Stranger than Fiction: 5 True Tales from Tokyo
Want to learn more about Tokyo? These 5 nonfiction novels examine different aspects of Japanese life and culture in the country and its colorful capital.
Taming the Tiger Temple of Nara
Head to Chogosonshi-ji in Nara for a uniquely feline temple experience!
Olympic Torch Relay Route Decided
Set to begin March of 2020, the route across Japan for the Olympic torch relay has been decided! It is expected to stop at myriad World Heritage sites and historical hotspots.
Picture-Perfect Hidden Gems in Tokyo
Tokyo is a massive metropolis, with many hidden areas you're unlikely to find in any guidebook. Check out these lesser known spots just begging to be photographed!
Two Airlines to Carry Olympic Flame to Japan
Two Japanese airlines, JAL and ANA, announced that they will both transport the Olympic Flame from Greece to Japan ahead of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Flock to Shikoku to See the City of Scarecrows
Tourists are making their way to a dwindling community in Tokushima Prefecture, where the number of residents is greatly outnumbered by scarecrows.
All About Pensions in Japan
We answer important questions about Japanese pensions: who has to contribute, how much you have to pay, when you can receive benefits and how much you can get back?
How Are Men's & Women's Kimono Different?
While traditional Japanese clothing may look the same to the average person, there are some variances between men's and women's kimono. See if you can spot some of the differences.
10 Reasons to Visit Yamaguchi
Yamaguchi Prefecture is an incredible travel destination that is overlooked far too often. With a rich cultural identity, incredible landscapes and architectural marvels, delicious food and more, check out why it should be at the top of your itinerary!
9 Craft Beers Perfect for Spring
Is there anything better than beer, sunshine and friends? A nice CRAFT beer, sunshine and friends! These nine beers are perfect for spring (or any season!), and are sure to take your hanami or picnics to the next level!
5 Popular Japanese Foods (Besides Sushi)
Although sushi might be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about Japanese food, it's actually an irregular part of the Japanese diet. The following five foods are consumed far more frequently. Have you tried them all?
Purify Body & Mind with Waterfall Training
A Shinto priest in western Tokyo offers a traditional form of ascetic training for monks and priests to the public. With waterfall training, he hopes to help others relieve the stress of living in modern society.
A Train That Conveys the Spirit of Recovery
A journey on Minami Aso Railway’s trolley train, which trundles past the Aso Caldera—one of the world’s largest volcanic craters—gives riders the leisurely opportunity to marvel at the natural splendors of Kumamoto’s landscape.
Getting Back to Nature in Kochi
Get away from tourist-filled Tokyo and Kyoto, and explore the nature, food and friendly villages of Kochi. Bring your sense of adventure!
7 Tricky English to Japanese Translation Fails
Learning Japanese Life in Japan
Communicating in a foreign language isn't just a matter of translating what you want to say word for word. If you do, you might end up conveying a completely different meaning than your intended one!
How Inheritance Tax Hits Foreigners in Japan
If you’ve lived here for more than 10 years—even without a permanent visa—you may be on the hook for taxes on inheritance anywhere in the world.
7 Superb Latte Art Spots
Looking for more latte flair than what Starbucks and Doutor have to offer? These Tokyo coffee shops won't let you down!
10 Onomatopoeia Terms You Need to Know
Learning Japanese Deeper Japan
Whether you're a first-time visitor to Japan, a current resident or simply studying the language, if you want to impress your friends with some Japanese try out these incredibly useful onomatopoeia expressions!
7 Japanese Foods Beyond Sushi
Food & Drink Beyond Sushi: Best Eats & Treats in Japan
Japan is a nation with incredible food and a strong sense of regionalism and seasonality when it comes to cuisine. As such, it's home to a countless, eclectic selection of unique foods that sometimes get left behind in favor of staples like sushi.
How 5 Tokyo Neighborhoods Were Named
Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ginza, Asakusa and Akihabara are incredibly popular areas, and at the top of many traveler's 'To See' lists! Learn how these famous Tokyo neighborhoods got their names.