All About Japan

12 Things to Do in Charming Kanazawa

Kanazawa, the capital city of Ishikawa Prefecture, sits on the Sea of Japan, bordered by scenic mountain ranges and national parks, has well-preserved art and culture. Read on for a list of 12 things you can do in Kanazawa.

Pilgrimage Temples & Sake Brewers Join Forces

Buddhist temples that are part of the Shikoku Pilgrimage and local sake makers in southwestern Japan cooperate to overcome difficulties they face amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Vaccination of 40,000 Medical Workers Underway

Pfizer vaccines arrive in hospitals in Tokyo ahead of inoculation which is set to start on February 17.

Ticket Holders React to Olympics Announcement

People abroad who have tickets to the Tokyo Olympics express understanding over the Japanese government’s plan not to allow spectators from overseas to visit and take in the competition at venues.

Nuclear Fuel from Fukushima Daiichi #3 Removed

Tokyo Electric Power Company removes all 566 nuclear fuel rods from their No. 3 reactor at the crippled Fukushima Daiichi.

11 Best Trekking Routes In Japan

Mount Fuji, Japan Alps, Nakasendo, Basho Tour, and more trekking options in Japan! Check out our recommendations of the best trekking routes in Japan.

Bullet Train Telework Trial with Rental Wi-Fi

East Japan Railway is using the month of February to test out the use of bullet trains on the Tohoku Shinkansen line as virtual office spaces for passengers to telework.

Hashimoto's 1st Day as Tokyo 2020 Games Chief

Seiko Hashimoto got to work on February 19 as the new president of the organizing committee for the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics.

Japan's Vaccination Drive Is Underway

Japan began its coronavirus vaccination drive on February 17, starting with frontline medical workers. The central and local governments and medical workers are coordinating efforts to that end.

State of Emergency Lifted in 6 Prefectures

The Japanese government has ended the state of emergency in six prefectures at the end of February, a week ahead of schedule.

These Traditional Dolls Are Earthquake Ready

As one kokeshi doll workshop's owners began cleaning up their shop, a flash of genius stuck them: why not equip their topple-prone traditional dolls with lights that can be used in case of future earthquakes?

Mori Resigns as Tokyo Games Organizing Chief

Mori Yoshiro resigns as president of the Tokyo Games organizing committee amid growing criticism over his sexist remarks.

Mount Unzen Eruption Site to be Preserved

Locals in southwestern Japan begin digging up areas devastated by the 1991 eruption at Mount Unzen as part of efforts to preserve the disaster remains.

Preparations Underway for Olympic Torch Relay

Organizers of the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics have publicized guidelines for the torch relay that will start in Japan on March 25.

Tokyo Metro Launches 17000 Train Series

Tokyo Metro has added a new train model to its lineup on the subway system.

Nurse Gearing Up to Fight in Tokyo Olympics

27-year-old Arisa Tsubata is an aspiring Olympian and candidate for the Japanese national team in women’s boxing. When she’s not sparring, she can be found at a medical facility where she works as a nurse at a clinic in Tokyo.

Deep in Snow Country - Yuzawa and Minakami

Join us as we search for onsen and winter scenery through the Yuzawa and Minakami regions of central Japan.

Emperor Wishes for Bright Future on Birthday

Japan’s Emperor Naruhito expresses his hope for a brighter future following the coronavirus pandemic at a press conference held on the occasion of his 61st birthday.

Top 12 Accommodation in Hakuba, Nagano

Looking for traditional ryokan, cosy vacation rental or comfy hotel in Hakuba? Check out our list of the top accommodation in Hakuba, in Nagano Prefecture.

Life-Size Dolls Enliven Girls' Festival Event

Life-size “Hina” dolls are on display at a historic inn in Shizuoka Prefecture, southwest of Tokyo, for the doll festival on March 3.

know-before-you-go