All About Japan All About Japan

Fresh start every Monday!

A Secluded Hot Spring in Tokyo!

Get away from the hustle and bustle at Janoyu Onsen Inn in Hinohara Village.

Go Back in Time on Historic Streets of Gion

Gion, the traditional entertainment and geisha district of Kyoto, is famous for its streets and picturesque alleys that retain the atmosphere of the past.

Department Stores with a Long History

'Shinise' literally means 'old stores.' And with a strong culture of preserving history, Japan has the largest number of 'shinise,' especially regarding department stores!

3 Pottery Trips from Japan's Biggest Cities

We've lined up three famous pottery towns that make easy day trips from Nagoya, Osaka or Tokyo.

The Three Oldest Hotels in the World

Japan is famous for its ancient temples and shrines, but did you know that it's also the home to the three oldest hotels in the world?

8 Amazing Days on a JR Kyushu Rail Pass

Discover the beauty of four Kyushu prefectures by rail! Wander castle towns, stroll through samurai residences and visit historic shrines tied to the founding of Japan, all surrounded by delicious local cuisine!

5 Oldest Coffee Shops in Tokyo

Coffee culture in Japan did not necessarily have a good start, but these 5 shops somehow withstood the test of time.

Better Know Your Old-School Senbei!

Founded in 1804, Matsuzaki Senbei has been offering classic rice crackers for over 200 years. But do you know the three key flavors from old Tokyo?

A Rare Sand Hot Spring

Japan has plenty of hot springs, but some of them are truly unique—like this sand hot spring in Saga Prefecture, which has a history of some 2,000 years!

The Luxurious Nara Hotel Audrey Hepburn Loved

In Nara you can get away from the turmoil of the big city by visiting the Great Buddha or deer-filled Nara Park, and then spend the night relaxing in the elegant Nara Hotel.

Candy So Good It'll Bring Back the Dead

Try a piece of this candy that for 400 years has been tantalizing the tongues and scaring customers with its hair-raising history!

Hands-On Fun Along the Shoryudo Dragon Route

After experiencing the unforgettable Ukiyo-e Route of the Shoryudo (Rising Dragon Road), we made our way up north to learn all about the treasures of Chubu, Japan's central region.

10 of Japan's Oldest Confection Shops

The sweet treats offered by these long-lived establishments have more than withstood the tests of time. Each shop is at least 350 years old!

The Oldest Business in the World

Founded over 1,400 years ago, Kongo Gumi is a Japanese temple-building company that's responsible for a number of the most famous structures in the Kansai area.

A Michelin Chef's Twist on Japanese Sweets

Try traditional Japanese sweets by way of a Michelin-starred chef in New York!

Top 4 Theme Parks in Tokyo

Think you know the most popular theme parks in Tokyo? You just might be surprised at what attractions didn't make our list!

Go Inside the Oldest Amusement Park in Japan

Hanayashiki, located in Asakusa, Tokyo, is the oldest amusement park in Japan—though it wasn't always an amusement park. Take a look into the park's incredible past and how it has stood the test of time.

How to Get a Quality Kimono Online

Tracing its history as a wholesaler all the way back to 1783, Osaka's Matsukawaya has been offering affordable, quality kimono online since 2002.

3 Historic Fan Shops in Kyoto

Japanese fans are as much about fashion and art as they are about keeping cool, and these traditional shops have really mastered the craft!

It's Easy to Discover the History of Takayama

Ranked as a three-star Michelin destination, Takayama's ancient streetscapes are full of traditional shops, while its Takayama Matsuri is known as one of Japan's top three most beautiful festivals.

know-before-you-go