All About Japan

The Beautiful Nature of Miyagi

With the Pacific Ocean coastline on one side and stunning mountain ranges on the other, Miyagi is home to some of Japan's most breathtaking natural scenery.

Sampling the Food of Miyagi

Miyagi is home to some of the best seafood in Japan with fresh oysters and fish along with other mouthwatering delicacies such as grilled beef tongue and 'zunda.' Come along with us on a tour of the best of the best dishes!

Miyagi: Land of Samurai History

Experience the home of one of Japan's greatest ever samurai warriors with historic castles, ancient temples and colorful shrines less than two hours from Tokyo.

Noge: Yokohama's Hub for Cheap Drinks

With some 500 drinking establishments just 10 minutes south of Minato Mirai, the Noge area is 'the' spot to hit for a cheap drink in Yokohama.

A Stay in Yokohama Landmark Tower

Standing at 296.3 meters, Yokohama Landmark Tower was the tallest building in Japan when it opened in 1993. While its lower half is full of shops, restaurants and offices, the 49th to 70th floors are occupied by a five-star luxury hotel!

Hakone Yosegi Zaiku: World of Woodcraft

Hakone 'yosegi zaiku' is a kind of woodworking technique typically used to make puzzle boxes with elaborate opening mechanisms. Not only do they make a great gift—at the Hakone Trick Museum you can even make one of your own!

30 Stunning Flowers in Japan's National Parks

From June hydrangeas to September spider lilies, here are 30 reasons for flower fans to fall in love with Japan's 34 flower-filled national parks!

Hakone Sekisho: Historical Checkpoint

The Hakone Sekisho was one of 53 checkpoints used by the Tokugawa Shogunate to maintain control over Japan's population. Now faithfully reconstructed, it makes for a pleasant visit while in Hakone, offering a nice view of Mount Fuji on a clear day.

12 Amazing Mountains in Japan's National Parks

Many of Japan's most beautiful mountains can be found in the nation's 34 national parks.

Shin-Yokohama Raumen Museum

The Shin-Yokohama Raumen Museum is less a museum than a Disney-like experience of ramen!

Kitchen-Haven Kappabashi Has More Than Knives

Previously, we've published articles about buying knives in Kappabashi, but this 'shotengai' has more on offer than just cutlery! Let's take a tour together and see a sharper side of this shopping street.

Going Back in Time for Books at Jimbocho

After reading, book-loving locals usually sell their tomes back to second-hand bookstores so the books will find a new home. Luckily, there's an old street in the middle of Tokyo that has more than 100 stores dedicated to old books: Jimbocho.

How to Get the Most out of Senso-ji Temple

Senso-ji is the oldest temple in Tokyo, and an essential part of any visit. But it's easy to feel a little underwhelmed—like you're just scratching the surface. Here's how to make sure you get the most out of this hot tourist spot!

Onagawa: A Lesson in Recovery

After almost being completely wiped out by the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami of 2011, Onagawa is a shining light of how to recover from disaster.

Hakone Shrine: Home of the Nine-Headed Serpent

The mountains of Hakone have been worshipped for at least 2,500 years. Hakone Shrine venerates the three most important deities of the region: two legendary ancestors of the Japanese imperial line, and the goddess of Mount Fuji herself!

5 Cheap Shopping Stops Near Famous Japan Sites

Ginza, Omotesando and Shibuya are not the only places to shop in Japan. In some Tokyo suburbs, there are places worth a stop; outside Tokyo, you may just score even better deals!

5 Ways to Get Active in Japan's National Parks

There's more to do in Japan's national parks than simply look at nature—lovely as it may be. There are plenty of ways to get your hands dirty and your feet wet as well!

Exploring the Culture of Miyagi

Miyagi is a place where traditional Japanese culture is still alive with wooden kokeshi dolls to mountain hot spring towns there is something for everyone.

Top 5 Shopping Streets in Tokyo

While you can stay home and do online shopping until your fingers fall off, some of the best deals to be had are out on the streets. Here are five of the best shopping streets in Tokyo, offering you everything you could ever need in the big city.

Taiko-Lab: Learn to Drum in 60 Minutes

Located just north of Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, Taiko-Lab offers a chance to learn the basics of 'taiko' drumming in about 60 minutes—an essential part of any Japan experience!

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