Step into a Japanese Classroom at This Izakaya
With themed rooms and waiters who act as teachers and nurses, you’ll never want to leave elementary school again!
Navigating Japanese Umbrella Culture
The Japan Guy tackles an age-old philosophical question: 'What's the deal with umbrellas here in Japan?'
Creating Digital Rain, One Drop at a Time
Extraordinary designer Yugo Nakamura 'makes it rain' in this unique video, a digital effort to explain where the sound of rain comes from.
20 Japanese Words for Rain, in Art Form
How would you depict 'autumn rain' in a bottle? How about 'sudden rainfall'? Check out this design troupe's dioramas creating snapshots of 20 Japanese words for rain!
5 Family-Friendly Typhoon Day Activities
Check out five tried and tested family-friendly typhoon day activities, from window coloring to tabletop games and sofa forts.
Sea-Inspired Miniature Newspaper Collages
This artist uses a wide range of multimedia—everything from snippets of foreign newspapers and magazines to 'nihonga' materials to create collages that illustrate the ocean that co...
New York Bagel with a Japanese Twist
Thanks to a close association to New York, the unassuming bagel has seen a surge in popularity in the picturesque town of Miyagawa. Call it 'The Land of the Rising Bagel!'
9 Ways to Talk About the Weather
Since it changes so often, the weather is actually a hot topic in Japan—no pun intended! Find out nine ways to get in on this easy conversation-starter!
Slice Me Off a Piece of That Totoro Bread!
This Japanese baker uses sushi-making as inspiration to create beautifully artistic loaves featuring beloved characters and mesmerizing patterns.
Kyushu National Museum
Visit Japan's first new national museum in more than 100 years, and see through a stunning range of exhibits how Asian cultures influenced the development of Japan.
Fresh Cherry Picking in Numata
Nothing beats the flavor of fresh cherries: ripe and full of juice!
Texan in Tochigi!
How can you not be fascinated by something called the 'Kanman-ga-Fuchi Abyss'? As our favorite Texan in Tokyo proves, Nikko has something for everyone, rain or shine!
5 Rainy Day J-Pop Hits
If you ever thought rain's sole purpose was to ruin your day, then you might be missing the essence of life. Rain is the creative genius behind these hit J-pop tracks!
Portraits of Tokyo’s Stray Cats
There's definitely not a shortage of cat photographs. But for some reason, Masayuki Oki's photographs of street cats stand out in a way that others don’t.
Reflective Paintings of Water Ripples
Artist Yoshihito Kawase creates stunningly quiet water ripple paintings that reflect on the aftermath of the 2011 earthquake and tsunami.
Japan's Miniature Architecture Model Museum
Miniature models are only occasionally made available to the public, and usually pulled out of storage when an architect is featured in an exhibition. But finally, Japan's getting...
The Poster Spring for Japan Rail
Located deep in the mountains of Miyagi, this hot spring hotel is all about healing. Its outdoor 'onsen' is so picturesque that it's been featured in posters for JR.
Spend a Star-Studded Evening at Kurokawa Onsen
Awarded two stars by the Michelin Green Guide Japan in 2009, Kurokawa Onsen Town is an amazing place to unwind with 24 hot spring baths you can enjoy even as a day visitor, some wi...
Niseko's Goshiki Onsen
Hokkaido's Niseko area is mostly famous for its great skiing, but it's a hot spring paradise as well!
Yamagata: Rivers of Ice & Snowy Onsen
Established in the 1400s as a silver mine, Ginzan Onsen reached its height in the 1600s. After the silver was gone, the population thinned, but the hot springs were still known as...
