NARA
300-Year-Old Hemp Makes a Modern Comeback
Founded in Nara in 1716, Nakagawa Masashichi Shoten is finding new ways to bring its traditional textiles to a modern market, both domestically and overseas.
Japan's Top 4 'Best 3' Sightseeing Spots!
Historical Site World Heritage
Witness the best sightseeing spots Japan has to offer in four official, comprehensive lists.
Take Home Historical Memories from Nara
Win friends and score brownie points with your family by giving them these souvenirs from Nara as gifts!
Japan's Fertility Festivals: The Hard Facts
Japan is a festive nation, home to countless different festivals. However, some of them, while safe to visit, aren't exactly safe for work!
The 11 Spookiest Spots in Japan
Whether they’re haunted, abandoned or just plain old creepy, these spots will definitely show you a chilly side of Japan you may never yet have known.
5 Great Things for Animal Fans to Do in Japan
Want to sit in a café with your favorite furball? Watch monkeys play in hot springs? Feed semi-tame deer? All you need to know is where to go and Japan has your answer!
Witness the Fastest Hands in Japan!
'Mochi-tsuki' extraordinaire Mitsuo Nakatani risks having his hand crushed about four times per second while making this traditional Japanese snack.
Battle of the Big Buddhas
Kamakura defends itself against rival Nara in the Battle of the Big Buddhas!
Ofusa Kannon Wind Chime Festival
Feel cool in the summer heat at this unassuming temple in Nara.
6 Free Tour Guides in Nara
Looking for a guide around the Great Buddha and the surrounding World Heritage Sites? No need to pay!
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!
Tanzan Shrine Kemari Festival
A game played by royals 1,400 years ago, held at this nature-rich shrine in Nara. Japan's football starts here!
Thank You for the Cracker!
Surprisingly, bowing after receiving a gift—a common Japanese custom—isn't limited to just humans, as this deer proves!
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!
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 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 Awesome Autumn Leaves Tours around Japan
Follow the colorful leaves of autumn from Hokkaido to Kyoto to experience a historical journey of Japan.
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.
The Luxurious Nara Hotel Audrey Hepburn Loved
In Nara you can get away from the turmoil of the big city by visiting the Great Buddha or deer-filled Nara Park, and then spend the night relaxing in the elegant Nara Hotel.
Spend a Night at this Classy Japanese Prison
When staying at this century-old correctional facility, you might hope they lock you up and throw away the key!
