In Samurai Footsteps: The 47 Ronin Tour
One of the most famous stories of historical times is the saga of the 47 ronin, a group of samurai who avenged their deceased lord in a famous vendetta. Tokyo has several spots where fans of the story can visit to pay homage to the dedicated warriors.
Remains of Japan's First Railroad Embankment
Train otaku across Japan must be rejoicing as the press gets footage of the railroad remains from the 1870s.
Nostalgic Trip to a Beloved Tokyo Neighborhood
The Shibamata neighborhood on the outskirts of Tokyo retains the essence of the city’s “everyman” past. An iconic films series has helped to preserve its charms.
Highway to the Gods: In the Footsteps of Oyama Pilgrims
Mt. Oyama, a peak to the southwest of Tokyo, has long been the goal of pilgrims eager to pay their respects to the gods. Today, visitors can follow in their footsteps on a short, fun trip out of the city.
Ancient Ukiyo-e Battle Comes to Life
The "Folding Screen of Painted Sekigahara Landscapes" is welcoming visitors to Japan with an animated look at one of the nation's biggest battles.
Time Travel with Japan's "Warlord" Clocks
Tokyo's Daimyo Clock Museum showcases unique Japanese clocks and the old way of measuring time used in the Edo period.
The City of Salmon – A Day in Murakami
Murakami, in northern Niigata, is home to the eerie tradition of hanging salmon. It is also famous for tea, sake, wagyu, and more!
Shimbun Nishiki-e: The Meiji-era Origins of Japan’s Lurid Tabloids
In the Meiji Era (1868--1912), some enterprising woodblock artists used their traditional skills to bring a mix of news and entertainment to the masses.
Four Japanese Women Who Changed History
Meet four Japanese women who were pioneers in education and medicine. Tsuda Umeko, Oyama Sutematsu, Ogino Ginko, and Kusumoto Ine fought the status quo and created new opportunities for the generations of women who followed.
Japan's Himekuri Calendars: Amazing Almanacs
Life in Japan Traditional Japan
Japan's traditional page-a-day himekuri calendars are fascinating windows into traditional ways of keeping track of everything from seasonal events to festivals and lucky days.
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.
Whirlwind Visit to Daisen Oki National Park
Shrines National Parks of Japan
YouTuber John Daub from Only in Japan, and Dean Newcombe from runAway Japan visit Izumo in the Daisen Oki National Park for a 2-day taster trip!
Japan’s Ancient UFO: The Tale of Utsuro-bune
The utsuro-bune legend has has been a source of intrigue in Japan for over 200 years. Read on to discover what is behind the legend.
The Isolated Attractions of Shikoku's "Tibet"
Some dedicated people are intent on saving the small village of Kito, and the last 20 bears that live in the surrounding mountains.
Be the Lord of the Domain with a Luxury Stay in a Japanese Castle!
Two unusual programs offer accommodations that are fit for nobility—or an Edo-period ruler of one of Japan’s feudal provinces.
Five Women Warriors from Japanese History
Samurai, street fighters, and shamanesses--Japan has its share of fighting women over the centuries. Here are five of the country's most celebrated warriors.
Japan through the Eyes of the First Tourists
Historical Site Traditional Japan
Enrich your travel experience by adding travelogues from the Meiji and Taisho eras to your reading list.
How I Learned to Wield a Samurai Sword
Spending a few hours, or even a day, at Meihodo, a complex of Edo-style buildings and gardens in the Mt. Aso caldera of Kyushu's Kumamoto Prefecture, is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in samurai culture.
Learning Japan's Ancient Horseback Archery
Yabusame is a traditional samurai martial, involving shooting an arrow at a target from the back of a horse galloping at full speed. I attempted to learn this in one day. And so can you.
In the Footsteps of Japan’s Yamabushi Ascetics
Visit this isolated village in central Japan for a glimpse of Japan's ancient ascetic traditions that are still being practiced today.
