A Perfect Weekend in Tokushima City
In this second of a series on perfect weekends in Japan, an insider offers hints for enjoying this picturesque riverfront city.
Five Young Japanese Women Making a Difference
A look at some young Japanese women making waves and inspiring others in their respective fields. Our “A list” includes an actress, an artist, an athlete, an author and an advocate for social change.
How I Learned to Wield a Samurai Sword
Spending a few hours, or even a day, at Meihodo, a complex of Edo-style buildings and gardens in the Mt. Aso caldera of Kyushu's Kumamoto Prefecture, is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in samurai culture.
Nostalgic Trip to a Beloved Tokyo Neighborhood
The Shibamata neighborhood on the outskirts of Tokyo retains the essence of the city’s “everyman” past. An iconic films series has helped to preserve its charms.
In the Footsteps of Japan’s Yamabushi Ascetics
Visit this isolated village in central Japan for a glimpse of Japan's ancient ascetic traditions that are still being practiced today.
The Road Less Traveled in Tohoku
Yet the sheer size of Tohoku means that there are still plenty of discoveries to be made. On this trip, I set out to explore some lesser-known wonders in Miyagi, Iwate, and Aomori Prefectures.
Brit Amelia Hiorns is Working to Save Japan’s Bear Population
Amelia Hiorns has one of the most unusual jobs in Japan. As a member of the Picchio Wildlife Research Center’s Bear Team, she works with black bears, Karelian bear dogs, and humans, all in an effort to promote wildlife conservation.
Learning Japan's Ancient Horseback Archery
Yabusame is a traditional samurai martial, involving shooting an arrow at a target from the back of a horse galloping at full speed. I attempted to learn this in one day. And so can you.
Be the Lord of the Domain with a Luxury Stay in a Japanese Castle!
Two unusual programs offer accommodations that are fit for nobility—or an Edo-period ruler of one of Japan’s feudal provinces.
Whirlwind Visit to Daisen Oki National Park
Shrines National Parks of Japan
YouTuber John Daub from Only in Japan, and Dean Newcombe from runAway Japan visit Izumo in the Daisen Oki National Park for a 2-day taster trip!
Making Herbal Tea at Oyakuen Medicine Garden
Herbs and other botanicals with healing properties have been used for medicinal purposes in Japan for centuries. I had a chance to learn more about the historical cultivation of such plants, and make my own blend for tea, at Oyaku-en in Aizu Wakamatsu.
Shimbun Nishiki-e: The Meiji-era Origins of Japan’s Lurid Tabloids
In the Meiji Era (1868--1912), some enterprising woodblock artists used their traditional skills to bring a mix of news and entertainment to the masses.
Travel by Train to Superb Sakura Viewing Spots
Some lesser-known but magnificent hanami spots in Japan’s eastern and northern regions and tips on how to reach them using the excellent railroad passes.
Highway to the Gods: In the Footsteps of Oyama Pilgrims
Mt. Oyama, a peak to the southwest of Tokyo, has long been the goal of pilgrims eager to pay their respects to the gods. Today, visitors can follow in their footsteps on a short, fun trip out of the city.
Five Women Warriors from Japanese History
Samurai, street fighters, and shamanesses--Japan has its share of fighting women over the centuries. Here are five of the country's most celebrated warriors.
Japan's Himekuri Calendars: Amazing Almanacs
Life in Japan Traditional Japan
Japan's traditional page-a-day himekuri calendars are fascinating windows into traditional ways of keeping track of everything from seasonal events to festivals and lucky days.
The Perfect Weekend on the Yokohama Waterfront
Yokohama is often overlooked by the bigger, brighter lights of Tokyo and Osaka. Big mistake! Japan’ second largest city has developed a unique identity influenced by Western and Chinese culture. We’ve complied a guide for the perfect two day trip.
Japan’s Ancient UFO: The Tale of Utsuro-bune
The utsuro-bune legend has has been a source of intrigue in Japan for over 200 years. Read on to discover what is behind the legend.
Four Japanese Women Who Changed History
Meet four Japanese women who were pioneers in education and medicine. Tsuda Umeko, Oyama Sutematsu, Ogino Ginko, and Kusumoto Ine fought the status quo and created new opportunities for the generations of women who followed.
Bring Japan’s Springtime into Your Kitchen
In Japan, spring doesn’t just bring cherry blossoms and blue skies. It comes with a number of delicious, fresh ingredients that are unavailable at other times of the year. Let’s take a look at those ingredients and how to make the most of them!
