Toshogu Shrine: Lavish Tomb of Tokugawa Ieyasu
Nikko's top attraction, UNESCO World Heritage Site Toshogu Shrine, also serves as the extravagantly embellished tomb of historical shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, ruler of Japan for over 250 years.
Giant Rice Cake Specially Made for the Gods
Farmers in central Japan were busy pounding giant rice cakes for Atsuta Shrine at the end of the year.
Henro: A Mystical Pilgrimage Through Shikoku
Learn more about the Henro, a sacred pilgrimage that takes travelers deep into the heart of Japan's smallest island, Shikoku.
200-Year-Old Soy Sauce Manufacturer Rebuilds
Kumamoto Earthquake Historical Shops
In April of 2016, a powerful earthquake rocked Kumamoto, toppling parts of Kumamoto Castle and damaging many other historical sites. One of those was 200-year-old soy sauce maker Hamada Shoyu. This is the story of their historic redesign by Kengo Kumo.
The Sumida Hokusai Museum of Ukiyo-e Art
Katsushika Hokusai, ukiyo-e woodblock artist of The Great Wave, is so synonymous with Japanese art that the Sumida Hokusai Museum is dedicated to him. If you're a fan of traditional Japanese art, you can't miss it.
Tokyo's Hub of Hidden Street Food Gems
Most first-time visitors tend to overlook Ningyocho, but this historical district hides some of the best traditional Japanese street foods in Tokyo.
Omiya's 2,000-Year-Old Hikawa Shrine
Contemplate life's journey as you make your way down the path of gates of this historical shrine.
Imperial Couple Visits Ise Jingu
Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako visit Ise Jingu Shinto shrine to mark the completion of enthronement ceremonies including November's Daijosai.
Daiba 1-chome Shotengai: Time-travel to 1960s
The Showa era might be over, but you can still take a trip back in time at Odaiba's Daiba 1-chome Shotengai—a mini-theme park made of 10 stores and 7 entertainment facilities with the retro feel of the 1960s.
Temple of Thousands of Foxes: Toyokawa Inari
You won't find a temple as uniquely decorated as the Toyokawa Inari Betsuin Temple. The temple is adorned with thousands of fox statues and bright red banners. With such an impactful imagery, you'll feel like you've been whisked away to Kyoto.
Savor Traditional Culture & Sweets at Matoi
Take your senses on a journey at Matoi, a traditional Japanese dessert café in Asakusa. With over a century perfecting timeless Japanese classics like matcha, mochi and red beans, you know it'll be good.
All-Star Kabuki at Kyoto's Minamiza Theatre
Yearly Kabuki event "Kaomise Kogyo," a series of plays with several famous performers in the cast, has begun at Minamiza Theatre in Kyoto.
Yutenji Temple: 300-Year World War Survivor
Yutenji Temple was founded in 1723 near Shibuya and miraculously managed to escape the world wars without much damage. As a result, you can witness the history of the original Buddhist temple as it was 300 years ago.
Explore the Sumo World at Kokugikan Street
The best place to experience authentic sumo wrestler culture is at Kokugikan Street in Ryogoku. You can learn about sumo wrestling, watch a sumo match, and even eat like a sumo wrestler.
Exploring Japan's Three-Star Road
Japan's Three-Star Road is home to a host of Michelin-recognized sites and wonders, comprising a compact area that covers four prefectures. With the new Three-Star Ticket option, exploring this stretch of Japan is easier than ever before.
Conquer Tokyo in One Day with the SKY BUS
SKY BUS TOKYO offers guided and hop-on tours all around Tokyo via their open-top double-decker buses. For those that have limited time, you can see all of Tokyo's must-visit landmarks quickly and efficiently—leaving your schedule open for more activities.
Learn the Legacy of the Samurai
Experience 700 years of Samurai history at the Shinjuku Samurai Museum. See real swords, armor, helmets, and other tools and weapons.
Create Ukiyo-e Art at a Woodblock Party
If you're a fan of traditional Japanese art, you can create your own version of famous ukiyo-e paintings at Mokuhankan's woodblock print party experiences.
Walk Through Time at the Edo Open Air Museum
At the Edo Open Air Museum, you can walk through time as you explore over 30 restored buildings with over 300 years of Japanese history.
Former Emperor Akihito Turns 86
Tokyo Imperial Palace Deeper Japan
Japan's Emperor Emeritus Akhito turns 86 years old.
