All About Japan

The Blue Pond in Hokkaido

High levels of aluminum hydroxide turn this Hokkaido pond an incredible shade of blue. If it looks familiar, you may recognize it from Apple's OS X Mountain Lion wallpaper!

Shiga: Lakes, Ziplines, Water & Castles

Take a zipline above Japan's largest lake!

Hydroponic Greens Grown Under the Tokyo Metro

Tokyo's elevated train spaces might be shaded from the sun, dreary and have most often been turned into bicycle and car parking, but surprisingly, where the sun doesn’t shine turns out to be an ideal setting for a garden.

Hidden Gems in Emerald-Green Yakushima!

See if you already know about these five interesting things to look out for while hiking in Yakushima.

5 Unbelievable Hiking Spots in the Japan Alps

The Japan Alps in the north-central parts of Honshu offer some of the most exhilarating wilderness outings in the country. You won't believe what you can see.

Stay in a Luxurious 160-Year-Old Farmhouse

Immerse yourself in traditional Japanese culture at this 160-year-old 'ryokan' in Hida-Takayama.

Treehouse Built Around 300-Year-Old Tree

A treehouse can be a sacred fortress for a kid, or even just a really fun piece of outdoor architecture for anyone who doesn't suffer from acrophobia. But if you plan to visit this treehouse, you'll have to make a reservation!

Onsen with an Ocean View

Wowing guests with a 35-meter-high (115-ft) panoramic view overlooking the ocean, this Chiba Prefecture 'ryokan' is sure to delight hot spring lovers. And getting there from Tokyo is easier—and cheaper—than you think!

Tokyo Port Wild Bird Park

With free scopes and binoculars available for checking out dozens of species, the Tokyo Port Wild Bird Park is an unexpected natural oasis just north of Haneda Airport.

A Walk through Tokyo's Great Outdoors

Believe it or not, beyond the concrete jungle, Tokyo is home to a World Natural Heritage Site, where treasured natural environments still remain.

Mount Fuji Tourist Info

Find out when to climb, where to climb from, and what else you can do in the area! Oh—and don't miss the fireworks!

Hike the Mackerel Highway

Back in the day, getting ocean fish to Kyoto was back-breaking work. You can still hike the 1,300-year-old path that brought mackerel to the ancient capital.

Hokkaido's Gorgeous Summer Flower Fields

One of Japan's most popular summer destinations, head to Hokkaido to escape the summer heat and see the sprawling flower fields that brighten the landscape every year.

Escape the Rat Race by Running in Shinagawa

Olympic runner Yuko Arimori lets us in on her best-kept secret—a dirt road in Tokyo's Shinagawa area that's perfect for a jog!

5 Can't-Miss Hikes Around Kansai

The Kansai region is famous for its tasty food, historic sights and fun dialect, but this amazing area also boasts plenty of awe-inspiring hikes.

Photographing the Many Faces of Mount Fuji

Check out the many ways Mount Fuji photographers capture this glorious mountain!

Follow the Footsteps of Poet Matsuo Basho

Pack your hiking boots and get ready for an adventure as we take you to the most fascinating and beautiful spots of Japan's deep north by way of the poet Matsuo Basho.

Hokkaido: The Purest Nature in Japan

Take a journey through Hokkaido's natural environment and enjoy the many splendid sightseeing adventures it has to offer!

5 Fun Ways to Enjoy Your Mount Takao Trip

Variety is the spice of life—so enjoy your Mount Takao trip in more ways than one!

Gardens, Waterfalls & Onsen in Ibaraki

Ibaraki is home to Kairakuen, one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan, as well as Fukuroda-no-Taki waterfalls, which crash down 120 meters of terraced rock in an awe-inspiring spectacle of beauty and sound.

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