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.
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.
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 Art Exhibit in Tokyo
This exhibition at the Tokyo National Museum features artwork from the mid-1600s through the early 1900s, with representations of Japan's transition through the ages.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Celebrating 100 Years of Meiji Shrine
2020 marks one hundred years since the enshrinement of Japan's beloved Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken at Meiji Shrine in Yoyogi. Check out all of the celebrations and special exhibits here!
Miniature Edo Castle
A miniature model of the former Edo Castle is on display at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.
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.
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.
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.
Buying Old Tokyo: Asakusa, Jinbocho and Nakano
Walk, shop, and explore three locales in Tokyo—Asakusa, Jinbocho, and Nakano—and immerse yourself in history and culture.
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.
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.
