All About Japan

Cradles of Subculture

Let's take a quick look at some trivia about various regions in Japan that are known as subculture hotbeds!

Hakone: A Checkpoint in History

Less than than two hours away from Tokyo, Hakone's hot springs and stunning views has been attracting visitors for more than 1,000 years.

5 Best Cheap & Free Tours in Tokyo

The best things in life are indeed free! Experience Tokyo at its best without having to pay an arm and a leg for the fee!

This Ferris Wheel Will Play Tricks on You!

Face the Cosmo Clock at Yokohama's Minato Mirai 21 district at around 10:10 p.m. for an optical illusion so perplexing you have to see it to believe it!

The 6 Coolest & Most Unusual Lawson Stores

Ever seen a convenience store with a patio? How about one with a play area for kids? Or why not just go for one where you can get a Dragon Quest slime?

Chow Down on Some Gluten-Free Ramen

An aversion to gluten doesn’t have to interfere with your gluttony for ramen!

The Ultimate Farewell Speech to a Train

Parting is such sweet sorrow—especially if you're a train conductor having to bid farewell to your train.

3 Wild 'Onsen' Theme Parks

Want a little more than just a soak in hot water? Try an 'onsen' theme park, where a whole world of water-related adventure awaits!

Japan's Top 5 'Hanami' Hikes

Japanese culture is deeply tied to nature, and there's no better time to appreciate the Japanese wilderness than cherry blossom season.

5 Lesser-Known Sakura Spots Around Tokyo

There are a number of gorgeous cherry blossom spots just waiting to be enjoyed in the greater Tokyo area that are virtually unknown to visitors.

Top 10 Best Ryokan of Japan

If you're looking for traditional Japanese-style lodging, look no further than these ten Japanese inns.

5 Tasty 'Omiyage' Worth Lining Up For

Orderly lines outside everything from chic coffee shops to blue-collar ramen shops are a common sight in Japan, and food-based specialty 'omiyage' (souvenir) stores are no different. But are these snacks really worth lining up for?

New York Bagel with a Japanese Twist

Thanks to a close association to New York, the unassuming bagel has seen a surge in popularity in the picturesque town of Miyagawa. Call it 'The Land of the Rising Bagel!'

7 Incredible Events at Japanese Castles

The castles dotting Japan's landscape no longer host battles and political upheavals, but they're not boring relics. Many were the backdrop to some pretty unbelievable stories!

Step into a Dystopian Sci-Fi Arcade

Based off of Kowloon Walled City, this is one cyberpunk arcade you won't want to miss—even if you aren't a fan of video games!

Top 6 Castles Around Tokyo

These six castles, all easily accessible from the Tokyo area, are more than enough to slake your thirst for the days of the samurai.

5 Reasons to Stay at Hakone Ginyu

Known as one of Japan’s top 'ryokan,' Hakone Ginyu is the perfect combination of modern and traditional. Here are five reasons to hang your hat up here for a few nights!

47 Souvenirs from All 47 Prefectures!

Traveling around Japan but don't know what souvenir to buy from each region? We've got you covered with this crazy list of our Top 47 'omiyage' from each of the nation's 47 prefectures!

11-Day Sakura & Word Heritage Tour of Japan

Get to know the beauty of Japan on an 11-day, all-inclusive tour with a licensed English-speaking guide!

5 Childhood Fantasies Come to Life in Japan

Tooth fairies, gingerbread houses, chocolate factories... your childhood fantasy may exist somewhere in Japan.

know-before-you-go