All About Japan

Shimane: Silver & The Sea

The Iwami Ginzan silver mine was designated a World Heritage Site in 2007. At its peak in the mid-16th to early 17th century, it was believed to be the source of one third of all the silver in circulation in the world.

UNESCO Sites in the Tokyo Area

Tokyo is great for food, shopping and relaxation. But you should know there are also a handful of stellar World Heritage Sites right in the area!

'Pokémon GO' to Tohoku to Catch Rare Pokémon

Travel to the Tohoku region, the site of the 2011 Great East Japan earthquake, to see the effects of pocket monster Lapras’ real-world healing powers. And with a higher-than-usual catch rate, you can take one home too!

Hiraizumi: Pure Land Heritage

Located in Iwate Prefecture, Hiraizumi was the administrative center of northeastern Japan in the 12th century, said to have rivaled the splendor of Kyoto at its peak.

7 Samurai Doing 7 Extreme Sports!

These samurai warriors from Japan are fearless not only in battle, but also on a BMX bike, skis, a pogo stick and on a surfboard.

True Colors: Nikko Toshogu Shrine

Attracting almost 2 million visitors every year, Nikko Toshogu Shrine is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Japan.

Can You Keep a Secret? 4 Hidden Hot Springs

There are a lot of incredible hot springs in Japan. These four hot springs are not well known, but they'll surprise you! They all have something special in common—can you guess what it is?

Japan's 20 UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Every traveler to Japan should be sure to visit at least a few of the nation's stellar World Heritage Sites, ranging from 1,000-year-old temples and shrines to breathtaking natural biospheres.

Save up to 86% with Advance Airfare!

Want to travel Japan, but worried about the cost? JAL’s ‘Sakitoku’ advance fares lets you save up to 86 percent on airfare if you book at least 28 days in advance on domestic flights! Here are 12 ideas for places you can go!

Perfecting the Art of Bonsai

Bonsai master Kunio Kobayashi explains how he came to the art and its growing global appeal—and why you should visit Shunkaen Bonsai Museum in Tokyo!

Beauty Inside & Out: World Heritage Art Museum

Of the 17 World Heritage buildings that make up 'The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement,' Tokyo boasts the only one in East Asia.

Horyu-ji's Famous Buddhist Monuments

Travel to Horyu-ji, a historic Buddhist temple in Nara Prefecture that was once one of the powerful Seven Great Temples of Ancient Nara.

World Heritage Villages Among Deep Valleys

Travel to Gifu and Toyama to learn all about the charming and scenic historic villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama, two of Japan's UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The Tomioka Silk Mill

Located in Gunma Prefecture, the Tomioka Silk Mill is a well-preserved symbol of modernization and international cooperation. It was recognized as a World Cultural Heritage Site in 2014.

Japan—Where Tradition Meets the Future

Centered around a slick video of 45 locations across three regions of Japan, the JNTO's new European campaign is a beauty to behold.

Tokyo Midtown Starlight Garden 2016

2016 marks the 10th year of the Starlight Garden illumination event at Tokyo Midtown, where you can catch a visualization of the Big Bang created by 180,000 LED lights!

Hot Spring Theme Park Might Become a Reality

This clip shows a number of jaw-dropping ideas for the spa-filled amusement park, including 'onsen' carousels and roller coasters filled with spring water.

UNESCO's Historical Monuments of Ancient Nara

Once the capital of Japan, the historical monuments of Nara include temples, a shrine, a palace, a forest and lots of deer!

Visit the City that Inspired 'Your Name'

While half of the smash hit 'Your Name' may be based in a fictional village, Hida City in Gifu Prefecture is swimming in tourist dough thanks to the key points of inspiration it provided!

Masanori Aoyagi on Japan's World Heritage

When the sites of Japan’s Meiji industrial revolution were added to UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites, Highlighting Japan spoke with then-Commissioner for Cultural Affairs Masanori Aoyagi about the significance of World Heritage Sites in Japan.

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