All About Japan

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.

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.

Japan's Himekuri Calendars: Amazing Almanacs

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.

Japan through the Eyes of the First Tourists

Enrich your travel experience by adding travelogues from the Meiji and Taisho eras to your reading list.

The Perfect Weekend in the City of Niigata

The first of a series introducing a local insider’s ideal weekend in their home town.

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 Isolated Attractions of Shikoku's "Tibet"

Some dedicated people are intent on saving the small village of Kito, and the last 20 bears that live in the surrounding mountains.

7 Must Visit Winter Illuminations Near Tokyo

Illumination season is here! Heat up the hot chocolate and get your mittens, beanie, and sweater ready. To put you in the holiday spirit, AllAbout Japan has compiled a list of the Kanto region’s top Winter Illumination spots.

In Samurai Footsteps: The 47 Ronin Tour

One of the most famous stories of historical times is the saga of the 47 ronin, a group of samurai who avenged their deceased lord in a famous vendetta. Tokyo has several spots where fans of the story can visit to pay homage to the dedicated warriors.

A Visit to Japan's Keith Haring Collection

The only museum in the world dedicated to the works of Keith Haring, the legendary king of 1980's New York City street art, is is nestled in the forests of Yamanashi Prefecture.

Time Travel with Japan's "Warlord" Clocks

Tokyo's Daimyo Clock Museum showcases unique Japanese clocks and the old way of measuring time used in the Edo period.

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.

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.

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.

Homesick?! Comfort Food Cures, Part 1

The first of a two-part series on where to buy ingredients for those dishes you miss the most. From tiny shops to on-line retailers and supermarket chains, Japan offers a wealth of sources from which to stock your pantry with foods from home.

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.

Whirlwind Visit to Daisen Oki National Park

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!

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