Jessica Famularo
Thomas the Tank Engine Takes Japan
It may come as a bit of a surprise, but Thomas the Tank Engine is one of Japan's best-loved children's characters. In fact, the country boasts multiple theme parks and working trains dedicated to Thomas and his friends.
Tokyo Toy Show: A Toy Lover's Paradise
From adorable characters and video games to unique plushies and robots, Japan is a great place to visit for both the young and young at heart. The International Tokyo Toy Show may well be the ultimate embodiment of this youthful spirit.
Sneak Back in Time to a Ninja Village
Ninja roam the streets of this themed village in Saga Prefecture, giving visitors a close-up glimpse of their shadowy lifestyle.
The Top 10 Ninja Video Games
Ninja have been a staple of video games since the 8-bit NES era, and we've highlighted some of our favorites. See if you agree!
The 6 Weirdest Bars in Tokyo
Tokyo revels in themed entertainment, and the city's bars are no exception. We've outlined some of the wildest, strangest, and most off-the-wall bars for you!
13 Tantalizing Tohoku Treats
Tohoku has a giant selection of sweet traditional treats to choose from. We've selected 13 of the best!
Lifesaving Japanese Drugstore Makeup
Japan is makeup heaven. This includes not only top-shelf brand names, but also a great variety of budget brands, which are often well designed and highly effective.
5 Fabulous Japanese Makeup Tutorials
Japanese makeup can almost be a way of life. While these sometimes classic, sometimes ultra-trendy and wild makeup looks appear difficult, they’re actually quite easy to pull off with a little practice.
A Beginner's Guide to Japanese Skin Care
Japanese women follow a five-step skin care regimen. Intense? Maybe. But emulating the process can grant you amazing benefits to your skin, and at a reasonable price.
Searching for the Imperial Regalia of Japan
Japan's Imperial Regalia have only ever been seen by a select few. Here we try to demystify these national treasures, hunting down the sites where they are said to be located.
5 Vital Temple & Shrine Etiquette Tips
Temples & Shrines Life in Japan
While going to a temple or shrine simply to observe is satisfactory on its own, it's well worth learning how to fully participate to get the most out of the experience.
Nara's Top 5 Michelin-Starred Restaurants
Nara, one of Japan's oldest cities, is full of both history and Michelin-rated cuisine.
Kyoto's Top 3 'Kyozushi' Restaurants
Landlocked Kyoto has its own take on sushi that's well worth checking out.
These 4 Kyoto Videos Will Make Your Heart Ache
Day or night, there’s no place in Japan better for enjoying Japan's gorgeous autumn season than Kyoto.
4 Fall Color Day Trips from Tokyo
Autumn Colors Japanese Countryside
Tokyo’s urban appeal is unrivaled, but when it comes to the autumn season most Tokyoites head outside of the city to take in the cooler weather and the dazzling fall foliage.
Our 4 Favorite Bento Channels
A well-done bento is truly a work of art, and a number of English-language YouTube channels have sprung up with the hope of teaching folks easy techniques for preparing a unique and tasty box.
Kyoto’s Top 5 ‘Machiya’ Cafés
Some of Kyoto's most stylish cafés can be found in repurposed traditional houses.
Hell Valley is Monkey Heaven
Deep in a snow-covered mountain valley nestled in the Japanese Alps, a natural hot spring bubbles out of the earth, enshrouded in curtains of thick steam.
