Five Secret Spots in Nara You HAVE to Visit
Escape the crowds at these secluded temples and shrines in Japan's ancient capital, Nara!
UNESCO's Historical Monuments of Ancient Nara
Once the capital of Japan, the historical monuments of Nara include temples, a shrine, a palace, a forest and lots of deer!
Full List—Japan's Intangible Cultural Heritage
Beyond its 20 spectacular World Cultural Heritage Sites, Japan has 21 traditions recognized by UNESCO as elements of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Discover Kanzanji Temple in Shizuoka
Head to central Japan to recharge your batteries at this incredible power spot, and have the best freshwater eel you've ever tasted while there!
Religious Leaders Team Up to Pray for COVID-19
We're taking a look at this photo of religious leaders exhibiting all the elements we look for in an anime or movie scene when the most powerful members band together for the last stand.
Eerie Long-Exposure Photographs of Torii
In 2019, German photographer Ronny Behnert traveled around Japan visiting various torii gates. And while everyone who visits Japan surely has countless torii pictures, his long-exposure photos are like something from another world.
Asakusa Tori-no-Ichi
Pray for good luck in business at this huge midnight market festival in November.
Paint Your Face for Next Year's Crops!
Fukuoka locals show their appreciation to the powers above at this goopy harvest festival.
The Most Important Japanese Shrine You've Never Heard Of
While Usa Jingu Shrine is the most prestigious shine of the Shinto religion after Ise Jingu Shrine, it is little known, even among many Japanese. But it is an important part of Japan's religious history, and gateway to the fascinating Kunisaki peninsula.
Asakusa's Sanja Matsuri Carrying on Tradition
Join a party of 1.8 million people in this giant festival in the third week of May that parades through the streets of Asakusa.
Salt Used to Create Stunning Sakura Artwork
Artist Motoi Yamamoto's latest work is a moving tribute to his family, the fallen petals in his life.
Sake Brewing in Saku
Ever tried sake brewing? Learn how an ancient beverage can give you a glimpse into some of Japan's most enduring cultural traditions in the city of Saku, in Nagano.
Tiny Island Proves Japan is Full of Surprises
This small island in Iwate Prefecture is walkable, and it's so much more than just a beautiful landmark. Home to an adorable red lighthouse and a shrine for the Shinto goddess of the sea, it's just one example of why Japan is a great place to explore!
Omiya's 2,000-Year-Old Hikawa Shrine
Contemplate life's journey as you make your way down the path of gates of this historical shrine.
Chichibu Night Festival
See impressive floats maneuvered below winter fireworks in Saitama in December.
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!
Bless This Comfy Room Wear
If you were inspired by 'Your Name' to dress up as a shrine maiden, you're in luck! Now, you can pretend to bless your home while in a comfortable shrine maiden onesie.
Flock with the Seagulls at Kabushima Shrine
Take flight with our writer Nick as he heads back to Tohoku to visit a shrine that's quite literally 'for the birds!'
Kashima Shrine's Best Kept Secret
While it may not be the fountain of youth, the pond behind this shrine has been purifying worshipers for centuries.
Temple of Thousands of Foxes: Toyokawa Inari
You won't find a temple as uniquely decorated as the Toyokawa Inari Betsuin Temple. The temple is adorned with thousands of fox statues and bright red banners. With such an impactful imagery, you'll feel like you've been whisked away to Kyoto.
