The Shinkansen Network in Japan
A visit to Japan is incomplete without some travel on the Shinkansen, Japan’s bullet train network. With a new line connecting Hokkaido, there isn’t a better time to see all of Japan in the blink of an eye!
Find Food Heaven in Hokkaido
Please, please eat something before watching this video about what to eat in Hokkaido. You've been warned.
Flowers & Festivals in Hokkaido
How about strolling in endless fields of lavender, sunflowers and wheat to experience the natural wonders of the great island of Hokkaido?
5 Tasty 'Omiyage' Worth Lining Up For
Orderly lines outside everything from chic coffee shops to blue-collar ramen shops are a common sight in Japan, and food-based specialty 'omiyage' (souvenir) stores are no different. But are these snacks really worth lining up for?
Ride 10 Gorgeous Steam Locomotives in Japan
Japan is famous for its modern trains, but it's also a great lover of traditional steam engines.
Dive Into Ainu Culture
Discover the culture and traditions of the Ainu as we take an in-depth look into one of Japan's largest indigenous populations.
5 Winter Day Trips from Sapporo
Sapporo is an ideal base from which to explore other areas of vast Hokkaido! From penguins to icebreakers, and ice sculptures to festivals, Hokkaido has so much to see and experience.
Ski with Sakura in Sapporo
The end of April sees all but the nation's northernmost cherry blossoms fall to the ground. But on the island of Hokkaido, the annual wave of pink and white is only about to begin.
Ginormous Anime Snow Sculptures
It seems the 2016 Sapporo Snow Festival has some larger-than-life anime characters in store!
Wonders of Japan: Industrial Heritage
Historical Site World Heritage
Get to know modern community development while viewing heritage sites from Japan's industrial revolution.
7 Sweet Reasons to Visit Snowy Hokkaido
Here are seven snacks to whet your appetite and encourage you to break out your snow boots.
Wonders of Japan: Hospitality
Experience the welcoming culture of hospitality that is the pride of Japan.
4 Premium Packaged Plants
This great selection highlights the Japanese art of packaged food, where almost anything can find itself inside a plastic wrapper!
Regional Station Souvenirs You Can't Miss!
Don't let these yummy station souvenirs pass you by on your next Shinkansen ride!
Top 9 Sakura Spots in Tohoku & Hokkaido
Since northern Japan gets its cherry blossoms later than the rest of the country, even if you've missed the first round of 'sakura' to the south, you can often catch late blooms in Tohoku and Hokkaido as late as the end of April or even early May.
Ekiben: Symbols of Colorful Local Culture
There was a time in Japanese history when each domain acted practically as its own country. So it's hardly surprising that each area developed its own culture and customs, giving a distinctive flavor and flair to each region.
Thomas the Tank Engine Takes Japan
It may come as a bit of a surprise, but Thomas the Tank Engine is one of Japan's best-loved children's characters. In fact, the country boasts multiple theme parks and working trains dedicated to Thomas and his friends.
6 Beautiful Japanese Glasses
Often utilizing vivid colors, these blown glass glasses are wonderful examples of a traditional Japanese technique.
Escape to Hokkaido on the Bullet Train
Japan's speediest train, the Shinkansen, now extends up to Japan's most northern island of Hokkaido, making it easier to enjoy red king crabs and the famous Sapporo Snow Festival.
Wonders of Japan: Activities Amidst Nature
Experience a variety of sports activities carried out amidst nature.
