Kyoto's Aoi Matsuri (May 15)
The Aoi Matsuri is one of Japan's most enduring festivals. Held every year in Kyoto on May 15, it has an enduring history that dates back to the Heian Period.
Immersed in Farmhouse Culture
Japanese Countryside Highlighting Japan
Homestays in Japan’s rural farming villages bring visitors a deeper understanding of local culture and people amid growing things and abundant nature.
6 Shrines for Strange Wishes in Tokyo
Temples & Shrines Secret Tokyo
In Japan it's common to visit shrines to pray for good luck. But where do you go if you have a more specific wish, like to lower your golf handicap or tame your unruly hair? These 6 shrines can help fulfill your oddly specific hopes & dreams!
History in Motion
A Journey on one of Oigawa Railway's steam locomotives connects people with the charms of travel from a lost era.
Top 5 'Okonomiyaki' in Osaka & Hiroshima
Japanese Food Beyond Sushi: Best Eats & Treats in Japan
There are many places that offer the gooey, savory Japanese pancake, 'okonomiyaki.' Osaka and Hiroshima Prefectures are the top two hotspots around the country, with two distinctly delicious styles of this supremely cravable dish!
10 Super Spicy Ramen Restaurants in Tokyo
Ramen Beyond Sushi: Best Eats & Treats in Japan
Tokyo's bowl runneth over when it comes to ramen restaurants! But for those looking to spice things up, here are ten restaurants that are sure to test the stomachs and wills of any ramen enthusiast!
15 Spots In Osaka You Have To Visit
Osaka may be smaller than Tokyo, but that just means that all the fun things to do and tasty eats are more concentrated. Here are 15 spots you cannot miss when visiting this wonderful city!
New Cat Café Has Historic Style
Get a heaping dose of historic atmosphere at the Edo Cat Café in Tokyo!
The Coolest Arcade You've Never Heard Of
Just across the river from Tokyo, in the city of Kawasaki, is an arcade with a unique aesthetic and personality that's as big as its selection of games and activities.
6 Tokyo Day Trips Less Than 2 Hours Away
From incredible views of Mount Fuji to a museum that feels like it's right out of a mummy movie, these fantastic spots are less than 2 hours from Tokyo, which means they're the perfect way to spend a day when you want to get out of the city!
Picture-Perfect Hidden Gems in Tokyo
Tokyo is a massive metropolis, with many hidden areas you're unlikely to find in any guidebook. Check out these lesser known spots just begging to be photographed!
Greater Tokyo: Sightseeing & Gluten-Free Food
Secret Tokyo Beyond Sushi: Best Eats & Treats in Japan
Japan is becoming increasingly aware of different dietary lifestyles, which is great! But the language barrier can prove especially difficult when trying to find some gluten-free grub to enjoy in Tokyo or Yokohama. Don't worry—we're here to help!
Tokyo Eatery Serves Japanese Comfort Food
Restaurants Beyond Sushi: Best Eats & Treats in Japan
Based in Asakusa, the simple eatery Misojyu specializes in a type of Japanese comfort food. They're serving up delicious variations on miso soup and 'onigiri' rice balls.
How 5 Tokyo Neighborhoods Were Named
Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ginza, Asakusa and Akihabara are incredibly popular areas, and at the top of many traveler's 'To See' lists! Learn how these famous Tokyo neighborhoods got their names.
8 Places To Visit On Okinawa's Main Island
Why visit Okinawa? Beyond the gorgeous beaches and relaxed vibe, discover the must-see spots of this island paradise.
Get Schooled About Fish at New Kochi Aquarium
Upon first glance this building in Kochi Prefecture might seem like your standard aquarium. But this repurposed elementary school is the perfect place to study marine life!
Where to Work Remotely in Tokyo
Looking to set up an important meeting but don’t have a permanent office? Or maybe you want to avoid the crowds of popular cafés like Starbucks. If you work remotely, Tokyo is chock-full of work spaces to help get your creative juices flowing!
12 Amazing Events in Japanese History
Do you know which Japanese castle was toppled by a party? Or how kabuki was invented? Japan has over 1,500 years of recorded history, and some pretty amazing things have happened in that time!
Michelin-Ranked Soba Spot Sparkles in Tokyo
Motenashi Kuroki serves up a salt soba dish in Akihabara that both stuns and satisfies—and scored its creators a Bib Gourmand rating!
Shaping Things That Endure
Australian potter Euan Craig has shaped his craft in Japan for decades, following a folk craft tradition that blends creativity and beauty with utility.
