Deep in Snow Country - Yuzawa and Minakami
Join us as we search for onsen and winter scenery through the Yuzawa and Minakami regions of central Japan.
Central Japan's Husband-Throwing Festival
You won't believe this wacky winter ritual where locals throw a married man down a snowy hill to his wife.
Top 10 Japanese Animals and Where to Find Them
Discover the wildlife of Japan
Global Warming Behind Japan’s Extreme Weather
A panel of experts at the Japan Meteorological Agency say global warming is contributing to torrential rain, flooding and heat waves in the country.
The City of Salmon – A Day in Murakami
Murakami, in northern Niigata, is home to the eerie tradition of hanging salmon. It is also famous for tea, sake, wagyu, and more!
Bear Attacks in Japan: There Is A Solution
Tried and True Ways to Coexist as told by a bear conservationist
The Perfect Weekend in the City of Niigata
The first of a series introducing a local insider’s ideal weekend in their home town.
Fall Leaves Redder than Usual in Central Japan
Visitors to Mount Norikura in central Japan can now enjoy fall foliage. And wow are they in for a treat this year!
Discover an Alpine Land of Natural Beauty
Home of the northern Japanese Alps, Chubusangaku National Park is a fantastic destination for lovers of the outdoors!
All About Japanese Guesthouses
Guesthouses are a great way to enjoy an authentic and affordable stay in Japan and interact with locals. Join us as we take an inside look at the Japanese guesthouse industry with two guesthouse owners!
Mt. Fuji Gets First Snowcap
Mt. Fuji got its first snowcap of the season, two days earlier than usual.
Discover Gems of Japan in the Mount Fuji Area
Mount Fuji peeks between high-rises across the Greater Tokyo Area. Though magnificent even from afar, the sacred mountain begs a closer look! One of the best ways to explore it is by roaming around Shizuoka, Yamanashi, and Kanagawa prefectures.
A Visit to Japan's Keith Haring Collection
The only museum in the world dedicated to the works of Keith Haring, the legendary king of 1980's New York City street art, is is nestled in the forests of Yamanashi Prefecture.
Exploring Japan's Three-Star Road
Japan's Three-Star Road is home to a host of Michelin-recognized sites and wonders, comprising a compact area that covers four prefectures. With the new Three-Star Ticket option, exploring this stretch of Japan is easier than ever before.
Trekking Ancient Trails Along Tokamachi's Amazing Rice Terraces
The terraced rice fields of Tokamachi Tanada have been called one of the most beautiful scenic spots in Japan. Here's a hike that follows ancient trails through the spectacular landscape.
The 5-Hour Wild Boar Chase in Niigata
Police officers in the city of Tsubame, about 300 kilometers north of Tokyo, spent five hours chasing a wild boar after the animal was spotted roaming near rice paddies.
Travel by Train to Superb Sakura Viewing Spots
Some lesser-known but magnificent hanami spots in Japan’s eastern and northern regions and tips on how to reach them using the excellent railroad passes.
Niigata Craft Gin to Promote Sustainability
A man in central Japan is working on promoting sustainability and boosting local tourism by making gin.
Mount Fuji Sports First Snow Cap of the Season
An essential part of the transition from summer in Japan, Mount Fuji has finally donned its iconic snow cap.
Brit Amelia Hiorns is Working to Save Japan’s Bear Population
Amelia Hiorns has one of the most unusual jobs in Japan. As a member of the Picchio Wildlife Research Center’s Bear Team, she works with black bears, Karelian bear dogs, and humans, all in an effort to promote wildlife conservation.
