All About Japan

An Early Spring Spectacle: 10 Spots in and Around Tokyo for Plum Blossom Viewing

While cherry blossoms often take the spotlight in late spring, plum blossoms are their lesser-known, early-blooming cousin that are equally appealing!

Volcanic Playground: Exploring Kyushu’s Fiery Shimabara Peninsula

The Shimabara Peninsula is a little-touristed corner of Nagasaki with something for everyone: volcanic hikes, hot springs and beaches, eye-popping vistas and historical sites.

Japan's Finest Glamping Spots

the beauty of glamping (a term derived from the words "glamorous camping") is that all the hard work has been done before the camper even arrives. Here's a guide to some of Japan's best spots for this enjoying the outdoors in luxury.

5 Awesome Rides Up Japan’s Mountain Peaks

Japan is known for its soaring mountains and breathtaking views. But hiking isn't the only way to experience their high-altitude thrills. Introducing five spectacular mountains that can be accessed by cable car, chair lift, or ropeway.

Hiking Japan's Michinoku Coastal Trail: 4-Day Itinerary in Iwate

This section of Japan's 1,000-kilometer trail down the northern Pacific coast offers great hiking, spectacular views of the rugged coast and insights into the devastation caused by the 2011 tsunami.

Bamboo: the Secret to Takachiho’s Iconic Cuisine

The scenic valley of Takachiho in Miyazaki Prefecture is known for its bamboo cuisine. Here are three of the most popular dishes.

Spend Your Summer in Japan in Cool, Cool Hakuba

Temperatures sizzling hot? Here’s how to plan a nature-filled getaway to Hakuba in the summer.

Okinawa's Top 5 Wellness Oils: Nature's Best-kept Secrets

Introducing some lesser known essential oils of the island of Okinawa, where the locals have long known that health is a harmonic state of body, mind and spirit.

Why You Must Go to Japan’s 5 Natural Heritage Sites

From white sand beaches to volcanic hot springs, Japan abounds with natural wonders. Five of these places are special e

Water, Rocks, Plants, and More: Five Types of Japanese Gardens

There’s more to Japanese gardens than beautiful landscaping. Come stroll through the history of five types of gardens you should explore on your next trip.

Hiking Japan’s Michinoku Coastal Trail: 2-Day Model Itinerary

Here’s an easy-to-follow itinerary for hiking the northernmost part of the Michinoku Coastal Trail, accessible to beginners and long-trailers alike.

The Road to Koyasan: A One-Day Pilgrimage with Kobo Daishi

Follow in the footsteps of pilgrims on this day hike up Japan's Mt. Koya, home to over 100 temples.

A 5-Day Pilgrimage on the Kumano Kodo Nakahechi Route

The Kumano Kodo Nakahechi course is a majestic pilgrimage trail in Wakayama Prefecture where you can explore historic temples and shrines, dine on local delicacies, and rejuvenate in soothing hot springs.

A Pilgrimage to Japan’s Remarkable Zero-Waste Town of Kamikatsu

This secluded mountain town in central Shikoku has been an inspiration to people from around the world who come to experience its innovative programs and world-class sustainable travel choices.

The Japanese Island that Inspired the Action-adventure Game: "Ghost of Tsushima"

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.

Picturesque Waterfall Country (and Ninja) in Central Japan

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

Pioneers of Sustainable Living in Japan: The Remarkable People of Kamikatsu

The second of a series about the inspiring zero-waste Japanese town of Kamikatsu. Joy Jarman-Walsh introduces the people who want to make sustainability compatible with a good life.

Fukui: A Self-Care Sanctuary Just A Train-Ride Away from Tokyo

With the post-Covid travel boom, Kyoto has become too crowded for temple-trotting and Wakayama's Koyasan is too far from a Tokyo travel base. Good thing that Fukui, Japan's ultimate power spot and zen haven, is so accessible!

Walking Japan's 1,000km Michinoku Coastal Trail

Ten years after one of Japan’s most deadly disasters, a region is reborn--and it is home to the best hiking trail you’ve never heard of.

Sustainable Agriculture in Japan

The initiatives, highlighted during Week for Sustainability and Sustainability Award-winning videos, convey how sustainability is an integral part of the Japanese agriculture, forestry, and fisheries sectors.

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