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21 Top Spots Outside Japan's 'Golden Route'

Many tourists concentrate on the so-called 'Golden Route' connecting Tokyo to Kyoto and Osaka. But what do you do if you want to get off the principal tourist highway and see the best of the rest? Here are Japan's 21 best off-the-Golden-Route spots!

Kyoto's Gold Pavillion Glitters in the Snow

Heavy snowfall transforms Kyoto's most popular landmarks, like Kinkakuji and Fushimi Inari-Taisha, into wintry wonderlands!

Stay Warm in Winter with Snowy Japanese Songs

Once again, we look at the Japanese karaoke charts to bring you the most-sung snow-related tracks. Keep warm this season by singing along to these five hits, from the genres of J-Pop, rock and even 'enka!'

12 Great Ways to Spend the Year in Hokkaido

Not sure when you can make it out to Hokkaido? Here are twelve events worth checking out, one for each month of the year.

The Wintry Elegance of Kawase Woodblock Prints

If you can't make it out to Ronin Gallery in New York, we've got a preview here of the Japanese woodblock prints on exhibit there created by Hasui Kawase.

Tohoku: Japan's Treasureland

While Japan's northern Tohoku region may be best known for its incredible winter landscapes, the JNTO and All About Japan headed north in spring to prove there are plenty of reasons to visit the region year-round!

Taking Snow Sculptures to the Next Level

Fans of Star Wars, Final Fantasy and Pen-Pineapple-Apple-Pen will fall in love with these amazing snow sculptures from the 2017 Sapporo Snow Festival.

The 6 Greatest Snowscapes in Tohoku

Tohoku is an incredible area to experience the harshness and beauty of nature—particularly in the winter!

Discover Cherry Blossoms with Snow in Tohoku!

While Japan may be known for its springtime cherry blossoms, the Tohoku region offers something even more unique: cherry blossoms with snow!

10 Things to Do in Gunma in Winter

In addition to being one of Japan's major ski and snowboard centers, Gunma offers hot springs, winter illumination and cultural activities to warm up the colder months.

25 Snowy Visual Kei Songs

In need of a cool playlist to keep your visual kei spirit warm this winter? Look no further! We've got 25 snow-themed visual kei songs that are sure to warm your heart!

The 11 Best Things to See in Golden Week

Golden Week is the biggest holiday of the year in Japan, and these 11 spots and events each offer something unique that can only be experienced at this time of year. You don't want to miss them!

The 14 Hottest Hokkaido Ski Spots

Hokkaido offers good snow, great resorts, and fantastic scenery—not to mention superb après-ski, with hot springs and local delicacies to enjoy. Here's our run-down of 14 hot spots to hit on Japan's northern island!

10 Things to Do in Hokkaido After Yuki Matsuri

Each February, Sapporo's Snow Festival is a favorite among snow-loving tourists. But while enjoying the snow sculptures is a must, there are many things to do that you shouldn't miss while in Sapporo.

East Japan Shines in 5 Videos of Wintry Wonder

If you can't make your way out to Fukushima, Tochigi or Ibaraki Prefectures, Diamond Route Japan is bringing their majesty to your screen in five breathtaking videos that will have you packing your bags immediately!

Niseko: A Winter & Summer Sport Wonderland

Looking for an extreme sport paradise any time of the year? Then you've got to get out to Niseko!

9 Things to Do in Tochigi in Winter

Don't let the snow keep you indoors! There's so much to do Tochigi in the wintertime.

How to Fully Enjoy Your First Visit to Tohoku

Follow along with our writer Wut who went on an incredible journey to Tohoku to discover the best things to see and do for any traveler's first trip to the region.

10 Reasons to Visit Tohoku in Spring

There's a lot to love about Japan's northern region of Tohoku, no matter the season. Travel along with Nick to find out why the area really shines in spring.

Fun for the Whole Family at Rusutsu Resort

Pack your bags and get the kids ready for an exciting trip to Hokkaido for fun in the sun, in the snow or on the slides.

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