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

Master of invention (and reinvention): the great Japanese artist Hokusai changed his style as often as he changed his name. Learn little-known facts about one of Japan's most well-known artists at this Shimane museum.

Japan classifies certain precious objects as "National Treasures." Each has so much to teach us about Japanese history and culture. How many do you already know?

Few places offer as many accessible waterfalls in one area as the Akami 48 Waterfalls, in Mie Prefecture.

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.

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.

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.

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.