All About Japan

Ritsurin: Shikoku's Finest Daimyo Garden

Ritsurin is a 400-year-old daimyo garden in Kagawa Prefecture's capital city, Takamatsu. It is a stunning landscape of idyllic ponds, wooden bridges and expansive greenery.

Life in Rural Japan: Three International Kochi Residents

More foreign nationals are finding their base in rural Japan. Here are the stories of three residents of nature-rich Kochi Prefecture.

Sweet, Sour, and Everything In Between: The Aromatic World of Japanese Citrus

Get a primer on Japanese citrus beforeWith over a hundred varieties grown throughout the country today, citrus has plenty of uses in Japan, from fruit snacks to alcoholic drinks.your next trip to the supermarket!

The Isolated Attractions of Shikoku's "Tibet"

Some dedicated people are intent on saving the small village of Kito, and the last 20 bears that live in the surrounding mountains.

A Perfect Weekend in Tokushima City

In this second of a series on perfect weekends in Japan, an insider offers hints for enjoying this picturesque riverfront city.

Unmasking a New Trend in Face Masks

People in Japan are starting to make masks using unconventional materials to deal with the shortage in the protective gear.

Henro: A Mystical Pilgrimage Through Shikoku

Learn more about the Henro, a sacred pilgrimage that takes travelers deep into the heart of Japan's smallest island, Shikoku.

Red Kochia Are Attracting Visitors to Kagawa

Head to this national park in Kagawa Prefecture to enjoy red Kochia plants.

Japan Weather to Remain Unstable After Typhoon

Typhoon Haishen is moving away from Japan, but the weather is expected to remain unstable for a while.

Mandarin Oranges Fetch Record High Price

Mandarin oranges in western Japan fetch a record high 100,000 yen apiece in the fruit’s first auction of the season.

Hotel Why Thinks Zero Waste Is Not a Question

Tokushima has a zero-waste policy, and Hotel Why is doing its part to be a call-to-action hotel. Why is it shaped like a question mark? Read on to find out.

Special Starbucks Mugs Showcase Local Artisans

Starbucks Japan has a series of tumblers and coffee mugs that highlight the splendor of local pottery, and our friends at Spoon & Tamago have compiled some of their favorites.

Pilgrimage Temples & Sake Brewers Join Forces

Buddhist temples that are part of the Shikoku Pilgrimage and local sake makers in southwestern Japan cooperate to overcome difficulties they face amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Kagawa's Stunning Slowpoke Manhole Covers

Each species of Pokémon has its own set of stats and parameters, but Slowpoke hasn’t usually scored particularly high in the respect department.

Visit Japan’s Least Populous Prefectures!

In a post-COVID-19 world, the concept of travel can still be quite daunting. But as things get back up and running in Japan, people may still want to avoid the crowds. If that's the case, why not try visiting one of Japan's least populous prefectures?

Commemorating 20th Anniversary of Ehime Maru

Survivors and bereaved families of victims of the fatal collision between high school fishing training ship Ehime Maru and a U.S. submarine commemorate the 20th anniversary of the accident.

A Pilgrimage to Japan’s Remarkable Zero-Waste Town of Kamikatsu

This secluded mountain town in central Shikoku has been an inspiration to people from around the world who come to experience its innovative programs and world-class sustainable travel choices.

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!

10 Delicacies To Try in Shikoku

Delve into Shikoku's exquisite cuisine culture with these 10 carefully-selected delicacies from across the exotic island.

Pioneers of Sustainable Living in Japan: The Remarkable People of Kamikatsu

The second of a series about the inspiring zero-waste Japanese town of Kamikatsu. Joy Jarman-Walsh introduces the people who want to make sustainability compatible with a good life.

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