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The Isolated Attractions of Shikoku's "Tibet"

Some dedicated people are intent on saving the small village of Kito, and the last 20 bears that live in the surrounding mountains.

Discover Japanese Woodwork Traditions at Takenaka Carpentry Tools Museum

This Kobe museum features the traditions and technology of Japanese carpentry and tool artisanship that are used in buildings from simple tea houses to complex temple designs.

Toilet Wonders of the Architectural World

Head to Shibuya in Tokyo to experience toilets like you've never experienced them before.

Five Young Japanese Women Making a Difference

A look at some young Japanese women making waves and inspiring others in their respective fields. Our “A list” includes an actress, an artist, an athlete, an author and an advocate for social change.

Four Japanese Women Who Changed History

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.

11 Alternative Tours In Kyoto

Beyond the temples and shrines, the city of Kyoto offers so much more. Take a look at our list of the best alternative tours in Kyoto for an off the beaten path experience, courtesy of Trip101!

Brit Amelia Hiorns is Working to Save Japan’s Bear Population

Amelia Hiorns has one of the most unusual jobs in Japan. As a member of the Picchio Wildlife Research Center’s Bear Team, she works with black bears, Karelian bear dogs, and humans, all in an effort to promote wildlife conservation.

The Roots of Tottori's History and Culture in Japanese Mythology

Tottori Prefecture is located in the northeastern part of Japan’s Chugoku region, on the western edge of the main island of Honshu. Long and narrow, it runs from east to west along the Sea of Japan.

Special Starbucks Mugs Showcase Local Artisans

Starbucks Japan has a series of tumblers and coffee mugs that highlight the splendor of local pottery, and our friends at Spoon & Tamago have compiled some of their favorites.

Pilgrimage Temples & Sake Brewers Join Forces

Buddhist temples that are part of the Shikoku Pilgrimage and local sake makers in southwestern Japan cooperate to overcome difficulties they face amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Life-Size Dolls Enliven Girls' Festival Event

Life-size “Hina” dolls are on display at a historic inn in Shizuoka Prefecture, southwest of Tokyo, for the doll festival on March 3.

Book Designs for Ishiguro's New Novel Released

We've got the scoop on prolific author Kazuo Ishiguro's latest book cover designs. But why are they so dramatically different?

These Traditional Dolls Are Earthquake Ready

As one kokeshi doll workshop's owners began cleaning up their shop, a flash of genius stuck them: why not equip their topple-prone traditional dolls with lights that can be used in case of future earthquakes?

Memorializing March 11 Victims in Mandala Art

Artist Yuri Shimojo turned a way to deal with the pain of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami into peace-filled art with her "Memonto Mori" series of mandala-like paintings.

Mount Unzen Eruption Site to be Preserved

Locals in southwestern Japan begin digging up areas devastated by the 1991 eruption at Mount Unzen as part of efforts to preserve the disaster remains.

Tottori Folk Crafts: Traditions Passed Down Over Generations

Tottori Prefecture is located in the northeastern part of Japan’s Chugoku region, on the western edge of the main island of Honshu. Long and narrow, it runs from east to west along the Sea of Japan.

250+ Free Pictograms All About Life in Japan

Graphic designer Kenya Hara and Nippon Design Center have created over 250 pictograms supporting tourism visually. And you can get them for free!

Japanese Onomatopoeia: There's a Word for That

Get help learning Japanese onomatopoeia with the help of 100 international illustrators in one remarkable little book.

Bear Attacks in Japan: There Is A Solution

Tried and True Ways to Coexist as told by a bear conservationist

Fighting Unconscious Bias in Male Students

A group of university students launch a project to fight against unconscious bias.

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