All About Japan

5 Kyushu Shrines You Can't Miss

Shinto shrines can be found just about everywhere in Japan. But shrines in Kyushu are special, because Kyushu is, according to legend, home to the first places where the Shinto gods descended to Earth.

5 Great Couples’ Onsen Getaways

Private baths let you have some alone time in the tub.

3 Historic Snacks from Oita

Visiting Oita Prefecture? Then check out these three mouth-watering sweets that are also full of history!

Koi-Shaped Sushi Will Make Your Head Swim

An Oita-based shop has found a way to make your sushi swim again.

Enjoy these 5 Onsen for ¥100 Or Less

You don’t have to break the bank to enjoy the relaxing experience of taking a long soak in an onsen while basking in breathtakingly natural beauty.

At Home in Kitsuki

A very special little castle town in southern Japan.

Spend the Night at this Onsen from Just ¥1980!

Just in case you need another reason to visit an onsen in Oita, why not dive into the mountains for one of the cheapest stays you can find?

Onsen Trivia: Highest, Hottest & Healthiest

Oita has the most hot spring sources, but Hokkaido has the most spas—and the highest onsen is in Toyama.

Japan's Only 3-Michelin-Star Onsen

Head down to Oita for the spot that wowed Michelin for four years straight.

What's Japan's Best Rural Area to Live in?

Publisher Takarajimasha addresses this question in a survey that shows some shocking results. Who knew the top four spots would all be on the same island?

4 Premium Packaged Plants

This great selection highlights the Japanese art of packaged food, where almost anything can find itself inside a plastic wrapper!

Bathe in the Lap of Luxury

This three-star Michelin-rated onsen treats anyone like royalty for a fraction of the cost.

Synchronized Bathing Bids Travelers to Oita

To show off a number of its best onsen, Oita recruited the help of a professional synchronized swim team.

5 Ways Oita Salutes the Public Toilet

The Oita Toilennale may sound quirky, but it's just another trusty innovation made in Japan.

Public Toilet Looks Like a Mountain of Dessert

Artist Minako Nishiyama conceived of the project as part of the 2015 Oita Toilennale, perhaps the world’s first art festival dedicated to toilets.

Top 3 Cycling Routes in Japan

Change your perception of Japan by taking an unforgettable bicycle ride through some of the country's rural and picturesque areas.

Check Out the Real Kiki's Bakery!

Whether you've seen the Ghibli film 'Kiki's Delivery Service' or not, you won't want to miss this bakery in Oita Prefecture!

The 3 Most Notable Animals of Shinto Shrines

Visitors at Shinto shrines often see animal statues or motifs near the entrance, inside the shrine or on signs. What do the most notable animals symbolize?

47 Souvenirs from All 47 Prefectures!

Traveling around Japan but don't know what souvenir to buy from each region? We've got you covered with this crazy list of our Top 47 'omiyage' from each of the nation's 47 prefectures!

3 Reasons Why You Should Visit Taiho Ramen

Based in Fukuoka Prefecture—which is considered to be one of the ramen meccas of Japan—this restaurant beats the rest, but why? Well, we broke it down into three reasons.

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