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Japanese Castles — A Backpacker’s Guide

Check out an interview with Julien Mentzer as he discusses how his book, 'Japanese Castles – A Backpacker’s Guide,' can help you discover all the castle treasures of Japan.

Go Away for a Day to Oshima Island

Check out this video highlight of Fukuoka's Oshima Island—and then pack your bags!

Ride With the Gods in Tottori Prefecture

Go for a ride on a Tottori road that's protected by a mountain where gods reside!

Half-Day Canyoning Tour in Okutama

Challenge yourself on an exciting half-day canyoning adventure that features climbing, sliding, swimming and more—only 90 minutes from Shinjuku Station!

Japan's Top 4 'Best 3' Sightseeing Spots!

Witness the best sightseeing spots Japan has to offer in four official, comprehensive lists.

Get Paid ¥1 Million to Travel Tohoku

The Tohoku365 Project is offering to pay you ¥1 million to share your 15- to 30-day Tohoku experience through articles, blogs, photographs or videos. No joke!

9 Gorgeous Out-of-the-Way Spots in Kyushu

Kyushu is home to beautiful beaches, smoking volcanoes, bubbling hot springs—and a whole lot more!

A Gold Medalist's Running Route

Olympic gold medalist Naoko Takahashi gives us the lowdown on one of her favorite running spots—in the mountains!

5 Reasons to Go Off-Season Camping in Japan

With more than 3,000 campsites in Japan, there's every reason to get out of the city and find your new happy place. Even—or especially—if it's out of the official camping season.

Shiretoko Five Lakes Walking Tour

Tour around the Shiretoko Five Lakes on a 3-kilometer course. The serene path, fresh air and magnificent scenery on the edge of the Sea of Okhotsk are sure to relax you.

The Oldest Beech Trees in Asia

With bright blue ponds and an 8,000-year-old biosphere, we invite you to witness the unspoiled splendor of one of Japan's first UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Shirakami-Sanchi!

Take the Chichibu 34 Kannon Pilgrimage

The Chichibu Valley is home to beautiful mountains and rivers—and a centuries-old temple pilgrimage unlike any other in Japan.

Tsukuba: City of Science & Nature

In addition to being a 'science city,' Tsukuba is also home to one of Japan's oldest shrines, located at the foot of a twin-peaked mountain associated with the origins of the Japanese people.

All the Best Fall Color Spots in Tohoku

Check out these famous fall color spots and their nearby hot springs in each of northeastern Japan's six prefectures.

Guided Mount Fuji Climbing Tour in English

Make your way to the top of Mount Fuji with an English-speaking guide. Catch the beautiful sunrise after a vigorous hike, all without worries about the language barrier!

5 Things to Expect from Japan’s Countryside

Countryside Japan is quite different from cosmopolitan areas like Tokyo or Osaka. We'll help you get out there, get off the Shinkansen and go exploring!

4 Outdoor Adventures in Gankoyama

Gankoyama has recently become a mecca for outdoors adventurers and eco-tourists.

Full List: Japan’s UNESCO Shrines & Temples!

Japan is home to thousands of historic shrines and temples, and a good few of them are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. A visit to just one can give insight into Japanese culture.

5 Outdoor Autumn Activities in Karuizawa

Easily accessible from Tokyo and home to luxury resorts, shops and restaurants, Karuizawa is a gorgeous year-round getaway. But autumn is when the town shows its true colors!

5 Key Sights to See in Kobe

Kobe is a lovely, cosmopolitan city with a fascinating international past. Don't miss these top sites in Kansai's famous port city!

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