All About Japan

Iwate Ski & Snowboard Guide

There are 16 ski and snowboard resorts in Iwate Prefecture, most located on the western mountainous region near the border with Akita Prefecture.

6 Incredible Spots for a Run in Japan

These spots in the Japanese countryside will make you want to break out your running shoes!

The 6 Most Beautiful Villages in Japan

While travelers tend to be drawn to Japan's major cities, there's much to be savored in its quiet countryside, where a different, deeper kind of beauty awaits.

Capturing Snow Monsters in Aomori

Imagine fir trees disguised as snowmen—a forest covered with powdery snow that envelops everything in sight.

9 Best Backcountry Ski Spots in Japan

When you get tired of the pistes, there's always plenty of powder off the back—or further up! From Nagano to Hokkaido, here are the nine best backcountry ski spots in the country.

Japan's Most Beautiful Armor Rests in Aomori

Kushihiki Hachiman-gu is a historical shrine in Hachinohe, Aomori, dating back to 1166. It's considered the most prestigious shrine built by the Nambu Clan, a samurai clan originating in northern Japan.

Top 10 Local Train Rides

Sit back, relax, and let us take you on a journey through the most scenic train rides Japan has to offer.

Japan's 7 Best Spring Ski Locations

Japan gets so much snow that some of its biggest resorts offer skiing into the second week of May—and there's even one that goes into July!

Nature’s Art: The Frost-Covered Trees of Zao

The mountains of the Zao Mountain Range are one of the defining natural features of the Tohoku region.

5 Stunning Walks in the Japanese Countryside

Locals share secret trails with incredible views of the Japanese countryside!

Japan's 8 Prefectures with the Most Snow

Find the top eight places to visit for snow!

Japan's 11 Most Gorgeous Drone Videos

Think you can handle watching these drone-shot videos and not be compelled to visit Japan? Just try!

13 Tantalizing Tohoku Treats

Tohoku has a giant selection of sweet traditional treats to choose from. We've selected 13 of the best!

Magical Photos of Ginzan Onsen in the Snow

Ginzan Onsen is an achingly photogenic hot spring town in the Yamagata region of northern Japan. And it looks even better in the snow!

Promoting the Healing Power of Nature

The Kaminoyama Onsen Kurort project is a wellness and leisure spot in Yamagata Prefecture that focuses on medical science-based healthy outdoor walks and invigorating visitors through local culinary and hot spring resources.

Yamagata Ski & Snowboard Guide

Snowboard through "ice monsters" in Yamagata!

4 Incredible Kettles

Whether you're brewing up some powdered matcha green tea or a cup of Earl Grey, boiling water in these kettles will give your tea an extra kick!

Fukushima Ski & Snowboard Guide

Your guide to the top slopes in Fukushima!

Hit 3 Sites in Hiraizumi in Just One Day!

The UNESCO-registered temples and gardens of Hiraizumi represented an attempt to create an ideal world on Earth.

Serene Autumn Leaves in Oirase Gorge

Travel down one of Aomori's most beautiful spots at the best time of year.

know-before-you-go