All About Japan

December in Japan

From Nikko and Tokyo to Kyoto, Miyajima and more, the cold temperatures didn't stop these travelers from checking out the best of Japan.

Five Days in Kansai

Take a graphics-enhanced tour of Nara, Kyoto and Osaka!

The Secrets of the Daruma Doll

The Daruma doll symbolizes good luck and perseverance in modern-day Japan. But how did a tumbler toy come to have such cultural significance, and what are the reasons behind its peculiar customs?

The 6 Weirdest Bars in Tokyo

Tokyo revels in themed entertainment, and the city's bars are no exception. We've outlined some of the wildest, strangest, and most off-the-wall bars for you!

Okinawa & Naha Travel on a Budget

Check out these wallet-friendly tours and activities in Naha to enjoy Okinawa's best sights without breaking the bank.

Download Japan’s 72 Microseasons as an App

The traditional Japanese calendar had 72 microseasons. This gorgeous app will not only tell you the season, but also poetically give you the seasonal word, fish, vegetable and activity!

Akiu Crafts Park in Miyagi

Get a hands-on experience with nine different tradition crafts from Miyagi Prefecture.

Impressions on Kyoto Manga Museum

Have you ever heard of the Kyoto International Manga Museum? Here's a sneak peek!

Mario and Luigi Get a Makeover

Reimagined as the famed gods Fujin and Raijin, the Mario Brothers look as if they could take down Bowser with only one punch!

Ukiyo-e Paintings Get a Modern-Day Makeover

Thanks to the brilliant Sanjushichi Segawa, we can now enjoy some classic paintings with a modern twist.

Savor Sacred Sake in Saga

The sake breweries of Kashima City open their doors to overseas tourists, offering a peek into how sake is made for one of Japan's three most prominent Inari shrines.

There's a Touching Story Behind These Flowers

The background story of the man who planted these pink flowers in Miyazaki Prefecture is just as beautiful as the flowers themselves.

Learn Japanese Calligraphy at Your Hotel

This workshop at the Shiba Park Hotel covers a single basic but fun point: how to write your name in katakana, hiragana and phonetic kanji. Best of luck with your brush technique!

A Day at Jigokudani Monkey Park

Look out for some incredible shots of swimming monkeys and delicious-looking food—plus a time-lapse view of what it looks like when the staff set up your futon at a lovely 'ryokan' in Nagano!

A Visual Love Letter to Japan

There are Japan videos, and then there are things like this. Set to Yuzo Koshiro's sweeping "Cerulean Woodlands," this 10-minute piece of art is truly a love letter to Japan.

3 Distinct Cities, 3 Amazing Stories

Hiroshima, Tokyo, Osaka—three main cities of Japan, yet so different!

Yamanashi Winery Day Trip

Katsunuma, a region in Yamanashi, is a wine powerhouse with 31 wineries producing 27 percent of Japanese wine each year! Come with us on a day trip of three distinct wineries.

Tour the Inaba Brewery in Ibaraki

The Japan Guy takes us through the Inaba Brewery on a snowy day—and reveals what lies behind a certain mysterious little door!

A Non-Drinker's Take on Japan's Drink Culture

As a (mostly) non-drinker, The Japan Guy has a pretty good memory of what happened at the 'izakaya' last night. Here's his take on the whole affair.

The 10 Best Craft Beers in Japan

Looking to move beyond the 'Big 4' of Asahi, Kirin, Sapporo and Suntory? Check out these artfully brewed craft beers!

know-before-you-go