All About Japan

Nicholas Rich

Nicholas Rich

All About Nicholas Rich
I still live in Kawasaki, but I work in the AAJ office now as the English editor. I spend most of my free time studying, reading comics, watching movies and gaming (video, board and tabletop). I love to travel, eat good food and drink.
What I like about Japan
The food, the booze, the history and the language. I'm a pretty big nerd, and Japan is very nerd-friendly.
Fresh Seafood at the Shiogama Morning Market

Fresh Seafood at the Shiogama Morning Market

Looking for seafood so fresh it might still be moving? Look no further than the Shiogama morning market in Miyagi Prefecture.

Kizuna Festival: Coming Together in Tohoku

Kizuna Festival: Coming Together in Tohoku

Join our intrepid writer Nick on a journey to the inaugural Kizuna Festival in Sendai to celebrate the community, cooperation and cultural diversity of the Tohoku region.

Japan's Top Music Festivals

Japan's Top Music Festivals

Summer is upon us, and that means one thing—the country is rocking with a wide variety of awesome music festivals!

10 Reasons to Visit Tohoku in Spring

10 Reasons to Visit Tohoku in Spring

There's a lot to love about Japan's northern region of Tohoku, no matter the season. Travel along with Nick to find out why the area really shines in spring.

Flock with the Seagulls at Kabushima Shrine

Flock with the Seagulls at Kabushima Shrine

Take flight with our writer Nick as he heads back to Tohoku to visit a shrine that's quite literally 'for the birds!'

The Many Sides of Kitakata

The Many Sides of Kitakata

We've traveled around the Tohoku region with Nick, checking out some of the great moments from his travels. But this time, we'll join the intrepid writer as he revisits his old stomping grounds, getting a deeper look at the city of Kitakata!

Embracing the Warmth of Tohoku in Hachinohe

Embracing the Warmth of Tohoku in Hachinohe

My journey to northern Japan led to an immersion in the rich culture and hospitality of the residents and regions of Hachinohe, Aomori.

Tohoku's Late-Blooming Sakura Wonderland

Tohoku's Late-Blooming Sakura Wonderland

Join our writer Nick as he travels with the JNTO to capture a glimpse of some of northern Japan's beautiful cherry blossom scenery.

Sumida: Where Japan’s Past & Future Collide

Sumida: Where Japan’s Past & Future Collide

As cherry blossom season shifts into high gear around the country, join our writer Nick as he spends time in Tokyo’s historic Sumida Ward, enjoying the surrounding beauty and a variety of immersive cultural experiences!

Top 10 'Hanami' Spots in Japan

Top 10 'Hanami' Spots in Japan

The transient nature of cherry blossoms is an essential part of their beauty, but no one wants to be left in the dark when it comes to finding the perfect spot to see them.

Love in Japan: Valentine's Day & White Day

Love in Japan: Valentine's Day & White Day

Not content with just one day of affection, Japan follows up Valentine's Day with White Day exactly a month later.

Sai: Humble Village, Proud Heritage

Sai: Humble Village, Proud Heritage

Join us for a brief introduction of the many wonders of Sai, a charming seaside village in the northernmost part of Aomori Prefecture.

Slake Your Thirst with Sake from Aizuwakamatsu

Slake Your Thirst with Sake from Aizuwakamatsu

Fukushima Prefecture is regarded as one of the finest areas for sake brewing in the country. Join our writer Nick as he visits some of the fantastic breweries in the historic city of Aizuwakamatsu.

Aizuwakamatsu: Modern City, Samurai Spirit

Aizuwakamatsu: Modern City, Samurai Spirit

Join our writer Nick as he travels to Aizuwakamatsu, in Fukushima Prefecture, to get a deeper look at the rich history and culture the city has to offer.

Taste the Bounty of Land & Sea in Hachinohe

Taste the Bounty of Land & Sea in Hachinohe

The Tohoku region, just northeast of Tokyo, is well known for its tasty delights. So we sent our writer Nick over to Aomori for an in-depth look at the food culture of one of the prefecture's largest cities.

Diving Deep into the Nightlife of Hachinohe

Diving Deep into the Nightlife of Hachinohe

Join our writer Nick as he goes headfirst into the vibrant nightlife of Hachinohe with the help of the travel app YORIP.

5 Most Beautiful Night Views in Yokohama

5 Most Beautiful Night Views in Yokohama

Get the lowdown on the most scenic views of Yokohama, Japan's second-largest city and an easy-to-access neighbor of Tokyo.

The Tomioka Silk Mill

The Tomioka Silk Mill

Located in Gunma Prefecture, the Tomioka Silk Mill is a well-preserved symbol of modernization and international cooperation. It was recognized as a World Cultural Heritage Site in 2014.

Japan's 11 Coolest Festivals

Japan's 11 Coolest Festivals

Check out our definitive list of awesome festivals around Japan throughout the year!

Butoh: A Unique Japanese Dance

Butoh: A Unique Japanese Dance

Join us for an introduction to one of Japan's most provocative performance arts!

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