All About Japan

Italian Knows Enough Noh to Teach in Kyoto

Noh scholar Diego Pellecchia shows how it's done.

8 Hot Spots to Book in Kyushu—If You Can!

We'd love to stay in any of these eight amazing Kyushu locales—but they're so popular it can be really hard to get a space!

9 Classic Yugawara Ryokan with Private Baths

Traditional 'ryokan' (Japanese-style inns) are the epitome classical of Japan, and they're the backbone of the hot spring town of Yugawara. Here are nine great picks in Yugawara, each with a private bath!

This Inn Looks Like a Samurai's Residence!

Japanese visitors are falling in love with the gorgeous gardens and traditional rooms at this atmospheric inn.

The 3 Dragon Gates of Tokyo

Who needs Dragon Balls? There are three Dragon Gates in Tokyo said to grant the wish you make while touching them!

Tour Reconstructed Kabukiza Without a Ticket

Kabukiza reopened in 2013 after three years of reconstruction and renovation, but the newly opened theater has been turned into a place that anyone can enjoy.

Cosplay as Samurai & Walk through Kamakura

When you visit Kamakura, you can not only look like a samurai—you can also eat like one!

Explore Kyushu on a Sightseeing Train

There are many sightseeing trains in Kyushu, with a wide variety of entertaining events going on in the trains and around the stations. We'll show you how to have much more fun than just looking out the window!

Photo Book Documents Ancient Pilgrimage Path

Witness the awe-inspiring shots captured by two photographers who spent eight days wandering ancient routes crisscrossing Japan's largest peninsula.

7 Popular Insects in Japan

Japan has a deep fascination with insects that dates back to the age of the samurai. Let’s take a look at the seven most popular insects in Japan and what makes them so popular.

Industrial World Heritage in Kyushu

Of the 23 sites in Japan recognized by UNESCO for contributing to the nation's Meiji Era industrial revolution, 16 are located in Kyushu.

8 Amazing Days on a JR Kyushu Rail Pass

Discover the beauty of four Kyushu prefectures by rail! Wander castle towns, stroll through samurai residences and visit historic shrines tied to the founding of Japan, all surrounded by delicious local cuisine!

8 Great Kinds of Theater in Japan

Japan has a vast array of theatrical traditions, both ancient and modern. From kabuki to Broadway musicals, there's always something great to see!

6 Geothermal Days in the 'Land of Fire'

Spend a day hugging the edge of one of the world's largest calderas, meander through eight boiling 'hells,' let yourself get buried in steaming hot sand, and even visit Hello Kitty—there's an incredible array of things to be done in Kyushu!

Top 20 Most Popular Castles of 2016

TripAdvisor has revealed its Top 20 best Japanese castles for 2016 based on commentary from domestic travelers—can you guess which castle is number one?

Revered Animals at Japan's Temples & Shrines

How can a cow heal your knee? Find out at these Tokyo-area temples and shrines!

The Meiji Restoration in Kitakyushu

Learn all about the Meiji Restoration in the city of Kitakyushu.

The Oldest Extant Wooden Theater in Japan

Come with us on a journey to Akita Prefecture to see an incredible wooden theater, the oldest one in existence in Japan.

Stunning Photos of Japan That Are Free to Use

Whether you need to find breathtaking visuals for a website or pamphlet, or just want to lose yourself in the natural beauty of Japan, this is the place to do it!

12 Historic Churches in Kumamoto & Nagasaki

The northwest coast of Kyushu is dotted with unique and beautiful churches dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

know-before-you-go