All About Japan

Top 5 Department Stores in Kansai

A guide to the top luxury shopping options in Kansai.

Quench Your Thirst for Knowledge with Coke

These limited edition Coca-Cola bottles feature lovely designs that highlight regional history and culture!

A Fan's Guide to the 2019 Rugby World Cup

The wait is almost over! In less than a year the 2019 Rugby World Cup will kick off, and the Land of the Rising Sun is gearing up in a big way.

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.

How Japanese Pearls Are Processed

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.

Stay at the First-Ever Peanuts Hotel in Kobe!

We all expected Snoopy-themed rooms to be cute, but we never imagined they’d be this stylish, and even romantic.

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.

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

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.

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!

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 More Fantastic Kansai Hikes

Kansai is home to some amazing hiking spots that offer both interesting trails and stunning views. So what are you waiting for? Grab those shoes and get trekking!

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.

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.

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!

The Secrets of Pearl Harvesting in Japan

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.

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!

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.

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