The Secrets of Pearl Harvesting in Japan
Handicrafts Local Creators' Market
Look closely through the translucent sheen of any Akoya pearl and you’ll see a rainbow of colors—a joint gift from the growers, the oysters, and the sea itself. But how are they produced?
Sing & Learn the Names of Japanese Stations
Rock to the beat of station names and level up your knowledge of Japan’s railway system while you’re at it.
Testing out the ili Translation Device in Kobe
Our writer Eric headed out to Kobe to check out the Sannomiya nightlife, and he brought an ili translation device along for the ride with amusing results.
Quench Your Thirst for Knowledge with Coke
These limited edition Coca-Cola bottles feature lovely designs that highlight regional history and culture!
Top 10 Natural Power Spots of Kansai
Japan is a haven for beautiful nature, and Kansai is one of the best places to experience just that.
22 Animals to See in Japan's National Parks
While Japan may have an image as a land of trains and modern technology, the nation's 34 national parks offer a wealth of wildlife waiting to be discovered.
TripAdvisor's Best Restaurants in Japan 2018
These restaurants throughout the country are known for their warmth, hospitality and accessibility, as well as the mouth-watering dishes they serve up to hungry diners from around the world!
Take Your Prefectural Pride on the Road
These stylish license plates feature iconic imagery from prefectures throughout Japan, so you can show off your prefectural pride every time you hit the road!
Top 5 Department Stores in Kansai
A guide to the top luxury shopping options in Kansai.
Top 5 Secret Beaches of Kansai
Find some of the best hidden beaches in the Kansai region with this guide.
Is Japan Boring Outside of Tokyo?
Tokyo certainly has charm and no one could doubt the convenience of living or staying in the major city. However, there’s so much more to see outside of Tokyo and I'm happy to give you a few examples... it’s literally my job to promote the entire country.
7 Major Otaku Areas Outside Tokyo
Tokyo is famous for 'otaku' hotspots like Akihabara, Ikebukuro and Nakano. But where do you go if you're not in the Tokyo area? We've got your 'otaku' needs covered in seven other major cities around Japan!
Top 5 Theme Parks in Kansai
Check out some of the best theme parks the Kansai region has to offer.
All Aboard This Luxurious New Shinkansen
This new bullet train from JR West will allow passengers to travel in comfort like never before, with six unique cars that cater to the needs of different types of travelers.
5 Incredible Japanese Illumination Locations
While illuminations are typically associated with the Christmas holiday season, here are five places in Japan where you can see these dazzling displays throughout the year.
Experience Being a Temple Maiden for a Day
Ever wondered what it would be like to do the work of a shrine maiden? Well, at a shrine in Hyogo Prefecture you can actually dress up and experience all the work 'miko' do!
Japan's 8 Best-Preserved Castle Towns
While some ancient castles may be hard to find in Japan today, many of their surrounding villages are still standing strong.
All About the Local Creators' Market
Handicrafts Local Creators' Market
Launched by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), the Local Creators’ Market focuses on five Japanese locales noted for producing exquisite traditional handicrafts.
Go From Osaka to Kyushu on an Overnight Ferry
For just ¥10,000 you can travel halfway across the country in your sleep on the Bullet Ferry.
How Japanese Pearls Are Processed
Handicrafts Local Creators' Market
How are pearls processed? Prized Akoya pearls are sorted in front of a north-facing window, where the low-angled natural light reveals any scratches and irregularities, and practiced artisans recognize flaws as slight as a tenth of a millimeter.
