10 Iconic Japanese Gods
Between its traditions of Shinto and Buddhism, Japan has a rich pantheon of gods and goddesses. Here are 10 that you're likely to encounter while shrine and temple hopping around t...
Why is Anime Getting More Popular in the West?
With more shows reaching a wider audience than ever, these are good days in the anime business, especially in the West.
Get Inside Hayao Miyazaki's Head
English filmmaker Lewis Bond created a video documentary in which he perfectly captures the genius of Hayao Miyazaki.
How to Do Tokyo Disney Like a Pro!
Tokyo Disneyland Greater Tokyo
Want to make the most of your time at Tokyo Disneyland? Follow these six tips and you'll be navigating the park like nobody's business!
Key Castle Vocabulary
Don't know a 'tenshu' from a 'hori'? We're here to help!
The 4 Forts & Castles of Hokkaido
Hokkaido has only one castle; the rest of its fortifications are actually relatively modern forts. And in the late 1860s, they were the site of the last hurrah of the Tokugawa Shog...
9 Castles to Hit in Hyogo after Himeji
What do you do once you've seen the big attraction and still want more castle action? We've got nine answers right here!
Top 10 Castles in Tohoku
Spared many of the fierce territorial battles of the Warring States Period, the castles of northeastern Japan are a little different from those you'll find to the south and west.
Get a 3-D Puzzle of Odawara Castle
Want a piece of history? How about a detailed 1/175 replica of Odawara Castle?
Vans to Release Line of Nintendo 8-Bit Shoes
We can’t wait to lace up a pair of these cool, retro-looking kicks—rumored to go on sale in June!
Japan’s Three Famous Castles
Called 'sanmeijo' in Japanese, the three castles on this list have been chosen based on their significance to history and culture, as well as their scale and grandeur.
5 'Castle in the Sky'-Inspired Bento
Can't get enough of Castle in the Sky? Why not try eating some!
Japan's 3 Great Mountain Castles
Prior to the Warring States Period (1467-1590), most castles in Japan were 'yamajiro,' or mountain castles, and they were the pinnacle of defense for Japan's clashing warlords. Tre...
Hatsune Miku Hits Vogue
Virtual idol Hatsune Miku traded in her iconic digital aquamarine for some awe-inspiring threads at Givenchy’s Paris studio.
Inuyama Castle: King of the Hilltop
Inuyama Castle is a National Treasure, and one of the oldest original castles still standing in Japan.
How to Find the Remains of Zeze Castle
Many castles in Japan are easy to find, as they are official landmarks treasured by the country. However, there are also some hidden gems that are less frequently visited, but wort...
Japanese Castles — A Backpacker’s Guide
Check out an interview with Julien Mentzer as he discusses how his book, 'Japanese Castles – A Backpacker’s Guide,' can help you discover all the castle treasures of Japan.
4 Beautiful Castles Home to Terrible Ghosts
Ancient buildings almost always seem to come with a ghost story, and Japanese castles are no exception.
Japan's 5 Greatest Castle Ruins
Just because these castles are ruined doesn't mean they aren't spectacular!
Check Out this Cute Hello Kitty Café in Himeji
Who would have known Hello Kitty would be nestled so nicely in this cute café, ready to greet you on your way to Himeji Castle!
