Experience the 'Heartbeat' of Japan in Gifu
This breathtaking new promotional video of Japan's heartland, Gifu, highlights the sights and traditions of this under-visited prefecture, all from the comfort of your own home!
Bear Attacks in Japan: There Is A Solution
Tried and True Ways to Coexist as told by a bear conservationist
Adorable Capybaras Enjoy Relaxing Soak
In search of a spirit animal? Check out these capybaras as they enjoy a hot bath at an animal park in Shizuoka Prefecture, southwest of Tokyo.
Life-Size Dolls Enliven Girls' Festival Event
Life-size “Hina” dolls are on display at a historic inn in Shizuoka Prefecture, southwest of Tokyo, for the doll festival on March 3.
Travel to Toyama to Peek the Japanese Alps
Who knew Japan had its very own Alps? And they are right in the heart of the nation.
A Luxury Train From Tokyo to Izu
JR East unveils the Saphir Odoriko, a luxury train connecting Tokyo with Izu, a popular tourist destination in Shizuoka Prefecture, starting March 14.
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!
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.
Making Japanese Washi Paper from Food Waste
An established paper maker in central Japan has come up with a new type of washi that’s also eco-friendly. Craftswoman Masami Igarashi has 25 years of experience manufacturing washi and related products. She now makes paper from vegetable and fruit waste.
Touch of Tradition with Modern 3D Cutter Cabin
This remarkable wooden cabin was constructed locally in the mountains of Japan using a Shopbot 3D wood cutter, with minimal impact on the environment. Click to learn more.
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!
Giant Rice Cake Specially Made for the Gods
Farmers in central Japan were busy pounding giant rice cakes for Atsuta Shrine at the end of the year.
Top 10 Japanese Animals and Where to Find Them
Discover the wildlife of Japan
New Sake Season, New Cedar Ball
Tenryou Sake Brewery in Gero, in Gifu Prefecture announces its new sake with a yearly event - hanging a cedar ball.
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?
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.
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.
Ceramics Workshop Designed by Kengo Kuma
Star architect Kengo Kuma puts his signature stamp on yet another building with this ceramics museum and workshop in Komatsu.
Delivering Holy Stones to a Mountaintop Shrine
Shinto priests are on a mission to deliver holy stones to a shrine on the summit of Mount Tsurugi in central Japan.
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.
