John Asano
5 Places to Experience Zen Meditation in Japan
Looking to get hands-on with some of Japan's oldest traditions? Zen meditation is a great way to practice mindfulness and relax, and there are plenty of great places around the country where visitors can enjoy it!
5 Must-Try Foods in Hida Takayama
Known for its historic townscapes and bountiful nature, Hida Takayama also has a variety of delicious, must-try regional dishes.
Top 5 Spots Around Hida Takayama
Hida Takayama is a picturesque old castle town in the mountains of Gifu Prefecture, and offers visitors a truly authentic, traditional Japanese experience.
Top 5 Winter Activities in Wintery Gifu
Gifu Prefecture, in central Japan, is one of the best places to experience the wide range of winter activities that are available. From skiing and snowboarding to ice skating and snow rafting, there's bound to be some winter fun for everyone.
Top 5 Ski & Snowboard Areas for 2019
Japan has long been known for its soft powder snow and first-class ski and snowboard resorts that offer high-quality facilities and a wide range of attractions and activities. But some facilities are among the best of the best! Here are our 2018 picks.
5 Great Snow Getaways from Nagoya
When there's snow, think of these five places in the Chubu region of Japan. From visiting hot spring villages to seeing bathing monkeys, you'll be enjoying the cold!
Miyagi: Land of Samurai History
Experience the home of one of Japan's greatest ever samurai warriors with historic castles, ancient temples and colorful shrines less than two hours from Tokyo.
Exploring the Culture of Miyagi
Miyagi is a place where traditional Japanese culture is still alive with wooden kokeshi dolls to mountain hot spring towns there is something for everyone.
The Beautiful Nature of Miyagi
With the Pacific Ocean coastline on one side and stunning mountain ranges on the other, Miyagi is home to some of Japan's most breathtaking natural scenery.
Sampling the Food of Miyagi
Miyagi is home to some of the best seafood in Japan with fresh oysters and fish along with other mouthwatering delicacies such as grilled beef tongue and 'zunda.' Come along with us on a tour of the best of the best dishes!
Onagawa: A Lesson in Recovery
After almost being completely wiped out by the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami of 2011, Onagawa is a shining light of how to recover from disaster.
Gifu's Colorful Hydrangea Road
The rainy season, known as 'tsuyu,' is well-known for its gloomy days and the beautiful hydrangea that brighten the misty days with their flashy pops of purple.
Takayama Autumn Festival
One of the three largest festivals in the country, the Takayama Autumn Festival is not to be missed!
The 10 Best Spring Spots in Tohoku
Cherry Blossoms Spring in Tohoku
With some of the best nature and scenery in all of Japan, spring is particularly spectacular in Tohoku, with a magnitude of cherry blossom viewing spots that typically bloom a few weeks later than Tokyo and Kyoto.
Go Back in Time on Historic Streets of Gion
Gion, the traditional entertainment and geisha district of Kyoto, is famous for its streets and picturesque alleys that retain the atmosphere of the past.
Kanazawa's Geisha & Samurai Districts
One of Japan’s best-kept secrets, Kanazawa is a beautiful city famous for its rich culture and history, including areas frequented by geisha and samurai.
Top 5 Onsen in Gifu
With its stunning mountain ranges and natural spring water, Gifu Prefecture is one of the best places in all of Japan to experience hot spring baths. Check out our favorite picks!
Superb Night Views atop Gifu's Mount Kinka
The night view from the top of Mount Kinka in Gifu City, Gifu Prefecture is one of the most spectacular in all of Japan, on a par with some of the country's most popular night views!
UNESCO's Historical Monuments of Ancient Nara
Once the capital of Japan, the historical monuments of Nara include temples, a shrine, a palace, a forest and lots of deer!
Horyu-ji's Famous Buddhist Monuments
Travel to Horyu-ji, a historic Buddhist temple in Nara Prefecture that was once one of the powerful Seven Great Temples of Ancient Nara.
