Travel by Train to Superb Sakura Viewing Spots
Some lesser-known but magnificent hanami spots in Japan’s eastern and northern regions and tips on how to reach them using the excellent railroad passes.
Deep in Snow Country - Yuzawa and Minakami
Join us as we search for onsen and winter scenery through the Yuzawa and Minakami regions of central Japan.
Visit Japan’s Least Populous Prefectures!
In a post-COVID-19 world, the concept of travel can still be quite daunting. But as things get back up and running in Japan, people may still want to avoid the crowds. If that's the case, why not try visiting one of Japan's least populous prefectures?
Persimmons: Only $1,000 Each!
One of the weird and fun things about Japan are insanely expensive fruits. Including a box of persimmons that fetched 100,000 yen in the season’s first auction in Ishikawa Prefecture.
The 5-Hour Wild Boar Chase in Niigata
Police officers in the city of Tsubame, about 300 kilometers north of Tokyo, spent five hours chasing a wild boar after the animal was spotted roaming near rice paddies.
Sake Brewing in Saku
Ever tried sake brewing? Learn how an ancient beverage can give you a glimpse into some of Japan's most enduring cultural traditions in the city of Saku, in Nagano.
Snow Crab Season Starts in Central Japan
The snow crab season kicked off in Fukui Prefecture on the Sea of Japan on November 5.
Delivering Holy Stones to a Mountaintop Shrine
Shinto priests are on a mission to deliver holy stones to a shrine on the summit of Mount Tsurugi in central Japan.
The City of Salmon – A Day in Murakami
Murakami, in northern Niigata, is home to the eerie tradition of hanging salmon. It is also famous for tea, sake, wagyu, and more!
Touch of Tradition with Modern 3D Cutter Cabin
This remarkable wooden cabin was constructed locally in the mountains of Japan using a Shopbot 3D wood cutter, with minimal impact on the environment. Click to learn more.
Fukui: New Trends Crafted from Traditional Skills
This August, LUMINE Singapore, the concept store featuring Japanese fashion and lifestyle brands, will feature the best of Fukui Prefecture’s craft products in a pop-up store commemorating the opening of its new flagship store at Raffles City.
Japan Sea Port Town: Historic Site of Wealthy Merchants and Brave Boatmen
From here, bold local merchants set sail to destinations up and down the coast of Japan, bringing wealth to the successful. Its charms dating from that period are a treat for travelers.
See How Trees Get Their Winter Rope Umbrellas
Have you ever wondered how the gardeners at Kenroku-en put up ropes on the trees to protect them from snow this winter? We've got just the video for you.
Central Japan's Husband-Throwing Festival
You won't believe this wacky winter ritual where locals throw a married man down a snowy hill to his wife.
Trekking Ancient Trails Along Tokamachi's Amazing Rice Terraces
The terraced rice fields of Tokamachi Tanada have been called one of the most beautiful scenic spots in Japan. Here's a hike that follows ancient trails through the spectacular landscape.
All About Japanese Guesthouses
Guesthouses are a great way to enjoy an authentic and affordable stay in Japan and interact with locals. Join us as we take an inside look at the Japanese guesthouse industry with two guesthouse owners!
The Perfect Weekend in the City of Niigata
The first of a series introducing a local insider’s ideal weekend in their home town.
Niigata Craft Gin to Promote Sustainability
A man in central Japan is working on promoting sustainability and boosting local tourism by making gin.
Making Japanese Washi Paper from Food Waste
An established paper maker in central Japan has come up with a new type of washi that’s also eco-friendly. Craftswoman Masami Igarashi has 25 years of experience manufacturing washi and related products. She now makes paper from vegetable and fruit waste.
Ceramics Workshop Designed by Kengo Kuma
Star architect Kengo Kuma puts his signature stamp on yet another building with this ceramics museum and workshop in Komatsu.
