5 Things to Expect from Japan’s Countryside
Japanese Countryside Deeper Japan
Countryside Japan is quite different from cosmopolitan areas like Tokyo or Osaka. We'll help you get out there, get off the Shinkansen and go exploring!
All the Best Fall Color Spots in Tohoku
Check out these famous fall color spots and their nearby hot springs in each of northeastern Japan's six prefectures.
Tour Ise-Shima with the KINTETSU RAIL PASS
While the Ise-Shima area is best known for Ise Jingu, the area also offers picturesque scenery and gourmet food. And you can access this resort region easily from Osaka using the KINTETSU RAIL PASS!
Japan's 12 Best Keepless Castles
These castles may not have keeps, but many of them are much older than any of Japan's so-called "original construction" castles.
American Photographer Promotes Island with Art
American photographer Patrick Tsai is part of a team helping to internationalize and revitalize the island of Shodoshima in the Seto Inland Sea.
Gazing Across the Sea into Japan’s Past
Two castles peer out into the sea from Saga Prefecture’s picturesque coastal city of Karatsu.
Spend a Night in a Historic House
Built to withstand and even take advantage of their environment, these singulse structures known as gassho-zukuri can only be found in two villages in Japan. So why not spend the night in a UNESCO-recognized farmhouse?
Japan’s Three Famous Castles
Called 'sanmeijo' in Japanese, the three castles on this list have been chosen based on their significance to history and culture, as well as their scale and grandeur.
A National Who’s Whooo of Owl Cafés
Who wouldn’t want to snuggle up and nestle down in an owl café? We’ve lined up eight adorable and outstanding branches where you can unruffle in peace.
Cradles of Subculture
Let's take a quick look at some trivia about various regions in Japan that are known as subculture hotbeds!
Budgeting for a Weekend Away from Tokyo
Tokyo’s great, but it’s nice to get away from time to time. Fortunately, from the capital, the short-trip traveler has access to some great weekend-away spots. We've selected some of the classics, and assess their travel budgets.
Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter
The immaculately preserved Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter is recognized as one of the most charming merchant’s quarters in all Japan. Located in Okayama Prefecture, local museums also feature masterpieces by El Greco, Monet and Picasso.
The Ise-Shima G7 Summit Regions
10 cities around the country were selected to host ministerial meetings surrounding the 2016 G7 Summit in Ise-Shima. From education to IT and agriculture, each was selected for a very specific reason!
Inuyama Castle: King of the Hilltop
Inuyama Castle is a National Treasure, and one of the oldest original castles still standing in Japan.
9 Gorgeous Out-of-the-Way Spots in Kyushu
Kyushu is home to beautiful beaches, smoking volcanoes, bubbling hot springs—and a whole lot more!
3 Earthy Things to Do in Kumamoto
Here are three great options in the Kumamoto area if you're looking to reconnect with creatures past and present, as well as the earth below!
5 Reasons to Go Off-Season Camping in Japan
With more than 3,000 campsites in Japan, there's every reason to get out of the city and find your new happy place. Even—or especially—if it's out of the official camping season.
Top 3 Things to Experience in Takamatsu
From art islands to ancient gardens and intricate traditional lacquerware, there's plenty to enjoy in and around this Shikoku city.
Japan's Top 4 'Best 3' Sightseeing Spots!
Historical Site World Heritage
Witness the best sightseeing spots Japan has to offer in four official, comprehensive lists.
Castles, Gardens & Peach Boys—Oh My!
From Okayama Castle's rare black walls to the charms of Okayama Korakuen Garden, one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan, there's plenty to see and do in Okayama.
