Treasures on Land, Riches from the Sea
Studded with small bays and inlets, the peninsula known as Ise-Shima—the venue for the 2016 G7 Summit—is a utopia for those seeking a glimpse of classical Japan, from the expansive environs of the sacred shrine of Ise Jingu to the bounty of the ocean.
5 Amazing Things to Experience in Ise
Canadian 'rakugo' storyteller Katsura Sunshine tries out some of the amazing things you can do only in the Ise area—including some that happen just once every 20 years! Check the list to make sure you don't miss out!
The 6 Main Types of 'Omamori'
Temples & Shrines Life in Japan
These good luck charms can provide you with all kinds of special help!
Brush Up on Your Japanese Buddhism Knowledge
Impress your friends by showcasing your knowledge of the differences between Japan's two main religions, Shinto and Buddhism—or wow them with the origin of those cute, one-eyed, red 'daruma' dolls.
Full List: Japan’s UNESCO Shrines & Temples!
World Heritage Temples & Shrines
Japan is home to thousands of historic shrines and temples, and a good few of them are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. A visit to just one can give insight into Japanese culture.
Top 5 Sakura-Viewing Sites in Osaka
From castles to riverbanks, Osaka has some amazing spots for viewing cherry blossoms with your friends and family. Check out these sites during your next visit!
5 Can't-Miss Hikes Around Kansai
The Kansai region is famous for its tasty food, historic sights and fun dialect, but this amazing area also boasts plenty of awe-inspiring hikes.
The Wedded Rocks: Meoto Iwa
These 'wedded rocks' near Ise Grand Shrine are tied to the origin story of Japan.
When You Wish Upon a Pun
There’s a special reason why Japanese people offer ¥5 coins at temples and shrines.
Go Away for a Day to Oshima Island
Check out this video highlight of Fukuoka's Oshima Island—and then pack your bags!
Ski with Sakura in Sapporo
The end of April sees all but the nation's northernmost cherry blossoms fall to the ground. But on the island of Hokkaido, the annual wave of pink and white is only about to begin.
Tokyo's Final Photos of the Sakura Season?
As the spring breeze kicks up, cherry blossom petals get whisked away where they scatter on rivers and sidewalks, giving us one last dazzling display.
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.
Tsukuba: City of Science & Nature
In addition to being a 'science city,' Tsukuba is also home to one of Japan's oldest shrines, located at the foot of a twin-peaked mountain associated with the origins of the Japanese people.
Think You're Cut Out to Be a Shrine Maiden?
A job listing site in Japan is currently featuring a very interesting part-time job in the new Akihabara Shrine.
Hike to these 3 Hidden Temples & Shrines
Temples & Shrines Great Outdoors
For the brave pilgrim, here are three awesome temples and shrines that are certainly off the beaten path in Tottori, Shizuoka and Oita.
Take a Breakneck Video Tour of Japan!
Filmed during a three-week railway journey through Japan, this stupendously edited collection of memories reminds us of what can be so fascinating about this island nation.
10 Events to Attend During Golden Week 2016
2016 is a golden year for Japan's big Golden Week holiday. Not only can you catch a few traditional annual Golden Week events, but also some pretty rare ones as well!
Tour Miyazaki through 6 Incredible Videos
Ancient shrines, traditional crafts, horseback riding, surfing, golf, great food and more all crammed against some of the most picturesque coastline you could hope to see. This is Miyazaki!
The Ise-Shima G7 Summit Regions
10 cities around the country were selected to host ministerial meetings surrounding the 2016 G7 Summit in Ise-Shima. From education to IT and agriculture, each was selected for a very specific reason!
