where you can paraglide across Japan. Most are located in the central regions, but there are also paragliding options in Hokkaido and the southern islands if you know where to look!

Guide to the Shimanami Kaido Cycling Route

Come along for a ride along the Shimanami Kaido cycling route and experience 70 kilometers of incredible views and glorious fresh air.

Island Hopping: 4 Days on the Seto Inland Sea

This magical trip on the Seto Inland Sea is guaranteed to make you want to rent a boat and hit these gorgeous islands yourself!

Top 20 Power Spots in Japan

Japan seems to be overflowing with so-called 'power spots.' Here are 20 of the best, many of them tied to mountain worship, ancient shrines, and the very origins of Japan.

3 Awesome Ways to Get Good Luck in Tottori

Head to Tottori for bunny-ear 'omamori'—or 'ema' plaques in the shape of spirits from 'GeGeGe no Kitaro'! And if you've got a memory you'd rather put in the past, why not just set it afloat? Find out how!

The Best 'Hanami' Spots in Each Prefecture

Enjoy the best of the cherry blossom viewing season with this list of the top spots to see sakura around the country.

Japan's Top 5 Roadside Service Stops

If you're planning a road trip in Japan, you may just want to stop by one of these rest areas for a soak in a hot spring, locally sourced fruits and vegetables and scenic views.

All About Manneken Waffles

Love that fresh-baked-bread smell? In the Kansai area, you can savor the scent of freshly fried waffles at 18 train stations thanks to the famous Mannekin chain. Read on to learn all about these amazing waffles!

Start the Year off Right at This Zen Garden

Get a little balance and peace in your life by making Shinshoji Zen Museum and Gardens in Hiroshima one of your top destinations of 2017.

Cycle to the Hidden Beaches of Shimanami Kaido

Get a bicycle and make your way through some of the best beaches on the Shimanami Kaido, a gorgeous island-hopping route connecting Japan's main island to Shikoku.

New 4K Video Showcases the Beauty of San'in

Ditch Tokyo and Kyoto to explore the region that combines Tottori and Shimane Prefectures: San'in.

Tottori's Amazing Sand Sculpture Museum

Picture the Sapporo Snow Festival, just a little sandier.

Using the ili Translator in Rural Japan

Our writer Robert went on a cycling trip around western Japan and had an opportunity to test out the ili translation device in a few rural areas. Let's see how it works!

Top 30 Spots Across Japan Ranked by Tourists

Travel website TripAdvisor has just listed this year's hot spots in Japan as selected by overseas visitors and we can't wait to see what's at number one!

Fireflies Light up the Night in Amazing Photos

One Japanese photographer perfectly captures the natural beauty of Japanese summer nights by focusing on fireflies.

What is Okonomiyaki?

Okonomiyaki is a famous Japanese-style pancake or crepe. Taste the difference between the Kansai- and Hiroshima-style varieties!

Top 10 Historical Hotels & 'Ryokan' Inns

Stay at an accommodation that once served Japanese feudal lords or one that has been around since the Edo Period!

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