All About Japan

Volcanic Playground: Exploring Kyushu’s Fiery Shimabara Peninsula

The Shimabara Peninsula is a little-touristed corner of Nagasaki with something for everyone: volcanic hikes, hot springs and beaches, eye-popping vistas and historical sites.

A 5-Day Pilgrimage on the Kumano Kodo Nakahechi Route

The Kumano Kodo Nakahechi course is a majestic pilgrimage trail in Wakayama Prefecture where you can explore historic temples and shrines, dine on local delicacies, and rejuvenate...

Festival of Fashion and Design “TOKYO CREATIVE SALON 2024”

"TOKYO CREATIVE SALON 2024," one of the largest fashion and design festivals in Japan, will be held from March 14 (Thursday) to March 24 (Sunday), 2024, in 10 areas of Tokyo.

How to Beat the Crowds in Japan as Tourism Booms

Here are a few tips on how to enjoy the best Japan has to offer as tourism to the country increases in leaps and bounds.

Water, Rocks, Plants, and More: Five Types of Japanese Gardens

There’s more to Japanese gardens than beautiful landscaping. Come stroll through the history of five types of gardens you should explore on your next trip.

Aizu Wakamatsu Lives by the Code of its Samurai Past

A visit to Aizu Wakamatsu is a chance to study the samurai code that emphasized honor, respect and ethical behavior.

JAPAN MASTERY COLLECTION: Showcasing Japan’s regional luxury brands

The Japan Mastery Collection has been opened at Haneda Airport Terminal 3 last year. The collection features garments, artworks, household items, and other products that represent...

Life in Rural Japan: Three International Kochi Residents

More foreign nationals are finding their base in rural Japan. Here are the stories of three residents of nature-rich Kochi Prefecture.

This Sushi Ambassador Promotes Japanese Culture

Matsunozushi is a historic sushi shop located near Tokyo’s Omori-Kaigan Station. From behind the counter, its fourth-generation chef Yoshinori Tezuka can explain in detail about th...

An Early Spring Spectacle: 10 Spots in and Around Tokyo for Plum Blossom Viewing

While cherry blossoms often take the spotlight in late spring, plum blossoms are their lesser-known, early-blooming cousin that are equally appealing!

Small Spaces, Part IV: Japanese Ideas for Small and Tiny Homes

The fourth of a series on innovative, space-saving methods from traditional and modern Japanese architecture that can be used in any home, regardless of size.

Three of Japan's Wine Regions You Need to Visit

With around 350 wineries now scattered across Japan, crafting a travel itinerary around some of them is a wonderful way to experience the country. Exploring three of Japan’s most c...

From Ancient Ruins to 20th Century Homes: Five Historical Parks in Japan

Japan has a number of historical parks that feature buildings and items from prehistorical times to reconstructed Meiji-era neighborhoods. Here are five of the best historical park...

Great Kansai Craft Beer Breweries and Taprooms

The Kansai region of central Japan is enjoying a craft beer boom. Here is a six-pack selection of some of the best local breweries and taprooms.

Tokyo's Yokocho: Great Alleyways Old and New

Yokocho are backstreets and alleyways lined with drinking dens, taverns and restaurants, and Tokyo has a number of them, both classic and modern.

Japan's Finest Glamping Spots

the beauty of glamping (a term derived from the words "glamorous camping") is that all the hard work has been done before the camper even arrives. Here's a guide to some of Japan's...

Sweet, Sour, and Everything In Between: The Aromatic World of Japanese Citrus

Get a primer on Japanese citrus beforeWith over a hundred varieties grown throughout the country today, citrus has plenty of uses in Japan, from fruit snacks to alcoholic drinks.yo...

Exploring Azabudai Hills, Tokyo’s Latest Luxe Urban Microcosm

Mixing office, residential, retail and culture, Azabudai Hills is a bid to enhance Tokyo’s status as a competitive global city and a remarkable gamble in an era when remote work ha...

Recent Non-Fiction Books About Japan That You Must Read

Looking for your next great read about Japan? Here's a selection of some of the best non-fiction books—from memoirs to culinary explorations—published in the 2020s.

Fukui: A Self-Care Sanctuary Just A Train-Ride Away from Tokyo

With the post-Covid travel boom, Kyoto has become too crowded for temple-trotting and Wakayama's Koyasan is too far from a Tokyo travel base. Good thing that Fukui, Japan's ultimat...

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