All About Japan

Hakko Department: One-Stop Shop for All Things Fermented in Trendy Shimokitazawa

How one man is aiming to change the world with Japan's fermentation culture.

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 Perfect Weekend in Okayama

One of a series of Perfect Weekends in Japanese cities. Lovers of art, food, history, and nature will all find something to help them spend a fantastic weekend in Okayama.

Japan's Open Air Folk House Museum: Fascinating, Photogenic, Foreigner-Friendly

Historic homes and rural lifestyles are the focus of this sprawling outdoor museum near Tokyo.

The Most Important Japanese Shrine You've Never Heard Of

While Usa Jingu Shrine is the most prestigious shine of the Shinto religion after Ise Jingu Shrine, it is little known, even among many Japanese. But it is an important part of Japan's religious history, and gateway to the fascinating Kunisaki peninsula.

Small Spaces, Part III: Japanese Ideas for Small and Tiny Homes

The third of a series on innovative, space saving methods from Japanese architecture that can be used in any home. The theme is bringing the exterior into the interior to broaden horizons.

Tokyo's 10 Best Outdoor Dining Spots

Noted food critic Robbie Swinnerton picks his favorite places in Tokyo where you can enjoy the outdoors and dine extremely well.

Bamboo: the Secret to Takachiho’s Iconic Cuisine

The scenic valley of Takachiho in Miyazaki Prefecture is known for its bamboo cuisine. Here are three of the most popular dishes.

Onomichi: A Japanese Inland Sea Town That Saved Its Own Life

How sustainability efforts have remarkably revitalized the Inland Sea town of Onomichi by attracting new residents and tourists—with an emphasis on cycling.

Tottori Folk Crafts: Traditions Passed Down Over Generations

Tottori Prefecture is located in the northeastern part of Japan’s Chugoku region, on the western edge of the main island of Honshu. Long and narrow, it runs from east to west along the Sea of Japan.

A Day Trip Exploring Japan's Feudal History in Mito City

The city of Mito is within easy access of Tokyo or Narita Airport, perfect for a day trip.

Play Ball! Japan's 5 Best Baseball Parks

If you love sports, don't miss a game at one of Japan's raucous baseball parks. Each one offers a unique experience that reflects the local character and food as well as the high-quality brand of baseball.

5 Awesome Rides Up Japan’s Mountain Peaks

Japan is known for its soaring mountains and breathtaking views. But hiking isn't the only way to experience their high-altitude thrills. Introducing five spectacular mountains that can be accessed by cable car, chair lift, or ropeway.

Why I Love Imari Ware (and Want You to Love It Too)

Arts writer Alice Gordenker shares her appreciation for the Japanese porcelain that has captivated the world for more than 400 years.

Tokyo Midtown Yaesu: The City's Trendy New Dining/Shopping Spot

This new complex boasts high-end shops, gastronomic delights, prime office space and the first Japan outpost of Bulgaria Hotel.

Small Spaces, Part II: Japanese Ideas for Small and Tiny Homes

The second of a series on innovative, space-saving methods from traditional and modern Japanese architecture that can be used in any home, regardless of size.

Kobe: Japan’s Jazz Capital Celebrates 100 Years of Great Music

Kobe has been Japan's jazz capital for 100 years, and the scene remains lively with a healthy schedule of performances at bars and clubs, and annual jazz festivals.

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.

Okinawa's Top 5 Wellness Oils: Nature's Best-kept Secrets

Introducing some lesser known essential oils of the island of Okinawa, where the locals have long known that health is a harmonic state of body, mind and spirit.

Small Spaces, Part 1: Japanese Ideas for Small and Tiny Homes

Innovative, space-saving methods from traditional and modern Japanese architecture that can be used in any home, regardless of size. The first of a series.

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