An 8-Day Journey Through the 'Rising Dragon'
Travel through the 'Rising Dragon' region of Japan, where you'll find ancient shrines, exquisite gold leaf, top-ranked gardens, incredible festivals, panoramic mountain views, plus markets, museums, kabuki and more!
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.
Japan's 3 Great 'Bon Odori' Dance Festivals
Summer is the season of the festival in Japan, and these three celebrations will have you literally dancing in the streets.
5 Childhood Fantasies Come to Life in Japan
Tooth fairies, gingerbread houses, chocolate factories... your childhood fantasy may exist somewhere in Japan.
Light up the Night with These Paper Lanterns
From the creative design team of Yuruliku comes the 'Washi Torch', a paper pendant lamp inspired by the streets of Mino.
It's Easy to Discover the History of Takayama
Ranked as a three-star Michelin destination, Takayama's ancient streetscapes are full of traditional shops, while its Takayama Matsuri is known as one of Japan's top three most beautiful festivals.
15 Unique Festivals Only Found in Japan
There are a variety of interesting festivals in each prefecture of Japan throughout the year.
The 5 Best Burgers in the Tokai Area
These tasty treats feature local ingredients to create out-of-this-world burger sensations.
A Gold Medalist's Running Route
Olympic gold medalist Naoko Takahashi gives us the lowdown on one of her favorite running spots—in the mountains!
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.
Classic Pottery via Gintama & Naruto
These stunning new plate series bring iconic imagery from the modern-day world of manga and anime to a revered traditional art.
Stay in a Luxurious 160-Year-Old Farmhouse
Immerse yourself in traditional Japanese culture at this 160-year-old 'ryokan' in Hida-Takayama.
10 Beautiful Spots to Take Photos in Japan
Photography Japanese Countryside
It's hard to take a bad picture at these gorgeous locations!
5 Unbelievable Hiking Spots in the Japan Alps
The Japan Alps in the north-central parts of Honshu offer some of the most exhilarating wilderness outings in the country. You won't believe what you can see.
Charming Traditional Ryokan in Gero
This charming and magnificent ryokan, with its in-room 'kaiseki' dinner, is a great reason to venture into the hills above Gero.
Japan's 20 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
World Heritage Temples & Shrines
Every traveler to Japan should be sure to visit at least a few of the nation's stellar World Heritage Sites, ranging from 1,000-year-old temples and shrines to breathtaking natural biospheres.
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.
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!
This Lawson Station is an Actual Station!
While Lawson convenience stores are usually called 'Lawson Station,' this store in south-central Gifu Prefecture takes the name literally!
11 Record-Setting Sites in Japan
Venture out and discover these 11 spots that break records in Japan, from the tallest building to the deepest lake. Or how about the city that eats the most ice cream?!
