All About Japan

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.

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.

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...

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 su...

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.

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.

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...

The Perfect Weekend in the City of Niigata

The first of a series introducing a local insider’s ideal weekend in their home town.

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

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-hon...

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 through...

Japan through the Eyes of the First Tourists

Enrich your travel experience by adding travelogues from the Meiji and Taisho eras to your reading list.

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...

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 whe...

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 famo...

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.

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.

Why I Switched My Family’s Diet to Washoku

Learn how one family made a big impact on their diet by switching to Japanese-style home cooking.

New Library Dedicated to Haruki Murakami

Everything you want to know about author Haruki Murakami's new Kengo Kuma-designed, Uniqlo-funded library

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