Good Reads: "War on Wheels" and Keirin Cycling
A review of the fascinating new book on Japan's unique sport: "The War on Wheels – Inside the Keirin and Japan’s Cycling Subculture" by Justin McCurry
Japan through the Eyes of the First Tourists
Historical Site Traditional Japan
Enrich your travel experience by adding travelogues from the Meiji and Taisho eras to your reading list.
The Road Less Traveled in Tohoku
Yet the sheer size of Tohoku means that there are still plenty of discoveries to be made. On this trip, I set out to explore some lesser-known wonders in Miyagi, Iwate, and Aomori Prefectures.
Discover Gems of Japan in the Mount Fuji Area
Mount Fuji peeks between high-rises across the Greater Tokyo Area. Though magnificent even from afar, the sacred mountain begs a closer look! One of the best ways to explore it is by roaming around Shizuoka, Yamanashi, and Kanagawa prefectures.
7 Must Visit Winter Illuminations Near Tokyo
Illumination season is here! Heat up the hot chocolate and get your mittens, beanie, and sweater ready. To put you in the holiday spirit, AllAbout Japan has compiled a list of the Kanto region’s top Winter Illumination spots.
The Isolated Attractions of Shikoku's "Tibet"
Some dedicated people are intent on saving the small village of Kito, and the last 20 bears that live in the surrounding mountains.
10 Amazing Things I Can Do at My Local Konbini
Offering everything from underwear to fresh vegetables, Japan's convenience stores are an indispensable part of daily life. Here is why.
Osechi: The Festive Cuisine of New Year's Day
Japan's unique, colorful New Year dishes are part of the traditional celebration of this auspicious day. Here's the story behind the holiday and the dishes that are enjoyed throughout the country.
The Perfect Weekend in the City of Niigata
The first of a series introducing a local insider’s ideal weekend in their home town.
Inside Super Nintendo World
Super Nintendo World in Osaka opened earlier this year after a series of delays. All About Japan has all the hints, tips, and tricks to enjoy your day with one of Japan's most famous faces. Let’s-a go!
Time Travel with Japan's "Warlord" Clocks
Tokyo's Daimyo Clock Museum showcases unique Japanese clocks and the old way of measuring time used in the Edo period.
Nostalgic Trip to a Beloved Tokyo Neighborhood
The Shibamata neighborhood on the outskirts of Tokyo retains the essence of the city’s “everyman” past. An iconic films series has helped to preserve its charms.
Homesick?! Comfort Food Cures, Part 1
The first of a two-part series on where to buy ingredients for those dishes you miss the most. From tiny shops to on-line retailers and supermarket chains, Japan offers a wealth of sources from which to stock your pantry with foods from home.
5 Japanese Cooking YouTubers You Must Watch
Interested in learning how to cook some simple (and not so simple) Japanese dishes? A few of the best cooking YouTube channels can be a great start.
From the Way of the Warrior to the Way of Tea
Randy Channell Soei is a tea ceremony master living in Kyoto. He tells us how he came to follow the Way of Tea, its connection to martial arts, and the benefits of Japan's time-honored tea ceremony.
Why I Switched My Family’s Diet to Washoku
Ichiju-Sansai Healthy Japanese Food
Learn how one family made a big impact on their diet by switching to Japanese-style home cooking.
Japan’s Ancient UFO: The Tale of Utsuro-bune
The utsuro-bune legend has has been a source of intrigue in Japan for over 200 years. Read on to discover what is behind the legend.
New Library Dedicated to Haruki Murakami
Everything you want to know about author Haruki Murakami's new Kengo Kuma-designed, Uniqlo-funded library
In Samurai Footsteps: The 47 Ronin Tour
One of the most famous stories of historical times is the saga of the 47 ronin, a group of samurai who avenged their deceased lord in a famous vendetta. Tokyo has several spots where fans of the story can visit to pay homage to the dedicated warriors.
A Visit to Japan's Keith Haring Collection
The only museum in the world dedicated to the works of Keith Haring, the legendary king of 1980's New York City street art, is is nestled in the forests of Yamanashi Prefecture.
Making Herbal Tea at Oyakuen Medicine Garden
Herbs and other botanicals with healing properties have been used for medicinal purposes in Japan for centuries. I had a chance to learn more about the historical cultivation of such plants, and make my own blend for tea, at Oyaku-en in Aizu Wakamatsu.
