Have a Cuppa in Kanazawa’s Old Town
While traveling in Kanazawa, be sure to stop for a nice, fresh cup of tea from a tea shop dating back to the Edo Period (1603-1868)!
Visit the World-Record-Holding Oldest Hotel
This hotel has been recognized by Guinness World Records as the oldest hotel in the world, and is just a prefecture away from Tokyo!
The Oldest 'Washi' Production Center in Japan
Explore the process of making traditional Japanese paper in Echizen City, known as the oldest producer of 'washi' in all of Japan.
Go Retro in Jimbocho
Check out these old-school coffee shops, passed down for generations in Tokyo's Jimbocho.
10 of the Best Gift Shops in Kyoto
Kyoto is a great city to look for souvenirs, but personally, we think these 10 shops in Kyoto take the cake when it comes to bringing back a bit of Japan back home with you.
Learning to Love 'Sumi' Ink Sticks
Ink sticks, or 'sumi,' were a practical way of conserving and transporting ink. They're the classic tool for writing Japanese calligraphy—and using them has an almost Zen-like quality.
Wagashi Shop Sells Seppuku-Themed Desserts
This impressive dessert makes for an expressive apology!
Kappabashi: Home of Japanese Knives
Kappabashi is an awesome spot to find cool Japanese kitchenware, especially the beautiful blades beloved by chefs around the world.
Looking for a Next-Level Sharpener?
Made in Osaka, these next-level pencil and makeup sharpeners boast of being 'light as an apple peel, sharp as a samurai sword.' Try them out to be sure!
Modern Shops with a Traditional Twist
These shops near one of Shinto’s holiest shrines will make you feel as though you have slipped back into the feudal period.
Top 5 Green Tea Parfaits in Kyoto
While the Kyoto area is known for its green tea, why not take it to the next level with a green tea parfait?
Traditional Meets Modernity at Hoshino Resorts
Hoshino Resorts is a renowned resort group in Japan, creating a luxurious Japanese vacation experience. After a century, Hoshino Resorts continues its tradition of providing a blend of the premium with the decor of the past.
Take Home Historical Memories from Nara
Win friends and score brownie points with your family by giving them these souvenirs from Nara as gifts!
Masterful Memo Blocks & Drawing Pads
These memo blocks and drawing pads are so good they garnered a Good Design Award and have been featured in the UK's Monocle Magazine.
Top 10 Japanese Companies Over 800 Years Old
Just how old is the oldest Japanese company? You might be surprised to learn that most of the companies on our list date back centuries before the Black Plague!
5 Dreamy Hotels in Nikko
Nikko's beautiful forests, mountains, lake, rivers and hot springs have long made it a popular summertime resort destination. Here are five dreamy places to stay!
15 Must-Try Tokyo Restaurants
Here are some of the best restaurants to visit for a luxurious yet reasonably-priced meal in Tokyo!
Shunkado: 130 Years of Sweets
Shunkado's flagship confection, the Unagipie Pastry, has been known for over 50 years as the signature souvenir of Shizuoka Prefecture. Eel extract never tasted so good!
The Oldest Paper Company in Japan
Founded in 771, Genda Shigyo makes 'mizuhiki,' the multicolored cords used to decorate envelopes for weddings, funerals and other major life events.
Take Home a Piece of Niigata
Savor the prefecture’s finest produce long after your trip is over!
