Budgeting for a Weekend Away from Tokyo
Tokyo’s great, but it’s nice to get away from time to time. Fortunately, from the capital, the short-trip traveler has access to some great weekend-away spots. We've selected some of the classics, and assess their travel budgets.
Toyama: The Environmentally Friendly City
The Environment Ministers Meeting was also held in Toyama on May 15th and 16th. This article covers the reason why the meeting was hosted in Toyama, and the reason itself may reveal the charm of Toyama as a tourism destination.
Spend a Night in a Historic House
Built to withstand and even take advantage of their environment, these singulse structures known as gassho-zukuri can only be found in two villages in Japan. So why not spend the night in a UNESCO-recognized farmhouse?
Inuyama Castle: King of the Hilltop
Inuyama Castle is a National Treasure, and one of the oldest original castles still standing in Japan.
All About the World Cosplay Summit
The World Cosplay Summit began in 2003, with countries sending the winners of their respective qualifying tournaments to Nagoya in Aichi Prefecture. The biggest cosplay event on the globe, the Summit is where the world’s top cosplayers are crowned.
A National Who’s Whooo of Owl Cafés
Who wouldn’t want to snuggle up and nestle down in an owl café? We’ve lined up eight adorable and outstanding branches where you can unruffle in peace.
Nothing Says Love Like a Self-Harvested Pearl
Pluck out your very own pearl from one of the famous pearl oysters of Mie. Then make an elegant accessory as a special souvenir of your time in Ise!
Ise Azuchi Momoyama Bunkamura
Check out this historical theme park that recreates the golden age of samurai!
This Lawson Station is an Actual Station!
While Lawson convenience stores are usually called 'Lawson Station,' this store in south-central Gifu Prefecture takes the name literally!
The Salt of Life
Salt from the sea and other essential goods were hauled along Salt Road from Japan’s coastal areas to the mountainous territories inland—and delivered even to mortal enemies in need.
Japan's 12 Best Keepless Castles
These castles may not have keeps, but many of them are much older than any of Japan's so-called "original construction" castles.
Clear Your Mind & Fill Your Stomach in Toyama
Try your hand at this Buddhist meditative activity at Oiwasan Nissekiji Temple in Toyama—then try the food!
3-D Printing Café in Gifu
Try your hand at 3-D scanning and 3-D printing in a café that celebrates Gifu's woodworking traditions.
The Wedded Rocks: Meoto Iwa
These 'wedded rocks' near Ise Grand Shrine are tied to the origin story of Japan.
Let the Beef Come to You
This restaurant in Mie Prefecture is serving cuts of premium Matsusaka beef in a rather roundabout way.
How to Find the Remains of Zeze Castle
Many castles in Japan are easy to find, as they are official landmarks treasured by the country. However, there are also some hidden gems that are less frequently visited, but worth the venture if you know where to find them!
Traditional Shopping in Ise
Oharai-machi and Okage-yokocho are two fantastic places that transport you back in time along the bustling shopping streets of Ise Grand Shrine.
List: Japan's 12 Original-Construction Castles
While Japan is home to over 300 castles, there are only 12 that still retain their original castle keep. These 12 so-called 'original construction' castles are the cream of the crop.
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!
Flower Vases Made From Repurposed Wormy Wood
Wood is a subject of taste — from the beetles who enjoy eating it, to the designers who enjoy reusing it.
