Geisha in Kyoto Prepare for New Year
Geisha in Kyoto's Gion district begin their traditional New Year’s rituals. Click to learn more about the <i>koto hajime</i> ritual.
Meet the Second Gen Pokémon Personal Seals
These personal seals can be personalized with names in Japanese or English, and now include 100 characters from the Johto region of Pokémon!
Imari Porcelain Jewelry is a Handmade Dream
Created by Japanese designer Haruka Okabe, HiN combines contemporary design with Saga Prefecture's special Imari porcelain.
Become Part of the Past at Edo Wonderland
The Edo Period is still alive in this interactive theme park in Nikko, Tochigi where you can dress up as an Edo resident and relive the history of Japan.
Fushimi: Come to the Shrine, Stay for the Sake
Most famous for the iconic Fushimi Inari shrine, Kyoto’s Fushimi district is also one of Japan’s top sake-producing regions. Be sure to make the most of your visit by taking a look around its historic brewing district. Kanpai!
Explore the Sumo World at Kokugikan Street
The best place to experience authentic sumo wrestler culture is at Kokugikan Street in Ryogoku. You can learn about sumo wrestling, watch a sumo match, and even eat like a sumo wrestler.
Tourists Flock for a Glimpse of Old Japan
Townscapes that preserve the atmosphere of Japan's yesteryear are attracting more international visitors than ever before.
Complete Origami Experience at Origami Kaikan
Learn everything there is to know about the ins, outs, ups and downs of folding origami at this dedicated origami center.
Year-end Cleaning at Naritasan Shinshoji
Buddhist monks spruce up Naritasan Shinshoji Temple for the annual end-of-year cleaning.
Stay at a Machiya-Style Hostel in Kyoto
Utsuwa is a designer hostel in Kyoto that provides visitors with an affordable way to get an authentic, local experience in Japan's ancient capital!
Social Media Motivates Paper Cutting Artist
Social media is motivating a paper cutting artist to continue creating incredibly intricate works of art out of a single piece of paper.
Try the Viral 'Raindrop Cake' Shingenmochi
Try Mikan Club's high-quality water shingenmochi made of seaweed, creating a softer, smoother texture and a more luxurious experience of a traditional sweet.
Toshogu Shrine: Lavish Tomb of Tokugawa Ieyasu
Nikko's top attraction, UNESCO World Heritage Site Toshogu Shrine, also serves as the extravagantly embellished tomb of historical shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, ruler of Japan for over 250 years.
Learn the Legacy of the Samurai
Experience 700 years of Samurai history at the Shinjuku Samurai Museum. See real swords, armor, helmets, and other tools and weapons.
15 Awesome Festivals in Japan
Plan your trip in advance and make sure that you catch all of the festivals (known as 'matsuri’) in your area. Let’s take a closer look at the best 15 festivals in Japan.
7 Superb Festivals in Nara
Try and catch one of these fantastic events on your trip to this picturesque and historic city!
Asakusa's Sanja Matsuri Carrying on Tradition
Join a party of 1.8 million people in this giant festival in the third week of May that parades through the streets of Asakusa.
Five Secret Spots in Nara You HAVE to Visit
Escape the crowds at these secluded temples and shrines in Japan's ancient capital, Nara!
Cheap Cat-Themed Street Food in Yanaka Ginza
If you're a sucker for cute cat-themed things and in the mood for some street food, make sure you hit up the retro shopping street Yanaka Ginza.
Create Ukiyo-e Art at a Woodblock Party
If you're a fan of traditional Japanese art, you can create your own version of famous ukiyo-e paintings at Mokuhankan's woodblock print party experiences.
