All About Japan

Trees on Trees on Trees: Cedar Platforms

Have you ever seen a tree growing atop another? Come learn why this cool and ancient technique encourages proper forestation.

Eye-Catching Pieces from ArtKyoto 2020

ArtKyoto is back and we've got the scoop on some of the coolest artworks on exhibit this year.

A 13-Year-Old's Inspiring Community Bakery

To support their 13-year-old daughter living with a psychiatric disorder, one couple built the bakery of her dreams.

Kyoto's Ace Hotel Got a Kengo Kuma Makeover

Star designer Kengo Kuma unveils his latest architectural feat: renovating Kyoto’s Ace Hotel.

JR Halves Price of Bullet Train Tickets

Japan Railways Group companies cut the ticket prices of some bullet train and express trains to lure customers amid a drop in travelers due to the coronavirus.

Private Shinto Ritual Streamed to Viewers

Osaka Temmangu Shrine streams online a usually private Shinto ceremony that is part of the annual Tenjin Festival, as other festivities including lit-up boats and fireworks are canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Centenarians Set Record High 50th Year in Row

The number of people in Japan aged 100 and above totaled 80,450 as of September 1, marking a record high for the 50th consecutive year.

Kyoto's Kyocera Museum of Art Gets a Facelift

Come learn about the incredible history of an art museum that survived World War II.

Artists Already Remixing Osaka Expo 2025 Logo

Earlier this week Osaka announced that they had chosen a bizarre, googly-eyed character as their logo for the upcoming 2025 Osaka Expo. And over the next 24 hours, remix culture quickly set in and social media has been buzzing with creations.

Soar in the Sky at Japan's Castle in the Sky

Known as the "Castle in the Sky," the ruins of Takeda Castle mesmerize visitors to western Japan year after year.

Getting the Dirt off Buddha's Shoulders

The annual ritual of dusting Buddha statues took place at Horyuji, a temple registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Patients With COVID-19 Antibodies Found Immune

The results of Japan’s large-scale antibody test show all eight patients who had antibodies against the novel coronavirus were immune to COVID-19.

Japan Expands State of Emergency

The Japanese government expands its state of emergency over the coronavirus to seven prefectures such as Osaka and Kyoto in addition to the four in the greater Tokyo area that was originally included.

Osaka: 7 Best Neighborhoods for Your Stay

The best neighborhoods to stay in when visiting Osaka, Japan. See which 'hood suits you best!

The Logo for World Expo 2025 Has Been Selected

Which of these designs made Osaka's selection process to be chosen as the official World Expo 2025 logo? Make your predictions and then click over to see if you got it right.

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!

Record 1,000 New Coronavirus Cases in Japan

Japan sees a record number of new cases of novel coronavirus in one day, hitting over 1,000 for the very first time.

Kinosaki Onsen Celebrates 1300th Anniversary

2020 is the 1300th anniversary of Kinosaki Onsen, a historic onsen town in Hyogo Prefecture, with seven bathhouses located within walking distance of each other.

Kyoto Animation Unveils First Film Since Arson

Arson-hit Kyoto Animation unveils their first movie since the arson attack that devastated their studios in July 2019.

Osaka Contest for Mini-Gardens on Small Trucks

The Kei-tora Gardening Contest has chosen its winner for 2020. Click to see which mini-truck garden received to top prize.

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