All About Japan All About Japan

Fresh start every Monday!

Tokyo's Beautiful 'Sakura' Winter Wonderland

As spring snow fell in the nation's capital, the cherry blossoms turned into beautiful snow-capped buds.

Odawara Castle: Last Stand of the Old Order

Located just south of Tokyo, Odawara Castle was known as an impregnable fortress—until it was taken down by a party!

Top 8 Best Areas to Live in and Around Tokyo

What are the best areas in and around Tokyo to live? Tokyo’s much-ballyhooed Kichijoji only makes it to No. 3, while an outsider with easy access to Tokyo takes the top spot!

5 Cheap Shopping Stops Near Famous Japan Sites

Ginza, Omotesando and Shibuya are not the only places to shop in Japan. In some Tokyo suburbs, there are places worth a stop; outside Tokyo, you may just score even better deals!

12 Photogenic Spots Perfect for a Tokyo Trip

There are many cool places to visit with fantastic photo opportunities in and around the Tokyo area.

4 Rock-Climbing Paradises Right in Tokyo

Tokyo isn’t known for nature. But if you visit the western part of the prefecture, you'll run into Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park, an excellent getaway for both the avid hiker and the extreme mountain climber!

A YouTuber's First Time in Japan

Follow New York-based filmmaker and YouTuber Kraig Adams as he spends one fascinating week in and around Tokyo.

Untraveled Japan: Tokyo Day Trips & More

You don’t have to go far from Tokyo to experience Japan like no one has before!

Starbucks Blends into Edo Japan

Blending seamlessly into this old castle town just north of Tokyo, Starbucks' new Kawagoe location will let you enjoy your coffee with a side of Edo-style charm.

12 Instagram-Perfect Spots Just Outside Tokyo

Tokyo is great, there’s no doubt about that, but sometimes you just want to escape and see another side of Japan. And we’re here to help you do just that with these easy day-trips from Tokyo that are perfect for your Instagram feed.

Kitchen-Haven Kappabashi Has More Than Knives

Previously, we've published articles about buying knives in Kappabashi, but this 'shotengai' has more on offer than just cutlery! Let's take a tour together and see a sharper side of this shopping street.

The Historical Stores of Ginza

Ginza has been associated with wealth ever since a silver coin mint was established here early in the Edo Period. Quite a few old shops got their start here, making Ginza a great center for some historical shopping!

Finding Bargains in Kanto's Posh Neighborhoods

Japan has 'shotengai,' or shopping streets, where you can find most anything, including food, kimono, gifts, home items, novelty goods, clothes, shoes and what have you. While 'shotengai' abound in Japan, we'll introduce you the best of the best.

10 Shockingly Cheap Tokyo Ramen Shops

Trying to find a ramen bowl that’s in-budget, but still mouth-wateringly delicious can be frustrating.

16 Authentic 'Japan' Experiences around Tokyo

How do you get an 'authentic Japan' experience in the Tokyo area? It depends on what you mean by 'authentic,' and what you mean by 'Japan!' Here are 16 'real Japan' options around Tokyo, running the gamut from the very old to the very new!

Outer Tokyo's 5 Best Fall Foliage Spots

Outer Tokyo awaits those who want a quick getaway from the city or (sometimes) an evening trip to soak in a few lesser-known spots.

In & Around Tokyo: Off the Beaten Track

A typical trip to Japan would likely include Kyoto, Osaka and Tokyo or a perhaps day trip to the countryside. However, from ancient treasures to modern marvels, there's richness and rewards for those, like André Mazzone, who take the road less traveled.

Tokyo Vegan Guide Offers 50 Restaurant Reviews

With reviews of over 50 vegan and vegan-friendly restaurants, 'Tokyo Vegan Guide' will show you not only how to survive in Japan while keeping to a plant-based diet, but how to thrive on delicious meals and snacks in the city!

Hakone Sekisho: Historical Checkpoint

The Hakone Sekisho was one of 53 checkpoints used by the Tokugawa Shogunate to maintain control over Japan's population. Now faithfully reconstructed, it makes for a pleasant visit while in Hakone, offering a nice view of Mount Fuji on a clear day.

Hakone Shrine: Home of the Nine-Headed Serpent

The mountains of Hakone have been worshipped for at least 2,500 years. Hakone Shrine venerates the three most important deities of the region: two legendary ancestors of the Japanese imperial line, and the goddess of Mount Fuji herself!

know-before-you-go