6 Great Innovations from Japan's Countryside
From urban planning and fish farming to food recycling and the re-invigoration of traditional techniques, a number of great ideas have come out of Japan's smaller towns and cities.
A Taste of Green Tourism in Traditional Japan
Despite their combined population of only 900, the villages of Shunran no Sato drew 11,000 visitors in 2014, attracted by the prospect of experiencing traditional Japanese life fro...
Interview with Kurashiki Mayor Kaori Ito
The city of Kurashiki in Okayama Prefecture is maintaining its path of developmental growth even as it attracts crowds of visitors from other parts of Japan and abroad.
5 Stunning Walks in the Japanese Countryside
Japanese Countryside Tohoku Resorts
Locals share secret trails with incredible views of the Japanese countryside!
8 Reasons to Live in the Japanese Countryside
From the quiet to the space to the cheaper price of pretty much everything—not to mention better air and access to outdoor activities—there are plenty of great reasons to love the...
Candy Nails?
Cylindrical Umaibo snacks have been around since 1979, but this may be the first time anyone has tried to make real nail art out of them!
New Godzilla Trailer is a Whole Lot of Shaky
The first teaser trailer for 'Shin Gojira' offers a whole lot of Cloverfield-style shaky-cam from co-directors Hideaki Anno and Shinji Higuchi.
Japan Goes Dumber to the Max
The Japanese version of 'Dumb and Dumber To' takes the re-titling of Hollywood movies to the max.
Top 10 Hardest Japanese Words to Pronunce
Can you enunciate all 10 of these commonly mispronounced words?
Get Comfy in Hakama Pants
Whether you're lounging around at home or heading out for a night out on the town, these samurai-inspired pants are the perfect addition to your closet.
6 Foreigners Making Waves in the Countryside
Japanese Countryside Deeper Japan
Most of the subjects of this story didn't see themselves where they are now—but all of them found something incredible in the Japanese countryside, leading each to develop a unique...
Breathe in that Fresh Nenba Air
Japanese Countryside Yamanashi
Look out Shirakawa-go and Gokayama! There's a new village that has thatched-roof farmhouses that are only a day trip from Tokyo!
What's Japan's Best Rural Area to Live in?
Publisher Takarajimasha addresses this question in a survey that shows some shocking results. Who knew the top four spots would all be on the same island?
Hike the 'Road to Laputa'
High atop Mount Aso in Kumamoto Prefecture lies a hidden, winding path that leads you to a picture-perfect Ghibli-like view.
FAKY Returns with 'Afterglow'
FAKY’s new sound blends the quartet's global pop sensibility with tight J-pop harmonies and a funk bass line.
Leggo My Lego Salad!
This salad gives a whole new meaning to playing with your food.
The 5 Most Beautiful Villages in Kyushu
Explore Southern Japan's rural charm as we take a mini-tour of Kyushu's beautiful villages.
3 Cool Countryside Day Trips from Tokyo
World Heritage Japanese Countryside
We all need a break from the city sometimes. Experience the other side of Japan with these three day trips to the countryside right outside Tokyo.
6 Incredible Spots for a Run in Japan
Japanese Countryside Tohoku Resorts
These spots in the Japanese countryside will make you want to break out your running shoes!
The Japan Bus Guide
Buses are a great (and cheap!) way to get around the Japanese countryside.
