All About Japan

Pioneers of Sustainable Living in Japan: The Remarkable People of Kamikatsu

The second of a series about the inspiring zero-waste Japanese town of Kamikatsu. Joy Jarman-Walsh introduces the people who want to make sustainability compatible with a good life.

Onomichi: A Japanese Inland Sea Town That Saved Its Own Life

How sustainability efforts have remarkably revitalized the Inland Sea town of Onomichi by attracting new residents and tourists—with an emphasis on cycling.

6 of Japan's YouTubers that Will Have You Hooked

These Japan-based Youtubers have become global phenomenons, with a spicy mix of day-in-the-life stories, travel tips, and plenty of insight into all things Japanese. Find out why they're being watched by millions of fans worldwide.

Discover Japanese Woodwork Traditions at Takenaka Carpentry Tools Museum

This Kobe museum features the traditions and technology of Japanese carpentry and tool artisanship that are used in buildings from simple tea houses to complex temple designs.

Hope for Fukushima’s Hamadori Coast, Part II: New Ventures Bring Vitality

Fukushima Prefecture’s Hamadori region, which faces the Pacific Ocean, suffered greatly from the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and the resulting tsunami and nuclear disaster. Those living within a 20 km radius of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Powerplan

Spend Your Summer in Japan in Cool, Cool Hakuba

Temperatures sizzling hot? Here’s how to plan a nature-filled getaway to Hakuba in the summer.

Kumamon Invites You to The Perfect Weekend in Kumamoto City

A insider's guide to the perfect weekend in this vibrant and fascinating city, home to Kumamon, the celebrity character.

Hiking Japan's Michinoku Coastal Trail: 4-Day Itinerary in Iwate

This section of Japan's 1,000-kilometer trail down the northern Pacific coast offers great hiking, spectacular views of the rugged coast and insights into the devastation caused by the 2011 tsunami.

Good Reads: A Passion for Japan

In this new book, 31 foreigners who have made Japan their long-term home share their passions, from sumo to baseball, traditional festivals, martial arts, the tea ceremony, and many more.

Walking Japan's 1,000km Michinoku Coastal Trail

Ten years after one of Japan’s most deadly disasters, a region is reborn--and it is home to the best hiking trail you’ve never heard of.

Hiking Japan’s Michinoku Coastal Trail: 2-Day Model Itinerary

Here’s an easy-to-follow itinerary for hiking the northernmost part of the Michinoku Coastal Trail, accessible to beginners and long-trailers alike.

The Road to Koyasan: A One-Day Pilgrimage with Kobo Daishi

Follow in the footsteps of pilgrims on this day hike up Japan's Mt. Koya, home to over 100 temples.

The Japanese Island that Inspired the Action-adventure Game: "Ghost of Tsushima"

A visit to the remote border island of Tsushima, a place full of fascinating history and natural beauty that inspired the Ghost of Tushima video game.

5 Awesome Rides Up Japan’s Mountain Peaks

Japan is known for its soaring mountains and breathtaking views. But hiking isn't the only way to experience their high-altitude thrills. Introducing five spectacular mountains that can be accessed by cable car, chair lift, or ropeway.

A Walk Through Tokyo History: Yotsuya to Shinjuku on the Koshu Kaido Road

A guide to walking through the center of Tokyo on the course of the Koshu Kaido road, one of the five routes that connected the old city of Edo with the provinces. Among the modern buildings and bustling streets are remnants of a remarkable past.

Travel Back to Feudal Japan at this Private House Complex

NEOLD Private House is exactly what it says on the label: It’s new, it’s old, and it’s private. It’s also quite a bit more, as I discovered when I was lucky enough to stay there.

7 Wild Winter Adventures in Japan's Outdoors

When winter sends temperatures plummeting, Japan's outdoors are full of fun things to do, from the usual skiing and snowboarding to ice fishing, ice climbing and even dog sledding or bicycling through the snow.

WWOOF! Work on Organic Farms in Japan for Bread and Board

The WWOOF organization is an international organization that connects organic farmers with volunteers willing to work for their food and board. Here's one volunteer's account of her time spent helping out a local Japanese farm.

The Old Town of Sawara: The Ideal Day Trip from Narita Airport

From centuries-old buildings to botanical gardens and picturesque canals, the Edo-era town of Sawara is a joy to discover—and a short distance from Tokyo’s Narita Airport.

A Pilgrimage to Japan’s Remarkable Zero-Waste Town of Kamikatsu

This secluded mountain town in central Shikoku has been an inspiration to people from around the world who come to experience its innovative programs and world-class sustainable travel choices.

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