Japan's 8 Best-Preserved Castle Towns
While some ancient castles may be hard to find in Japan today, many of their surrounding villages are still standing strong.
Daiba 1-chome Shotengai: Time-travel to 1960s
The Showa era might be over, but you can still take a trip back in time at Odaiba's Daiba 1-chome Shotengai—a mini-theme park made of 10 stores and 7 entertainment facilities with the retro feel of the 1960s.
Kappabashi: the Kitchen Town of Tokyo
Whether you're a chef or just learning how to cook, you don't want to miss out on strolling through Kappabashi's 170 kitchen and restaurant related shops.
Walk Through Time at the Edo Open Air Museum
At the Edo Open Air Museum, you can walk through time as you explore over 30 restored buildings with over 300 years of Japanese history.
Jimbocho: Tokyo's Town of Literature & Art
Tokyo's historic Jimbocho neighborhood is a melting pot of creative pursuits. With bookstores, libraries, art galleries, music shops and theaters, it's a must-visit destination for the artistically inclined!
Tokyo's Hub of Hidden Street Food Gems
Most first-time visitors tend to overlook Ningyocho, but this historical district hides some of the best traditional Japanese street foods in Tokyo.
Ameyoko: From Black Market to Bargain Street
After exploring Ueno Park and its various museums, make sure you stop by Ameyoko, an open-air market for cheap cosmetics, bargains for fashion, and street food.
The Old Town of Sawara: The Ideal Day Trip from Narita Airport
From centuries-old buildings to botanical gardens and picturesque canals, the Edo-era town of Sawara is a joy to discover—and a short distance from Tokyo’s Narita Airport.
Miyagi: Land of Samurai History
Experience the home of one of Japan's greatest ever samurai warriors with historic castles, ancient temples and colorful shrines less than two hours from Tokyo.
The Historical Stores of Ginza
Ginza has been associated with wealth ever since a silver coin mint was established here early in the Edo Period. Quite a few old shops got their start here, making Ginza a great center for some historical shopping!
200-Year-Old Soy Sauce Manufacturer Rebuilds
Kumamoto Earthquake Historical Shops
In April of 2016, a powerful earthquake rocked Kumamoto, toppling parts of Kumamoto Castle and damaging many other historical sites. One of those was 200-year-old soy sauce maker Hamada Shoyu. This is the story of their historic redesign by Kengo Kumo.
Enter the World of Kabuki at Kabukiza Gallery
At the Kabukiza Gallery, you can discover the secrets of kabuki, such as the realistic sound effects, the extravagant costumes, and learn about all the stage secrets that you missed during the show.
Taste 165 Years of Tradition at a Sake Brewery
If you're a sake lover, you've got to make your way out to Fukushima for this amazing brewery with 165 years of history in every sip.
5 Places to Buy Traditional Crafts in Tokyo
When shopping for traditional crafts in Tokyo, the options can be dizzying (if not absolutely exhausting) to sort through. So to help you find what you’re looking for, we’ve put together a list of our favorite stores!
Explore the Sumo World at Kokugikan Street
The best place to experience authentic sumo wrestler culture is at Kokugikan Street in Ryogoku. You can learn about sumo wrestling, watch a sumo match, and even eat like a sumo wrestler.
Going Back in Time for Books at Jimbocho
After reading, book-loving locals usually sell their tomes back to second-hand bookstores so the books will find a new home. Luckily, there's an old street in the middle of Tokyo that has more than 100 stores dedicated to old books: Jimbocho.
10 Shockingly Cheap Tokyo Ramen Shops
Trying to find a ramen bowl that’s in-budget, but still mouth-wateringly delicious can be frustrating.
A Walk Through Tokyo History: Yotsuya to Shinjuku on the Koshu Kaido Road
Historical Site Tokyo Day Trips
A guide to walking through the center of Tokyo on the course of the Koshu Kaido road, one of the five routes that connected the old city of Edo with the provinces. Among the modern buildings and bustling streets are remnants of a remarkable past.
Exploring the Culture of Miyagi
Miyagi is a place where traditional Japanese culture is still alive with wooden kokeshi dolls to mountain hot spring towns there is something for everyone.
Century-Old Candy Maker's Covid-Safety Sweets
Historical Shops Traditional Japan
Founded in 1901, Tohoen has survived the 1918 pandemic and is now making it through the current one offering limited-edition sweets focused on staying safe.
