All About Japan

Studio Ghibli Theme Park Design Unveiled!

All the details on the buildings, stores and cafés set to appear at the new Studio Ghibli theme park.

Traverse the Natural Wonders of Kushiro Marsh

The Kushiro Shitsugen Norokko is a popular sightseeing train that chugs along at a leisurely pace through Hokkaido’s Kushiro Marsh from spring to early autumn.

The Intricate Detail of Kirie Paper Cutting

The Japanese artist Masayo Fukuda has practiced 'kirie,' the art of cutting pictures from paper, for over 25 years. Take a look at her self-proclaimed greatest masterpiece from 2018, an incredibly detailed octopus cut from a single piece of paper.

Beppu: Home of 100 Tattoo-Friendly Hot Springs

Onsen—Japanese hot springs—are an awesome part of any visit to the Land of the Rising Sun! 100 facilities in the city of Beppu are making it easier for international visitors with tattoos to enjoy this quintessential part of Japanese culture!

Omotenashi of English-Speaking Geisha in Kyoto

The “flower town” district of Gion in Kyoto is where geiko and maiko in glamorous kimono enchant people with their talents, elegance and grace. One geiko in particular shines through her use of two languages; a unique dialect of Japanese, and English.

Top 5 Winter Illuminations Outside of Tokyo!

As the year draws to a close, cities across Japan light up with some of the most spectacular winter illuminations. Here are a few of our favorite displays outside of Tokyo.

Celebrate 2019 Cherry Blossom Season with Coke

Coca-Cola Japan unveiled new sakura-themed bottles for cherry blossom season in 2019.

8 Ways Japanese Christmas is Weird

Christmas is celebrated in different ways all around the world, but even looking beyond KFC and its status as a couples' night, Japan has picked up some traditions that warrant a few extra raised eyebrows.

From Tokyo to Okayama with Zooming Japan

Join Jasmine from Zooming Japan as she does what she best—travels to locales around the country, getting up close and personal with local sights, food and culture!

Top 4 Snow Festivals in Hokkaido 2020!

Check out our guide to Hokkaido’s biggest and best snow and ice festivals—perfect for making the most of the cold weather!

10 Tips for a Stress-Free Trip to Japan

Make the most of your visit to Japan and avoid some serious stress with these tips from a longtime Tokyoite! Find out when to avoid trains, how to find ATMs, when to travel and more.

Tokyo's Top 5 Bizarre Museums!

Tokyo's bizarre museums are an amalgamation of two of our favorite things about Japan—the quirky culture and the awesome organization! Here are five places to check out if you're looking for an offbeat activity around Tokyo!

Saying 'Sayonara' to Japan? It'll Cost Ya!

As of January 7, 2019, Japan has launched a departure tax that applies to both residents and visitors leaving Japan.

The Rebranding of Tokyo's 'MariCar' Go-Carts

Either a double dose of caution or passive-aggressiveness against Nintendo has Tokyo-based MariCar’s go-carts looking weirder than ever!

The Battle of Kawanakajima Rages on in Mie

The legendary feud between prolific samurai Takeda Shingen and Kenshin Uesugi rages on in Mie! 100 people don armor and wield weapons to reenact the ferocious Battle of Kawanakajima.

Looking for Luxury? Japan Has You Covered!

As international customers rush to discover Japan's many charms, efforts are being made to attract affluent tourists looking for high-end luxury experiences.

Winter Tips for Visiting Japan

While Japan is famous for its stunning cherry blossoms in spring, red leaves in the autumn and countless festivals in summer, Japan is also a veritable winter wonderland! Here are some tips for making the most of your time in Japan in its coldest season.

The First Cherry Blossom Forecast of 2019

Just 10 days into 2019, the Japan Meteorological Agency released their first forecast for the upcoming cherry blossom season!

10 Faux Pas Japanese Train Commuters Hate

Numerous train etiquette guidelines exist in Japan, and though most people follow them religiously even the most polite of passengers can unintentionally make their fellow commuters feel uncomfortable.

Huge Hot Spring Theme Park Coming to Osaka

Customers will get to enjoy four floors of steamy hot baths, exquisite restaurants and fun activities right in the heart of Osaka!

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