FIRST TIME IN JAPAN

These six castles, all easily accessible from the Tokyo area, are more than enough to slake your thirst for the days of the samurai.

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."

Japan is home to some of the most famous toys in the world. So what should you do if you’re in Japan and you—or, um, your kids—feel a sudden urge for toy shopping?

Walk through 13 of the most fundamental types of alcohol in Japan. You know what's at the top of the list—but do you know the other 12?

As much fun as it is to gawk at Tokyo's shops and sky rises, it’s just as much fun to stop into a themed café to wet your whistle and enjoy an immaculately presented bite to eat.

Explore five Hanshin-area locations that appear as settings in Haruki Murakami's novels, as well as the landmarks of his life.

Apology is a kind of social currency in Japan. But using it well isn't just about knowing what words to use—you also need to know when and how to use them!

Before staying at a traditional Japanese 'ryokan' inn, you may want to brush up on these etiquette rules.