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Discover Japanese Woodwork Traditions at Takenaka Carpentry Tools Museum

This Kobe museum features the traditions and technology of Japanese carpentry and tool artisanship that are used in buildings from simple tea houses to complex temple designs.

How Japanese Pearls Are Processed

How are pearls processed? Prized Akoya pearls are sorted in front of a north-facing window, where the low-angled natural light reveals any scratches and irregularities, and practiced artisans recognize flaws as slight as a tenth of a millimeter.

Looking for Luxury? Japan Has You Covered!

As international customers rush to discover Japan's many charms, efforts are being made to attract affluent tourists looking for high-end luxury experiences.

Supercomputer Shows How Coronavirus Is Spread

Researchers in Japan used the supercomputer Fugaku to simulate how the novel coronavirus spreads, looking at a case in which four people are sitting at a dining table and talking without masks on.

5 More Fantastic Kansai Hikes

Kansai is home to some amazing hiking spots that offer both interesting trails and stunning views. So what are you waiting for? Grab those shoes and get trekking!

All Aboard This Luxurious New Shinkansen

This new bullet train from JR West will allow passengers to travel in comfort like never before, with six unique cars that cater to the needs of different types of travelers.

A Fan's Guide to the 2019 Rugby World Cup

The wait is almost over! In less than a year the 2019 Rugby World Cup will kick off, and the Land of the Rising Sun is gearing up in a big way.

TripAdvisor's Best Restaurants in Japan 2018

These restaurants throughout the country are known for their warmth, hospitality and accessibility, as well as the mouth-watering dishes they serve up to hungry diners from around the world!

Mixed Reactions Over End of State of Emergency

People in Osaka, Hyogo and Kyoto in western Japan where the coronavirus state of emergency was lifted show mixed reactions over the move.

Stay at the First-Ever Peanuts Hotel in Kobe!

We all expected Snoopy-themed rooms to be cute, but we never imagined they’d be this stylish, and even romantic.

A Perfect Weekend in Kobe

Kobe is Kansai's best-kept secret. Its foreign influence is a great attraction, while often overlooked is its ancient history and natural beauty. This guide sets you on track for an awesome weekend getaway.

Top 10 Accommodations in Kobe's Arima Onsen

Arima Onsen (Arima Hot Springs), located in Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture, is one of the oldest hot spring areas in Japan. So, naturally, there are some wonderful places to stay while you're there.

Kobe: Japan’s Jazz Capital Celebrates 100 Years of Great Music

Kobe has been Japan's jazz capital for 100 years, and the scene remains lively with a healthy schedule of performances at bars and clubs, and annual jazz festivals.

All About the Local Creators' Market

Launched by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), the Local Creators’ Market focuses on five Japanese locales noted for producing exquisite traditional handicrafts.

Japanese Supercomputer Is World's Fastest

Japan’s Fugaku supercomputer, developed jointly by Riken and Fujitsu, has been ranked the fastest in the world.

10 Best Day Trips From Kobe

Sandwiched between the blue sea and the verdant Rokko Mountains, the bustling city of Kobe is a must-visit destination in Japan. Find our list of best day trips from Kobe, Japan, below.

The Secrets of Pearl Harvesting in Japan

Look closely through the translucent sheen of any Akoya pearl and you’ll see a rainbow of colors—a joint gift from the growers, the oysters, and the sea itself. But how are they produced?

The Nada District: Historic Gateway to Japanese Sake

The sake brewing district of Nada, 30 minutes from central Kobe or Osaka, is Japan's top sake-producing region with 25 breweries, over a dozen of which welcome visitors. Exploring Nada is a great way to learn about and taste Japan's most famous drink!

Fugaku Reigns as World’s Fastest Supercomputer

Riken institute said Japan’s Fugaku remains the world’s fastest supercomputer in international rankings released twice a year.

7 Major Otaku Areas Outside Tokyo

Tokyo is famous for 'otaku' hotspots like Akihabara, Ikebukuro and Nakano. But where do you go if you're not in the Tokyo area? We've got your 'otaku' needs covered in seven other major cities around Japan!

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