3 Magical Ghibli Hikes
Hayao Miyazaki’s animation has touched the hearts of old and young time and time again. The films produced by his incomparable Studio Ghibli often depict beautiful countryside scenes, some of which were inspired by real hills and mountains in Japan.
Take a 2-Hour Lesson in Japanese Cuisine
Ayuko Akiyama’s Buddha Bellies cooking class offers hands-on courses in Japanese cuisine—including advanced courses in cutting sushi and sashimi.
Quit Monkeying Around!
Watching these snow monkeys relaxing in the hot springs is enough to make anyone want to take a dip in an outdoor bath!
Top 3 Alkaline Onsen for Beautiful Skin
Grab your towels, ladies! Who needs bottled Pitera when the answer lies just a soothing soak away?
47 Reasons Why Japanese Makes No Sense
Canadian rakugo comedian Katsura Sunshine riffs on some of the more ridiculous points of the Japanese language—including, in particular, the 47 ways he knows how to say "Thank you."
10 Cool Things to Do in Tokyo
From rabbit cafés to sumo tournaments and everything in between, these are the top recommendations from Veltra's adventurous staff to make the most of your trip to Japan's capital!
Brett Mayer, Kanji Master
Learning Japanese Deeper Japan
Meet the American man who became the only non-Asian to pass the top level of the Japan Kanji Aptitude Test.
Michelin-Recognized Okonomiyaki
The distinctive thing about Denko Sekka's Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki is the egg.
8 Ways to Learn Japanese for (Almost) Free!
Learning Japanese can be easy, fun, and nearly free if you're ready to take on the challenge of getting more locally immersed!
7 Steps to Kaitenzushi
Your guide for how to eat at a Japanese favorite: the cheap, revolving sushi restaurant.
Visit 3-Michelin-Starred Gokayama
Take the new Hokuriku Shinkansen to visit the splendidly preserved, Michelin three-starred Gokayama village in Toyama Prefecture. If you want to get away from it all and be surrounded by nature and heritage, Gokayama is for you.
A Legendary Kamakura Eel Shop
Open since 1929, Kamakura's seaside Tsuruya eel shop is one of the Tokyo area's finest and most renowned.
High-Speed Sushi Quiz!
Think you're the ultimate sushi extraordinaire? Take these rapid video quizzes to find out!
20 Meters of Snow in Toyama
Every spring, 30-ton snow cutters carve through some of the deepest snow accumulations in the world to create the Snow Wall, or 'Yuki-no-Otani.'
Survival Japanese at the Ramen Shop!
Pick up the key vocabulary and phrases that will get you by in almost any ramen spot!
Feel Like a Feudal Lord in Ritsurin Garden
There isn't just one reason why Kagawa Prefecture's Ritsurin Garden has been awarded three stars in the Michelin Guide—there are thousands of them!
The 4 Keys to Japanese Greetings
Learning Japanese First Time in Japan
A few common greetings will help break the ice with your Japanese counterparts.
Take an 8-Week Intensive Sushi Course in Tokyo
The Tokyo Sushi Academy claims to be Japan's foremost trade school for Edomae sushi, offering year-long chef courses and eight-week diploma classes.
5 Reasons Taking the JLPT is a Good Idea
Learning Japanese Life in Japan
Anybody out there taking the Japanese Language Proficiency Test in December? If so, this guy is rooting for you!
Tokyo's Top 5 Three-Starred Restaurants
Tokyo boasts an incredible 13 three-Michelin-star restaurants. Here are five of the best of the best!
