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Visit the City that Inspired 'Your Name'

While half of the smash hit 'Your Name' may be based in a fictional village, Hida City in Gifu Prefecture is swimming in tourist dough thanks to the key points of inspiration it provided!

Japan's 20 UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Every traveler to Japan should be sure to visit at least a few of the nation's stellar World Heritage Sites, ranging from 1,000-year-old temples and shrines to breathtaking natural biospheres.

This Hotel Plan Guarantees Heart Palpitations

A hotel in Ishikawa Prefecture has designed a program it guarantees to bring a throb to your heart: and if it doesn't, you don't have to pay!

World Heritage Villages Among Deep Valleys

Travel to Gifu and Toyama to learn all about the charming and scenic historic villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama, two of Japan's UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

8 Gorgeous Japanese Lantern Festivals

Japanese lantern festivals are held to ward off evil or send off the dead, or just to warm up a chilly winter.

Visit an Eerie Grove of Buddhist Statues

This village of Buddhist statues is either the beginning to a really good Miyazaki film—or a really terrifying Japanese horror film.

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!

Shoryudo Highway Bus Ticket

Save money on travel by taking a ride along the 'Rising Dragon Road' in central Japan.

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!

Japan's Top 12 Amusement Parks

Looking for a thrill, but don't know where to start? Check out the 12 best amusement parks in Japan!

An Amusement Park with Spanish Flair

Get the essence of Spain, without the expensive plane tickets or long flights, in Japan's Mie Prefecture.

Spectacular Handheld Bamboo Fireworks Photos

This Aichi-area festival features geysers of light exploding from handheld bamboo cannons!

Top 10 Zoos in Japan

Get your fill of Japan's wildest and cutest animals courtesy of these excellent zoos.

Top 10 Roller Coasters in Japan

Hang onto your seats, it's going to be a bumpy ride as we unveil our top picks for best roller coasters in Japan!

Top 4 Fall Foliage Spots around Takayama

Fall in love with the stunning fall foliage of Hida Takayama, a beautifully preserved castle town tucked in the remote mountains of Gifu Prefecture.

All About Kangeki Theatre

Created in 2014, Kangeki Theatre (stylized Kan劇) is just one of the theater groups bringing quality multicultural shows to Nagoya. We talked to one of the founders to learn more about the group and the state of English-language theater in central Japan.

Shoryudo: Knockout Destinations

From ropeways and waterfalls to castles and historic gardens, the 'Rising Dragon Road' through central Japan does everything to catch your eye!

10 Beautiful Spots to Take Photos in Japan

It's hard to take a bad picture at these gorgeous locations!

11 Lesser-Known Sporting Competitions in Japan

While the Tokyo Marathon may get a lot of attention, there are a number of other prime sporting events you can watch or take part in throughout the year, from triathlons and trail running to snowboarding and surfing.

Onbashira: Japan’s Most Dangerous Festival

Every six years, the town of Suwa in Nagano Prefecture becomes the site of one of Japan's oldest festivals—which is also considered the most dangerous.

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