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7 Samurai Spots in Tokyo & Surrounding Areas

Relive the Edo days with our selection of samurai-related spots in and near Tokyo... with two special bonuses!

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!

Undiscovered Japan: Fukushima & Miyagi

While Fukushima and Miyagi prefectures were both badly hit by the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami, the region has now largely recovered, and is looking to see travelers flock in once again.

Kanazawa's Geisha & Samurai Districts

One of Japan’s best-kept secrets, Kanazawa is a beautiful city famous for its rich culture and history, including areas frequented by geisha and samurai.

History of Same-Sex Samurai Love in Edo Japan

Thinking about samurai conjures up images of swords, honor, battles and blood. Chances are, homosexual relationships didn't enter your mind... until now.

Japan's 12 Most Famous Samurai

You probably know Miyamoto Musashi, but how many other real-world samurai can you name? Here are 12 of the most famous samurai in Japan!

Captain America Turns Samurai Warrior

Chances are, figurine collectors who are obsessed with Marvel characters probably already have one or two Captain America figurines, but this one from Bandai is the perfect blend of the beloved American comic book hero and historical Japanese warriors.

Legendary Katana Now On Display in Tokyo

The legendary crescent moon katana, one of Japan's Five Swords Under Heaven, is now on display and is a hit with history buffs and video gamers alike.

Capturing Tohoku's Summer Passion

In 2017, All About Japan sent a team up to Tohoku to capture some this northern region's summer vibe. From its craggy coasts and crater lakes to plunging falls and samurai festivals, there was plenty of energy to go around!

Hoof It to Soma-Nomaoi Festival in Fukushima

Head down to the Soma region of Fukushima to witness a thousand-year-old festival that's still a barrel of fun today.

The 4 Most Powerful Clans of Early Japan

Japan's Heian Period was dominated by four clans known collectively as Gem-pei-to-kitsu. These clans produced countless famous officials and warriors, and have even influenced Japan all the way to the present day.

Forget Frills! Get Your Pet Some Samurai Armor

Cats and dogs have been at it for ages, but now you can turn the tide in your pet's favor with new samurai armor. Or, at the very least, have the coolest Shiba 'shogun' on the block!

Top 10 Museums as Chosen by Overseas Tourists

These collections of samurai armor, ancient artifacts and futuristic technology are sure to pique your interest.

'Batman Ninja' Coming to DVD & Blu-ray in 2018

Produced by Warner Bros., Batman Ninja sees the Dark Knight transported to the Warring States Period to encounter Japanese versions of his most iconic allies and enemies—with character designs by Afro Samurai's Takashi Okazaki!

Samurai Signs Teach Bathing Etiquette & More

Trying to navigate your way through the myriad rules in Japan? These signs are hilariously informative!

Getting Out & About in Miyagi Prefecture

Located in Japan’s Tohoku Region just a couple hours north of Tokyo by shinkansen bullet train, Miyagi Prefecture is full of delights for travelers eager to venture off the beaten path. We went on a two-day journey to experience Miyagi's inland cities.

Cut Through Paper with Katana Scissors

Not only are these scissors in the shape of Japanese swords, but their designs are inspired by four famous samurai.

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!

Long Lost Samurai Sword Returns to Japan

Progressive samurai Yoshida Shoin was denied his dream of crossing the ocean, but his 'tanto' still made it to California.

Dress Up As a Samurai or Geisha in Kyoto

Dress up like a maiko, geisha or samurai in Kyoto, where you’ll discover the traditional landscape of a classic Japanese city.

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