Top 5 Sakura-Viewing Sites in Osaka
From castles to riverbanks, Osaka has some amazing spots for viewing cherry blossoms with your friends and family. Check out these sites during your next visit!
Sliding Down to Safety, Castle Style
This is one slide we hope no one has to use!
These Sakura Petals Float on a Moat
Missed out on the blooming sakura in Tokyo? Why not head north to view the cherry blossom flower rafts in Aomori Prefecture?
5 Instagram-Worthy Castles for Every Season
Winter, spring, summer or fall, you'll fall in love with these sites, and snap a photo as you do!
Amazing Aerial Video of Western Japan
Discover Western Japan as you have never seen it before from a breathtaking birds-eye view!
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.
Himeji Castle Reborn
World Heritage , Himeji Castle
In March 2015, Himeji Castle completed its first major renovation in 50 years, leading it to be reborn in resplendent white befitting of the "White Heron Castle."
A Guided Tour of Chiba's 12 Castles
Forget Tokyo Disneyland—Chiba has a dozen castles and ruins waiting to be discovered!
Top 9 Sakura Spots in Tohoku & Hokkaido
Since northern Japan gets its cherry blossoms later than the rest of the country, even if you've missed the first round of 'sakura' to the south, you can often catch late blooms in Tohoku and Hokkaido as late as the end of April or even early May.
Spring in Nagoya
The majestic Mount Fuji from shinkansen window, cherry blossoms at its peak, and Nagoya-jo is a nice way to enjoy spring in Japan.
7 Awesome Japanese Castles Made of Lego
While there have only been a few official Japanese-style Lego castles, brick fans have been more than happy to do the rest!
Kumamoto Castle Damaged but Standing
Despite two violent earthquakes and numerous strong aftershocks that damaged its walls, 400-year-old Kumamoto castle remains standing.
Sakura in Hirosaki City
Hirosaki is a city in western Aomori Prefecture known for its beautiful castle and cherry blossoms. The city holds a Cherry Blossom Festival every year from April 23 to May 5.
Castles, Gardens & Peach Boys—Oh My!
From Okayama Castle's rare black walls to the charms of Okayama Korakuen Garden, one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan, there's plenty to see and do in Okayama.
10 Top Nighttime Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots
Between March and April, people flock outdoors to enjoy the brief life of Japan's blooming cherry blossoms. But just because the day ends doesn't mean the 'hanami' (flower viewing) has to as well. Take a look at our 10 recommended night viewing spots!
5 Ninja-Related Spots in & around Tokyo
No trip to Japan is complete without celebrating its signature order of clandestine spies and assassins! These five spots will give you your ninja fix while exploring Tokyo and beyond!
7 Incredible Events at Japanese Castles
The castles dotting Japan's landscape no longer host battles and political upheavals, but they're not boring relics. Many were the backdrop to some pretty unbelievable stories!
Top 6 Castles Around Tokyo
These six castles, all easily accessible from the Tokyo area, are more than enough to slake your thirst for the days of the samurai.
Kanazawa: Traditional Scenes Among the Sakura
Known for retaining much of its feudal, old-city atmosphere, Kanazawa is a castle town that boasts beautiful landmarks that can be enjoyed in every season. However, the spring cherry blossom season is in a class of its own.
