All About Japan

Visit Japan's First Glass Torii Gate

If you're looking to see a one-of-a-kind shrine gate, head over to Kagoshima to see Japan's first torii made from glass!

15 Beautiful Beaches in Japan's National Parks

Japan offers countless stunning beaches along its nearly 30,000 kilometers of coastline. Some are directly accessible by train from Tokyo, while others are surrounded by 1,000 kilometers of open sea!

Japanese Thermos Flies to Outer Space

JAXA reached out to Tiger, a well-known home goods company, to make a canister that can bring delicate materials from the International Space Station back to earth.

'Shooting Star' Bullet Train

A beaming bullet train running through the Kyushu area was created to mark the 10th anniversary of the Kyushu Shinkansen.

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.

13 Places to Paraglide in Japan

There are over a dozen places where you can paraglide across Japan. Most are located in the central regions, but there are also paragliding options in Hokkaido and the southern islands if you know where to look!

30 Spectacular Flower Spots in Japan

Seasonality is an important part of life in Japan, especially in spring. Flowers bloom throughout the country and create a colorful, unforgettable landscape for floral fans, nature enthusiasts and anyone in between!

Japan's Top 5 Roadside Service Stops

If you're planning a road trip in Japan, you may just want to stop by one of these rest areas for a soak in a hot spring, locally sourced fruits and vegetables and scenic views.

Four Fantastic Things to Do in Kagoshima

Take a trip to Kyushu’s southernmost big city: a land of sunshine, hot springs and spectacular scenery, all watched over by the mighty volcano, Sakurajima!

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!

One Man's Journey Through Japan by Motorbike

One biker captures the beautiful and varied scenery of Japan as well as the friendliness of fellow travelers in two short montage videos.

The Vibrant Island Art of Tanaka Isson

The Japanese painter Tanaka Isson fled mainland Japan for one of the country’s most beautiful southern islands—Amami Oshima. There he labored for years in obscurity, creating large, vivid artworks of his subtropical surroundings.

Top 5 Things to Do & See on Yakushima

Yakushima is far removed from the hustle and bustle of mainland Japan. This mountainous island with its misty, primeval forests enchants visitors who come to take in the amazing scenery.

5 Unmissable Reasons to Visit Kagoshima

Just a short two-hour flight from Tokyo, Kagoshima will bestow you with rare, incredible experiences that will connect you to Mother Nature in Japan at its most majestic and regal, nothing short of invigorating and inspiring.

12 Amazing Events in Japanese History

Do you know which Japanese castle was toppled by a party? Or how kabuki was invented? Japan has over 1,500 years of recorded history, and some pretty amazing things have happened in that time!

Top 9 Photogenic Heart-Shaped Spots In Japan

Love is in the air! Whether found in nature or built by design, your heart will be filled to bursting when you catch a glimpse of these heart-shaped spots throughout the country, just begging to be photographed!

Explore an Ancient Land of Volcanic Power

Experience the sacred lands that birthed Japan, whose living legacy lingers in legend in Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park!

All About Japan’s Top Five Tea-Producing Regions

Japanese tea, well-known worldwide for its delicate taste and health benefits, hails primarily from five Japanese prefectures. Get to know their different characteristics.

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.

13.000 Wintering Cranes Headed to Kagoshima

More than 13,000 cranes are flocking to Izumi Plain in Kagoshima Prefecture, southwestern Japan.

know-before-you-go