All About Japan

Get a Glimpse of the Hello Kitty Shinkansen!

The Hello Kitty Shinkansen looks set to be cutest Japanese train ever with special 'kawaii' interiors featuring pink arm rests and a photo spot for you to take pictures of you and Kitty-chan.

Hop on a Highway Bus to Hida Takayama

Major cities in many regions of Japan operate highway bus terminals, which are a great way to save time and money on your way to Hida Takayama.

Which to Choose: Hida Takayama or Furukawa?

Hida Takayama and Hida Furukawa may be close to each other, but they both have unique charms. We'll compare them on four key points for travelers so you can see which destination is right for you!

The Nobel Prize Road Between Toyama & Gifu

A little known fact about Japan: there is a long road between Toyama and Hida Takayama that just happens to be the connecting thread between five Nobel laureates, which has earned this stretch of highway the nickname of "Nobel Prize Road".

Temple Stays Made Simple with Terahaku

Experiencing life in a Buddhist temple in Japan is about to get a whole lot easier! Thanks to the website Terahaku, users can book their very own temple accommodations online.

Top 5 Spots Around Hida Takayama

Hida Takayama is a picturesque old castle town in the mountains of Gifu Prefecture, and offers visitors a truly authentic, traditional Japanese experience.

All About Japanese Currency

What’s the largest banknote in Japan? Curious about the coinage and what it’s made of? And who are those people on their bills? All that and more as we break down Japan's currency!

Rent-a-Cat Rooms at This Ryokan are Purrfect!

A Twitter user caused a ker-'fluff'-le with adorable photos from her lodgings in Hakone, in Kanagawa Prefecture, where you can pick a cat to accompany you during your stay.

Where to Shop in Tokyo

From fashion and electronics to books and bargains, Tokyo is a shopper's paradise. If you're searching for tips on where to shop, look no further!

Dine on the Best Udon in Fukuoka

You'd better reserve your seat at this Michelin-recommended udon restaurant, since it only dishes out about 30 set meals per day!

Hokkaido Flowers Spring into Bloom

The often-overlooked Doto region of Japan’s northern island Hokkaido is off the beaten path, but should be on your itinerary. Spring starts a little later, treating visitors to beautiful flowers reminiscent of cherry blossoms.

Rain Turns Tokyo Disneyland into Wonderland

Tokyo Disneyland proves dreary weather doesn't have to dampen your day, and that even in rain dreams can still come true!

All About the JR Pass

A basic guide to buying, using and making the most of the JR Pass!

How to Get to Hida Takayama

Find out the best way to get to Hida Takayama from Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka.

Experience the Beauty of Japan in 8K Video

From the rugged mountains of Hokkaido and verdant forests of Kyushu to spectacular festivals of Aichi and the Tokyo skyline, this video stunningly captures the beauty of Japan in under three minutes.

5 Fun Things to Do in Nara

A former capital city just a stone's throw from Kyoto and Osaka, Nara is known for its stunning temples, friendly deer, souvenirs and more. With so much to do, we're here to help you start planning!

Zooming Around Dotonbori!

One of Osaka's most iconic areas, Dotonbori is bursting with shops, restaurants, arcades and more. Find out why this downtown area is a must-see when visiting Osaka!

4 Things to Do on a Weekend in Osaka

Accessible in about two and a half hours from Tokyo, Osaka makes for an excellent weekend trip from the nation's capital. But what do you do once you're there?

5 Japanese Activities to Do Indoors

Shake off the rainy season blues by taking up one or more of these 5 traditional Japanese activities!

All Aboard This Luxurious New Shinkansen

This new bullet train from JR West will allow passengers to travel in comfort like never before, with six unique cars that cater to the needs of different types of travelers.

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