Rice Field Art—Not a Form of Crop Circle
Although the outer space theme may throw you off, this rice field art was not designed by extraterrestrial beings, but by the residents of Gyoda City in Saitama Prefecture.
Autumn Bento for Nikko
A trip to Nikko inspires Shirley Wong to come up with a stunning seasonal bento design.
Japan: Home of the Lorax?
At Hitachi Seaside Park in Ibaraki, the poofy pink kochia plants of Kochia Hill—all 36,000 of them—look like something from a Dr. Seuss dreamscape in any season.
Ekiben Spotlight Local Cuisine
A Matsumoto bento maker teams up with students and the local agricultural co-op to create a castle town feast.
Yamagata's Rice Idols
Tsuyahime Uzen, Haenuki Shonai and Hitomebore Miyagi bring a dose of moe to one of the prefecture's signature products.
Autumn Starts in Daisetsuzan
The first place where you find leaves turning color in Japan is Hokkaido's Daisetsuzan National Park.
The Little Prince Museum in Hakone
Travelin' Boots' Ada Wilkinson hit the Little Prince Museum in Hakone. Sadly, she didn't come back with one of the museum's plush toys of a boa constrictor digesting an elephant, but she did return with a beautiful photo tour of an adorable location.
Kumamoto Power Spot Looks Like Ghibli Art
Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine is a mystical destination for those looking to feel the earth’s energy.
The Tanuki Who Just Keeps On Giving
Grateful for a meal, one raccoon dog has taken it upon himself to return the favor in a most unexpected way.
5 Stunning Fall Spots on the Boso Peninsula
Late in November, take a trip to the Boso Peninsula in Chiba to enjoy the spectacular colors of Japanese maples and ginkgo trees in an array of vibrant reds and yellows.
Hokkaido's Top 5 Autumn Color Spots
Japan's autumnal color change begins up in Hokkaido, so you need to explore the area early if you want to catch the season's best.
Autumn Canoe Tour in Gorgeous Gunma
This intriguing video from Discover Nippon takes us to Shimako Lake, a reservoir formed by the creation of Shimagawa Dam in the western part of Gunma Prefecture.
Anime Fans Visit 'Holy Land' Series Settings
Increasing numbers of tourists have been participating in what's been dubbed "Holy Land Pilgrimages": visiting the real-world settings of popular anime series. And now the government is actively trying to cash in on the phenomenon.
4 Fall Color Day Trips from Tokyo
Autumn Colors Japanese Countryside
Tokyo’s urban appeal is unrivaled, but when it comes to the autumn season most Tokyoites head outside of the city to take in the cooler weather and the dazzling fall foliage.
Serene Autumn Leaves in Oirase Gorge
Travel down one of Aomori's most beautiful spots at the best time of year.
All About Ekiben
Much more than dull meals to fill up hungry travelers, the best ekiben provide a small window into the regional cuisine and culture of the place where they're produced.
Autumn Colors in Naruko Gorge
There are various walking paths and even a train that goes through the 100-meter-deep (328 ft) gorge, which is covered this with stunning oranges and golds when the temperature begins to drop.
Tomonoura—Ghibli's Ponyo Inspiration
Walking around this town in western Hiroshima Prefecture, you really do get the feeling that you’ve just stepped into a cel of animation.
Gifu's Top 5 Autumn Color Spots
Gifu Prefecture is full of mountains, which means lots of trees—and especially beautiful Japanese maples!
Kanazawa's 'Ninja Temple'
Myoryu-ji Temple is not just your ordinary run-of-the-mill Buddhist sanctuary. Full of secrets and surprises, adults and children alike are sure to enjoy what this special place has to offer.
