All About Japan All About Japan

Fresh start every Monday!

The Association of the Most Beautiful Villages

The Association of the Most Beautiful Villages in Japan is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and preserving the most interesting and beautiful rural towns in Japan. There are truly some hidden gems on this list!

Sweet, Sour, and Everything In Between: The Aromatic World of Japanese Citrus

Get a primer on Japanese citrus beforeWith over a hundred varieties grown throughout the country today, citrus has plenty of uses in Japan, from fruit snacks to alcoholic drinks.your next trip to the supermarket!

Roadtrip 5 Awesome Spots on the Noto Peninsula

Discover the secrets of the Noto Peninsula, situated on the wild northwestern coast of Honshu. Although remote, this area has it all; beautiful natural sights, historical architecture, fine handicrafts and relaxing hot spring resorts!

Sightseeing & Sports Around Japan

Learn about some of the sights and local charms around Tokyo, and in areas in Kyushu that live and breathe sports!

A New Year, A New Character Harvest

Audrey Hepburn and Osamu Tezuka's characters get the rice paddy treatment in Aomori Prefecture as rice fields spring up in their likeness.

10 Reasons to Visit Yamaguchi

Yamaguchi Prefecture is an incredible travel destination that is overlooked far too often. With a rich cultural identity, incredible landscapes and architectural marvels, delicious food and more, check out why it should be at the top of your itinerary!

Living Large in Tiny Japanese Houses

This latest trend in Japanese architecture sees people living in minimalist homes to minimize cost and maximize their time.

A Backpacker's Guide to Kochi

Join Stephen Schreck from A Backpacker's Tale as he visits Kochi Prefecture to do what he does best—learn the ins and outs of the region, and what makes it a fantastic destination for those looking to get off the beaten path!

Forgetting Time on the Resort Shirakami

The Resort Shirakami is a travel experience that combines the romance of the railways with traditional culture and beautiful scenery.

Where to Avoid the Crowds Near Tokyo

Tokyo may be one of the busiest cities on the planet, but veer slightly beyond the prefectural borders and you'll find all sorts of less-charted regions, free from the crowds.

Looking for Luxury? Japan Has You Covered!

As international customers rush to discover Japan's many charms, efforts are being made to attract affluent tourists looking for high-end luxury experiences.

The Akiyoshidai Fire Festival

People come to the Akiyoshi Plateau in Yamaguchi Prefecture to watch rolling grasslands burn with strips of open flame, and to explore the famous giant cave and fascinating geology of the Quasi-National Park.

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.

Pilgrimage Temples & Sake Brewers Join Forces

Buddhist temples that are part of the Shikoku Pilgrimage and local sake makers in southwestern Japan cooperate to overcome difficulties they face amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Bear Attacks in Japan: There Is A Solution

Tried and True Ways to Coexist as told by a bear conservationist

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.

The Isolated Attractions of Shikoku's "Tibet"

Some dedicated people are intent on saving the small village of Kito, and the last 20 bears that live in the surrounding mountains.

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.

Nanzoin: Discover Fukuoka's Reclined Buddha

Fukuoka has a well-earned reputation as one of Kyushu's culinary hotspots, but it's also home to an incredibly unique temple! Hop on a train from Hakata Station to see the largest reclining bronze Buddha in the world tucked into a Kyushu mountainside!

know-before-you-go