Travel by Train to Superb Sakura Viewing Spots
Some lesser-known but magnificent hanami spots in Japan’s eastern and northern regions and tips on how to reach them using the excellent railroad passes.
Global Warming Behind Japan’s Extreme Weather
A panel of experts at the Japan Meteorological Agency say global warming is contributing to torrential rain, flooding and heat waves in the country.
An Inside Look at the Next-Gen Bullet Train
The press got to join a test-run of East Japan Railway Company's next-generation bullet train, ALFA-X, on October 27.
Hope for Fukushima’s Hamadori Coast, Part II: New Ventures Bring Vitality
Fukushima Prefecture’s Hamadori region, which faces the Pacific Ocean, suffered greatly from the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and the resulting tsunami and nuclear disaster. Those living within a 20 km radius of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Powerplan
The Association of the Most Beautiful Villages
The Association of the Most Beautiful Villages in Japan is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and preserving the most interesting and beautiful rural towns in Japan. There are truly some hidden gems on this list!
Road to Recovery: Hiking the Fukushima Coastal Trail
A new 200-km trail connects Fukushima Prefecture to the Michinoku Shiokaze Trail.
Hiking Japan’s Michinoku Coastal Trail: 2-Day Model Itinerary
Here’s an easy-to-follow itinerary for hiking the northernmost part of the Michinoku Coastal Trail, accessible to beginners and long-trailers alike.
Violin Made from Iwate's 'Miracle Pine Tree'
A violin made from the lone pine tree that survived the March 2011 tsunami in Iwate Prefecture is featured at a memorial concert held in Tokyo on the 10th anniversary of the disaster.
Touring the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant
As TEPCO struggles to decommission the nuclear power plant wrecked in the 2011 earthquake and tsunami, visitors can safely tour the facility on regularly scheduled tours.
Get Hands-on in Rural Japan: Akita Farm Stay
By giving people unique first-hand experiences, green tourism can help revitalize and re-popularize the lifestyles and customs of rural Japan.
Hakkoda's Crystal Clear Foliage Reflection
Autumn colors at Tsutanuma Lake in northern Japan are enchanting visitors from all around.
4 Days in Tohoku's Treasureland
Japan's northeastern region of Tohoku is full of incredible cultural traditions, breathtaking landscapes, mouth-watering cuisine, and more. Join Noam as he makes his way through this beautiful treasure land.
Record 1,000 New Coronavirus Cases in Japan
Japan sees a record number of new cases of novel coronavirus in one day, hitting over 1,000 for the very first time.
Walk Tohoku's Historic Michinoku Coastal Trail
Michinoku is an old name for the Tohoku region, and means "the end of the road." The Michinoku Coastal Trail in Tohoku is a 1,000+ kilometer walking route along the coast of the Pacific Ocean in Japan's rustic north.
Akita Confectioneries Celebrate New PM
Confectionery stores in Japanese Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide's home prefecture have started to sell sweets modeled after him.
Aizu Wakamatsu Lives by the Code of its Samurai Past
A visit to Aizu Wakamatsu is a chance to study the samurai code that emphasized honor, respect and ethical behavior.
The Road Less Traveled in Tohoku
Yet the sheer size of Tohoku means that there are still plenty of discoveries to be made. On this trip, I set out to explore some lesser-known wonders in Miyagi, Iwate, and Aomori Prefectures.
Catch These Hunky Fisherman Trading Cards
Aomori Prefecture wanted to boost the value and attractiveness of their fishery industry. And to them, there's apparently no better way than with wet, toned fishermen on trading cards.
Walking Japan's 1,000km Michinoku Coastal Trail
Ten years after one of Japan’s most deadly disasters, a region is reborn--and it is home to the best hiking trail you’ve never heard of.
Hope for Fukushima’s Hamadori: Preserving the Past for the Sake of the Future
The coastal area of Fukushima is undergoing a resurgence of hope with the return of displaced residents. We take a look at memorials to the disasters of March 2011 in this first part of a two-part series.
