All About Japan

An Ode to Oze National Park

Oze National Park is a paradise for hikers and nature lovers, one that offers new highlights every season!

All About Pensions in Japan

We answer important questions about Japanese pensions: who has to contribute, how much you have to pay, when you can receive benefits and how much you can get back?

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!

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.

Where to Enjoy International Theater in Tokyo

Tokyo is chock-full of places were you can get your theatrical fix, even if you don't speak Japanese. With live performances, broadcasts, translated theater, non-verbal shows and improv groups, the options go on and on! Here's what you need to know...

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.

Racing to the Future: Accessibility in Japan

As Japan gears up for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic & Paralympic Games, government agencies look to Kyushu's Oita Prefecture as an innovator and model of accessibility and barrier-free tourism.

Discover Your Spiritual Side at Koyasan

Mount Koya is one of Japan’s most sacred spots, and the perfect place to experience an overnight stay in a Buddhist temple.

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.

Do's & Don'ts: Japanese New Year

Ringing in the New Year in Japan is an awesome experience, but it does come with some unique challenges. If you're going to be here over the winter holiday, find out what to expect!

All About’s Guide to Nara

As Japan’s first permanent capital, Nara is home to a wealth of historical and cultural delights—and deer, lots of deer! Check out our guide to find out how to make the most of your time in this ancient area.

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.

Oita International Wheelchair Marathon

Held in the welcoming city of Oita in Kyushu, this thrilling race attracts top-level athletes from across the world.

Talking Trash: How to Toss Your Garbage

Japan is pretty serious when it comes to sorting garbage, and it can be tough to understand if you're new to the country or don't speak Japanese. We're here to help you sort through the rules of sorting and throwing away your trash!

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.

Minakami: An Awesome Onsen Getaway in Gunma

Minakami is picturesque onsen town lying on Gunma's northern border to Niigata Prefecture. It's a nature lover's paradise, bursting with natural hot springs and other outlets for an assortment of seasonal outdoor activities!

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!

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.

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.

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!

know-before-you-go