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21 Top Spots Outside Japan's 'Golden Route'

Many tourists concentrate on the so-called 'Golden Route' connecting Tokyo to Kyoto and Osaka. But what do you do if you want to get off the principal tourist highway and see the best of the rest? Here are Japan's 21 best off-the-Golden-Route spots!

Gorgeous Blue Pond Is Worth a Trip Up North

If you're thinking of making a trip up to Japan's northernmost main island, be sure to check out the pristine blue waters of Blue Pond.

10 Things to Do in Hokkaido After Yuki Matsuri

Each February, Sapporo's Snow Festival is a favorite among snow-loving tourists. But while enjoying the snow sculptures is a must, there are many things to do that you shouldn't miss while in Sapporo.

Fun for the Whole Family at Rusutsu Resort

Pack your bags and get the kids ready for an exciting trip to Hokkaido for fun in the sun, in the snow or on the slides.

Dig into a Shoe Cake, a Pikachu Cake & More!

Hokkaido-based cake artist draws on a wide variety of inspirations for jaw-dropping edible art.

Niseko: A Winter & Summer Sport Wonderland

Looking for an extreme sport paradise any time of the year? Then you've got to get out to Niseko!

Top 5 Things to Take Home from Hokkaido

Home to well-fed and well-cared-for cattle (for meat and dairy) and abundant seafood, Hokkaido may just well be Japan's 'land of milk and honey!'

7 Standout Sweets from 6 Prefectures

Because every prefecture has a specialty, keep this 'sweet' list of seven snacks in mind on your next trip across Japan. They're too good not to try!

Wonders of Japan: The Coastline

Enjoy the breathtaking coastal landscapes unique to this island nation.

From Kansai to Hokkaido on Public Transport

While it's on the other end of the nation, there are still several easy ways of getting out to Hokkaido this year for those of you residing in the Kansai region.

No Need to Lug Around Your Luggage Anymore

Thanks to Ecbo Cloak you can now store your luggage at cafés, bars and restaurants, so you can keep your travel light!

Top 20 Power Spots in Japan

Japan seems to be overflowing with so-called 'power spots.' Here are 20 of the best, many of them tied to mountain worship, ancient shrines, and the very origins of Japan.

Our 6 Favorite Veltra Discount Packages

Looking to save a few yen on some of Japan's big tourist spots? These packages offer discounts and special deals rolled into the regular price, from Hokkaido to Okinawa—including limited-time discounts to the Robot Restaurant!

Exposing Playgrounds to Darkness

In just the right light, or lack there of, even the most innocent places can become terrifying at night with a single photograph.

5 Most Expensive Fruits That Are Made in Japan

Fruits in Japan can be expensive when compared to other countries—in fact, five out of the six most expensive fruits in the world are from here! Let's took a look the these costly treats!

The Hill of Buddha — An Architectural Marvel

Outside the city of Sapporo, hidden by the beautiful, natural landscape of Hokkaido, rests an awe-inspiring statue.

Japan's Top Music Festivals

Summer is upon us, and that means one thing—the country is rocking with a wide variety of awesome music festivals!

12 Great Ways to Spend the Year in Hokkaido

Not sure when you can make it out to Hokkaido? Here are twelve events worth checking out, one for each month of the year.

Top Ranked Fruits in Japan for Each Season

Japan is a country with clearly defined seasons, which allows Japanese farmers to grow specific fruits that are seasonally popular. We'll teach you the two top fruits from each season to be on the lookout for no matter when you visit Japan.

13 Places to Paraglide in Japan

There are over a dozen places where you can paraglide across Japan. Most are located in the central regions, but there are also paragliding options in Hokkaido and the southern islands if you know where to look!

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