Visit the City that Inspired 'Your Name'
While half of the smash hit 'Your Name' may be based in a fictional village, Hida City in Gifu Prefecture is swimming in tourist dough thanks to the key points of inspiration it provided!
Shoryudo — Rising Dragon of Japan
Have you ever made soy sauce by hand? Neither had Rachel! Follow her journey through the 'Rising Dragon' of Japan, a route that travels through Shizuoka, Aichi, Ishikawa, Gifu and Nagano Prefectures.
World Heritage Villages Among Deep Valleys
Travel to Gifu and Toyama to learn all about the charming and scenic historic villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama, two of Japan's UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Superb Night Views atop Gifu's Mount Kinka
The night view from the top of Mount Kinka in Gifu City, Gifu Prefecture is one of the most spectacular in all of Japan, on a par with some of the country's most popular night views!
Can You Keep a Secret? 4 Hidden Hot Springs
There are a lot of incredible hot springs in Japan. These four hot springs are not well known, but they'll surprise you! They all have something special in common—can you guess what it is?
4 Cool Things You Probably Missed on SnowJapan
As with any big site, there are many great parts of SnowJapan that get overlooked, even by frequent users. Here are four things you probably didn't know you could do!
21 Top Spots Outside Japan's 'Golden Route'
Many tourists concentrate on the so-called 'Golden Route' connecting Tokyo to Kyoto and Osaka. But what do you do if you want to get off the principal tourist highway and see the best of the rest? Here are Japan's 21 best off-the-Golden-Route spots!
Japan Gets Its First Cat Café Train
Pleasing both railway and feline fans, the Cat Café Train will be operational for one day only!
13 Places to Go Canyoning in Japan
With so many rivers and mountains, Japan offers plenty of prime canyoning territory. Here are 13 great places to go canyoning in Japan!
'Jikabuki': Local Kabuki in Gifu Prefecture
At Aioiza, a small museum and playhouse in Gifu, you can get right behind the scenes with 'jikabuki'—and even try on the makeup and costumes for yourself!
All Aboard the 'Your Name' Bus!
If you’re an anime fan planning to make a pilgrimage to the location that inspired the hit anime film 'Your Name,' your bus has arrived!
Japan's Top 10 Aquariums
As an island nation, Japan’s history and culture are tied to the sea and the animals within. To get a good glimpse of the deep blue from dry land, check out the Top 10 aquariums scattered across the country!
Four Outstanding Outdoor Onsen Across Japan
Hot springs are enjoyed in Japan year-round, but the chilly winter weather presents the perfect time to take a dip. Get ready to escape the cold at one of these four incredible outdoor onsen.
6 Best Buy Natural Products from Japan Towns
If 'au naturel' is what you prefer, this list offers hot tips on cool things to buy from select Japanese towns. Take a break from the 'kawaii' cute goods and go for some of these natural specialties.
Shoryudo: Knockout Destinations
From ropeways and waterfalls to castles and historic gardens, the 'Rising Dragon Road' through central Japan does everything to catch your eye!
Top 5 Onsen in Gifu
With its stunning mountain ranges and natural spring water, Gifu Prefecture is one of the best places in all of Japan to experience hot spring baths. Check out our favorite picks!
Gifu Festival Celebrates 700 Years of Swords
Seki City in Gifu Prefecture has been forging samurai swords for over 700 years. On the second weekend of October every year, the Seki Cutlery Festival celebrates the region's long history of blade-making—and offers gorgeous works at discount prices!
Full List—Japan's Intangible Cultural Heritage
Beyond its 20 spectacular World Cultural Heritage Sites, Japan has 21 traditions recognized by UNESCO as elements of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Top 10 Historical Hotels & 'Ryokan' Inns
Stay at an accommodation that once served Japanese feudal lords or one that has been around since the Edo Period!
A New Kind of Seasonal Art Medium
Disney and Japanese anime are some of the inspirations for these transient masterpieces.
