Jindaiji Temple and Environs: Hidden Historical Gem Not Far From Central Tokyo
A short hop from central Tokyo is the neighborhood of Jindaiji, a pleasant green area with Japan's second oldest temple, appealing soba shops, and a shop celebrating the beloved ar...
The Nada District: Historic Gateway to Japanese Sake
The sake brewing district of Nada, 30 minutes from central Kobe or Osaka, is Japan's top sake-producing region with 25 breweries, over a dozen of which welcome visitors. Exploring...
Running an Innovative Guesthouse in Japan's Mountain Sanctuary
An interview with Ryochi Takai, the owner of a guesthouse in Koya-san, the renowned Buddhist temple sanctuary in the mountains of Wakayama prefecture.
The Mesmerizing Art of Munakata Shiko
A major retrospective looks at how "time" and "place" shaped famous 20th c. printmaker Munakata Shiko.
All About Japan’s Top Five Tea-Producing Regions
Japanese tea, well-known worldwide for its delicate taste and health benefits, hails primarily from five Japanese prefectures. Get to know their different characteristics.
Onomichi: The Japan Inland Sea Town That Saved Its Own Life, Part II
The second part of a series on a Japanese town and the citizens that have used innovative sustainable lifestyle choices to revitalize the community for residents and visitors.
A Samurai History Tour: Japan’s Most Famous Battlefield and a Remarkable Castle
The Battle of Sekigahara in 1600 was a decisive clash of warlords that led to the unification of Japan. Today, you can visit significant historical spots, including a state-of-the...
Small Spaces, Part III: Japanese Ideas for Small and Tiny Homes
The third of a series on innovative, space saving methods from Japanese architecture that can be used in any home. The theme is bringing the exterior into the interior to broaden h...
Small Spaces, Part II: Japanese Ideas for Small and Tiny Homes
Traditional Japan Architecture
The second of a series on innovative, space-saving methods from traditional and modern Japanese architecture that can be used in any home, regardless of size.
Hakko Department: One-Stop Shop for All Things Fermented in Trendy Shimokitazawa
How one man is aiming to change the world with Japan's fermentation culture.
Japan's Amazing DIY Superstores: From Cheap Urban Farming to Building a Home
Information Local Creators' Market
DIY has always been big in Japan. Now a number of stores cater to the creative in all of us, whether its gardening, interior renovation, crafts or even building your own house.
Tokyo's Coolest Farmers Market: A Sustainable Community at UN University
Food & Drink Local Creators' Market
Tokyo's largest farmers market is a hub for regional produce, tasty street food . . . and ideas for building a better future
Tokyo's Best Afternoon Tea Spots
Don your best frock and put your pinkies up! Here are some of the best places to have afternoon tea in Tokyo.
5 Great Tokyo Cocktail Bars
Tokyo is known for its vibrant cocktail scene, with numerous bars offering unique and creative drink experiences. Here is our expert’s list of the city’s top 5 bars!
Why I Love Imari Ware (and Want You to Love It Too)
Arts writer Alice Gordenker shares her appreciation for the Japanese porcelain that has captivated the world for more than 400 years.
Small Spaces, Part 1: Japanese Ideas for Small and Tiny Homes
Innovative, space-saving methods from traditional and modern Japanese architecture that can be used in any home, regardless of size. The first of a series.
The Perfect Weekend in Okayama
One of a series of Perfect Weekends in Japanese cities. Lovers of art, food, history, and nature will all find something to help them spend a fantastic weekend in Okayama.
Onomichi: A Japanese Inland Sea Town That Saved Its Own Life
Cycling Sustainable Development Goals
How sustainability efforts have remarkably revitalized the Inland Sea town of Onomichi by attracting new residents and tourists—with an emphasis on cycling.
The Most Important Japanese Shrine You've Never Heard Of
While Usa Jingu Shrine is the most prestigious shine of the Shinto religion after Ise Jingu Shrine, it is little known, even among many Japanese. But it is an important part of Ja...
Bamboo: the Secret to Takachiho’s Iconic Cuisine
The scenic valley of Takachiho in Miyazaki Prefecture is known for its bamboo cuisine. Here are three of the most popular dishes.
