Celebrate Summer in Japan Like a Local: Bon Odori Dances and Fireworks Festivals

Festivals

Discover the magic of summer’s fabulous Bon Odori festivals and hanabi taikai fireworks festivals!

7 Must-Visit Spots in and around Matsue

Castles Museum

Experience Japan's rich culture and history without the crowds of major tourist destinations in Matsue, Shimane Prefecture.

Four Japanese Women Who Changed History

Deeper Japan

Meet four Japanese women who were pioneers in education and medicine. Tsuda Umeko, Oyama Sutematsu, Ogino Ginko, and Kusumoto Ine fought the status quo and created new opportunities for the generations of women who followed.

Japan through the Eyes of the First Tourists

Historical Site Traditional Japan

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

Englishwoman, Buddhist Priest, Country Mom

Buddhism Monk

Victoria Yoshimura went from English teacher to Buddhist priest at a rural Kyushu temple, with many adventures on the way

Make Your Own Japanese Fruit Sandwiches

Fruit Japanese Food

A café staple for years, the fruit sandwich (furutsu sando) is back in the news, as new gourmet versions have caught the attention of sweet lovers. Here's a primer on making your own at home.