The Summer Resort Area of Lake Hamana
Lake Hamana is a popular summer resort area located on the Pacific Coast in the western part of Shizuoka Prefecture in central Japan. Take a look at the natural splendors surrounding this lake that's only two short hours away from Tokyo.
Modern Shops with a Traditional Twist
These shops near one of Shinto’s holiest shrines will make you feel as though you have slipped back into the feudal period.
An Action-Packed Day at Nagashima Spa Land
You could kick back and relax all day at Nagashima Spa Land. Or, you can get your thrills on the best roller coasters in western Japan, enjoy some smooth jazz, go shopping, and cap off the day with a leisurely soak in the hot springs!
Make Your Very Own Japanese Paper
‘Washi’ (Japanese traditional paper) is made from wood fiber, making it stronger than today’s common paper made of wood pulp. And the Uchiyama style of ‘washi’ made in northern Nagano’s Iiyama City is especially durable!
San Grams: A Third-Wave Green Tea Shop & Café
The third-wave green tea movement is taking root right in the heart of Japan’s green tea industry.
Shunkado: 130 Years of Sweets
Shunkado's flagship confection, the Unagipie Pastry, has been known for over 50 years as the signature souvenir of Shizuoka Prefecture. Eel extract never tasted so good!
Top 6 Beaches in Japan
Summer is here, which means it's time to hit the beach! These six beaches will make you wish the season never ends!
The Oldest 'Washi' Production Center in Japan
Explore the process of making traditional Japanese paper in Echizen City, known as the oldest producer of 'washi' in all of Japan.
Yokokan Teien: A Splendid Secret Garden
One of the three best Japanese gardens as selected by the U.S.-based Sukiya Living Magazine (The Journal of Japanese Gardening), this is a pleasant gem hidden in Fukui City.
Spectacular Handheld Bamboo Fireworks Photos
This Aichi-area festival features geysers of light exploding from handheld bamboo cannons!
5 Childhood Fantasies Come to Life in Japan
Tooth fairies, gingerbread houses, chocolate factories... your childhood fantasy may exist somewhere in Japan.
3 Pottery Trips from Japan's Biggest Cities
We've lined up three famous pottery towns that make easy day trips from Nagoya, Osaka or Tokyo.
Japan’s Top 5 Resort Hotels
Resort hotels are the perfect destination for any vacation, catering for all your needs while offering you luxury and grandeur in style. Here are our Top 5 picks throughout Japan!
7 Stellar Izu Hotels
Located roughly two hours southwest of Tokyo, the Izu Peninsula offers everything from modern seaside resorts to secluded hot springs with over 1,000 years of history—not to mention a few stunning views of Mount Fuji!
It's Easy to Discover the History of Takayama
Ranked as a three-star Michelin destination, Takayama's ancient streetscapes are full of traditional shops, while its Takayama Matsuri is known as one of Japan's top three most beautiful festivals.
Top 10 Japanese Companies Over 800 Years Old
Just how old is the oldest Japanese company? You might be surprised to learn that most of the companies on our list date back centuries before the Black Plague!
Shimoda: Beaches, Hot Springs & Seafood
Located at the tip of the Izu Peninsula, Shimoda has something for every visitor: beaches offering beautiful views, relaxing hot springs and deliciously fresh seafood.
Experiencing 'Overseas' Resorts in Japan
Exotic resorts abroad are popular with Japanese tourists, but not everyone can make the trip overseas. We did some sleuthing and found four faux-'foreign' resorts you can stay at right in Japan!
Karuizawa Resort Region Guide
Kariuzawa is a popular mountain resort escape for Tokyoites, and a chic getaway for Naganoites. Its forests, lakes and waterfalls attract many for relaxing in the woods, while others come for the trendy shops and restaurants.
3 Karuizawa Hotels with Atmosphere!
These accommodation options embody the rustic-chic atmosphere of Karuizawa, the popular Nagano resort town just over an hour from Tokyo.
