All About Japan

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.

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.

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?

Snow Crab Season Starts in Central Japan

The snow crab season kicked off in Fukui Prefecture on the Sea of Japan on November 5.

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.

Travel to Toyama to Peek the Japanese Alps

Who knew Japan had its very own Alps? And they are right in the heart of the nation.

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.

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.

Exploring Japan's Three-Star Road

Japan's Three-Star Road is home to a host of Michelin-recognized sites and wonders, comprising a compact area that covers four prefectures. With the new Three-Star Ticket option, exploring this stretch of Japan is easier than ever before.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Niigata Craft Gin to Promote Sustainability

A man in central Japan is working on promoting sustainability and boosting local tourism by making gin.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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