Jessica Famularo
Japan's 8 Best-Preserved Castle Towns
While some ancient castles may be hard to find in Japan today, many of their surrounding villages are still standing strong.
Top 5 Things to Do & See on Yakushima
Yakushima is far removed from the hustle and bustle of mainland Japan. This mountainous island with its misty, primeval forests enchants visitors who come to take in the amazing scenery.
Kyoto's 5 Best Cherry Blossom Views
Kyoto should be on the top of your travel list at any time of the year, but the city makes a truly special transformation in early spring.
3 Historic Fan Shops in Kyoto
Japanese fans are as much about fashion and art as they are about keeping cool, and these traditional shops have really mastered the craft!
Top 10 Tastiest Japanese Festival Snacks
Japanese Food Summer Festivals
Some might come to summer festivals to immerse themselves in tradition and culture, but a large part of that is the tasty, tasty food you can find during festival season!
Japan's 3 Great 'Bon Odori' Dance Festivals
Summer is the season of the festival in Japan, and these three celebrations will have you literally dancing in the streets.
Saiho-ji: Kyoto's Rainy Season Gem
The rainy season brings gray clouds and inclement weather to Kyoto each June, but all that moisture leaves Saiho-ji moss temple glimmering like an emerald!
5 Can't-Miss Hikes Around Kansai
The Kansai region is famous for its tasty food, historic sights and fun dialect, but this amazing area also boasts plenty of awe-inspiring hikes.
5 Unbelievable Hiking Spots in the Japan Alps
The Japan Alps in the north-central parts of Honshu offer some of the most exhilarating wilderness outings in the country. You won't believe what you can see.
5 Key Sights to See in Kobe
Kobe is a lovely, cosmopolitan city with a fascinating international past. Don't miss these top sites in Kansai's famous port city!
Udon in Takamatsu
Takamatsu is known as the 'Udon Kingdom,' and you'll find some of Japan's tastiest noodle shops in this Kagawa city.
A Guided Tour of Chiba's 12 Castles
Forget Tokyo Disneyland—Chiba has a dozen castles and ruins waiting to be discovered!
How to Ninja-Proof Your Castle
Ninja and other assassins were a serious problem for high-ranking officials and royalty back in the day. Here we take a look at how they managed to thwart these silent killers.
Top 5 Job Sites in Japan
We've gathered the best English-language sites to help you with your job search in Japan!
7 Key Resource Sites for English Teachers
Moving thousands of miles to teach in a new country can be scary, but luckily these sites should help ensure a smooth transition to life in Japan.
Surprising Truths of Teaching at Girls' School
I was lucky to have the unique opportunity to teach English at a private all-girls' high school, but it was definitely not what you might expect.
Top 6 Souvenirs to Take Home from Kyoto
Kyoto's deep history makes it one of the best places in Japan to find old-fashioned crafts and handmade goods you won't find anywhere else.
Upholding Beauty & History at Yojiya
One of Kyoto's most historic and best-known shops happens to be an unassuming makeup and beauty store.
Top 4 Tempting Treats to Bring Back from Kyoto
We've chased down Kyoto's four favorite traditional snacks.
Japan's Top 5 'Hanami' Hikes
Japanese culture is deeply tied to nature, and there's no better time to appreciate the Japanese wilderness than cherry blossom season.
