Follow the Footsteps of Poet Matsuo Basho
Pack your hiking boots and get ready for an adventure as we take you to the most fascinating and beautiful spots of Japan's deep north by way of the poet Matsuo Basho.
Tsukuba: City of Science & Nature
In addition to being a 'science city,' Tsukuba is also home to one of Japan's oldest shrines, located at the foot of a twin-peaked mountain associated with the origins of the Japanese people.
Pack Your Bags for Yamaguchi
After seeing these pictures it'll be hard not to make a stop in Yamaguchi Prefecture during your visit to Japan!
Budgeting for a Weekend Away from Tokyo
Tokyo’s great, but it’s nice to get away from time to time. Fortunately, from the capital, the short-trip traveler has access to some great weekend-away spots. We've selected some of the classics, and assess their travel budgets.
Take a Breakneck Video Tour of Japan!
Filmed during a three-week railway journey through Japan, this stupendously edited collection of memories reminds us of what can be so fascinating about this island nation.
5 Unbelievable Hiking Spots in the Japan Alps
The Japan Alps in the north-central parts of Honshu offer some of the most exhilarating wilderness outings in the country. You won't believe what you can see.
Top 6 'Hanami' Spots in Shikoku
While Shikoku might be a bit off the grid when it comes to mass tourism, this island region is full of hidden natural gems—including gorgeous cherry trees!
Gazing Across the Sea into Japan’s Past
Two castles peer out into the sea from Saga Prefecture’s picturesque coastal city of Karatsu.
All the Best Fall Color Spots in Tohoku
Autumn Colors , Tohoku Resorts
Check out these famous fall color spots and their nearby hot springs in each of northeastern Japan's six prefectures.
Catch a Glimpse of Daily Life in Akita
Family and nature both feature prominently in this stirring glimpse of a day spent far away from the bright lights of Tokyo.
Japan's 3 Great Mountain Castles
Prior to the Warring States Period (1467-1590), most castles in Japan were 'yamajiro,' or mountain castles, and they were the pinnacle of defense for Japan's clashing warlords. Trek into the countryside to find out more about them!
A Gold Medalist's Running Route
Olympic gold medalist Naoko Takahashi gives us the lowdown on one of her favorite running spots—in the mountains!
4 Day Trip Destinations to Escape from Tokyo!
Mount Takao , First Time in Japan
Tokyo is definitely one of the most exciting and interesting cities in Japan, but there are so many other places that are definitely worth visiting!
Top 5 Hanami Spots in the Tokai Area
Cherry Blossoms , Tokai Region
Want to see some beautiful cherry blossoms this year? Then check out these Top 5 sites that promise some gorgeous pictures and fantastic views!
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?
Guided Mount Fuji Climbing Tour in English
Mount Fuji , PR
Make your way to the top of Mount Fuji with an English-speaking guide. Catch the beautiful sunrise after a vigorous hike, all without worries about the language barrier!
5 Can't-Miss Hikes Around Kansai
The Kansai region is famous for its tasty food, historic sights and fun dialect, but this amazing area also boasts plenty of awe-inspiring hikes.
5 Things to Expect from Japan’s Countryside
Japanese Countryside , Deeper Japan
Countryside Japan is quite different from cosmopolitan areas like Tokyo or Osaka. We'll help you get out there, get off the Shinkansen and go exploring!
Hokkaido: The Purest Nature in Japan
Take a journey through Hokkaido's natural environment and enjoy the many splendid sightseeing adventures it has to offer!
Full List: Japan’s UNESCO Shrines & Temples!
World Heritage , Temples & Shrines
Japan is home to thousands of historic shrines and temples, and a good few of them are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. A visit to just one can give insight into Japanese culture.
