Travel Back to Feudal Japan at this Private House Complex
NEOLD Private House is exactly what it says on the label: It’s new, it’s old, and it’s private. It’s also quite a bit more, as I discovered when I was lucky enough to stay there.
Stay Home
It's a tough time right now, and we all have to do our part. But staying home can still be a rewarding and positive (if challenging!) experience!
Spring in Tohoku
Food, history and some incredible late-blooming cherry blossoms—Tohoku in spring has it all!
Takigyo: Japanese Waterfall Meditation
Takigyo, or waterfall meditation, is a rare practice that samurai and ascetic Japanese Buddhists and Shintoists engaged in for centuries. There are several places around Japan wher...
Learning to Make Japan's Most Durable Washi Paper
The Kaminosato Museum in Hitachiomiya has a gallery of products made with Nishinouchi Washi and offers workshops for visitors who want to try their hand at papermaking or learn mor...
All About Cherry Blossoms in Japan
Savor the 'sakura' nation.
All About Japan's Temples & Shrines
Explore Japan's enduring spiritual history.
Getting Your Matcha Fix in Tokyo
If you're a fan of tea's most intense flavors, then here is a list of places where you can get your fix of Japanese matcha tea. From the simple to the fancy, these places will sati...
7 Must-Visit Spots in and around Matsue
Experience Japan's rich culture and history without the crowds of major tourist destinations in Matsue, Shimane Prefecture.
Delicious Wagyu in Japan’s Volcanic Heartland
Known for its smoldering craters, Aso also offers an exotic stop-over for the gourmand seeking to experience the best Japanese ingredients.
Ketchup and Cabbages: In Search of Japan’s Most Unusual Monuments
Should there be a monument to cabbages? How about eyeglasses? Well they already exist in Japan, along with many other unusual tributes.
Warrior Portfolio: From “An Illustrated Guide to Samurai History and Culture”
With the vividly illustrated pages of this new book, author Gavin Blair takes a deep dive into depictions of the legendary samurai warrior class.
Meet One of Tokyo's Coolest Neighborhoods: Meguro
Coffee culture, antiques . . . even a Pig Cafe: Tokyo's Meguro is definitely worth a train stop.
The Perfect Weekend Tour of Fukuoka City
A long-time resident shares her knowledge of mouth-watering local food spots, great shopping and open green space in one of Japan's most fascinating regional capitals.
Spend a Memorable Night at Nintendo's Former Headquarters
Nintendo's old headquarters, first built in 1930, has been renovated, revamped and turned into a hotel!
Five Otaku Things to Do at Japan’s Nijigen no Mori Theme Park
There’s plenty to keep you busy at the eclectic Nijigen no Mori Theme Park on Awaji Island.
Highway to the Gods: In the Footsteps of Oyama Pilgrims
Mt. Oyama, a peak to the southwest of Tokyo, has long been the goal of pilgrims eager to pay their respects to the gods. Today, visitors can follow in their footsteps on a short, f...
Be the Lord of the Domain with a Luxury Stay in a Japanese Castle!
Two unusual programs offer accommodations that are fit for nobility—or an Edo-period ruler of one of Japan’s feudal provinces.
Brit Amelia Hiorns is Working to Save Japan’s Bear Population
Amelia Hiorns has one of the most unusual jobs in Japan. As a member of the Picchio Wildlife Research Center’s Bear Team, she works with black bears, Karelian bear dogs, and humans...
Shimbun Nishiki-e: The Meiji-era Origins of Japan’s Lurid Tabloids
In the Meiji Era (1868--1912), some enterprising woodblock artists used their traditional skills to bring a mix of news and entertainment to the masses.
The Perfect Weekend on the Yokohama Waterfront
Yokohama is often overlooked by the bigger, brighter lights of Tokyo and Osaka. Big mistake! Japan’ second largest city has developed a unique identity influenced by Western and Ch...
Bring Japan’s Springtime into Your Kitchen
In Japan, spring doesn’t just bring cherry blossoms and blue skies. It comes with a number of delicious, fresh ingredients that are unavailable at other times of the year. Let’s ta...
Five Young Japanese Women Making a Difference
A look at some young Japanese women making waves and inspiring others in their respective fields. Our “A list” includes an actress, an artist, an athlete, an author and an advocate...
10 Japanese Craft Beers You Must Know (Drink!)
Excellent craft beers are springing up from small breweries all over Japan. Choosing just ten is an impossible task, but we've given it a shot.
