HISTORICAL SHOPS

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.

While the Kyoto area is known for its green tea, why not take it to the next level with a green tea parfait?

This impressive dessert makes for an expressive apology!

This hotel has been recognized by Guinness World Records as the oldest hotel in the world, and is just a prefecture away from Tokyo!

Back in the day, getting ocean fish to Kyoto was back-breaking work. You can still hike the 1,300-year-old path that brought mackerel to the ancient capital.

Oharai-machi and Okage-yokocho are two fantastic places that transport you back in time along the bustling shopping streets of Ise Grand Shrine.

Studded with small bays and inlets, the peninsula known as Ise-Shima­—the venue for the 2016 G7 Summit—is a utopia for those seeking a glimpse of classical Japan, from the expansive environs of the sacred shrine of Ise Jingu to the bounty of the ocean.

Salt from the sea and other essential goods were hauled along Salt Road from Japan’s coastal areas to the mountainous territories inland—and delivered even to mortal enemies in need.