Aomori's Stunning Winter "Cherry Blossoms"
These "cherry blossoms" at Hirosaki Castle in Aomori Prefecture are bringing some much needed warmth to Japan's wintery north.
Enjoy Flower Fun at the Tanto Tulip Festival
Every April the countryside town of Tanto in Hyogo Prefecture holds the Tanto Tulip Festival, which displays over one MILLION tulips of some 300 varieties.
Monkeying around at Takasakiyama Monkey Park
Get up close and personal with the monkeys of Taksakiyama! Here, you can meet wild monkeys and learn about their lives in the mountains of Oita Prefecture.
Connecting the City with Nature in Aizu
The Aizu Railway in Fukushima Prefecture is a vital means of transportation for residents, but it offers so much more than just a way to get around.
Snow, Craft Beer and a Western Take on Winter
Australian native Daniel Bacon manages several successful businesses in Hakuba Village, Nagano Prefecture, and a founding partner of Hakuba Brewing Company, a craft beer brewery based in the same area. What does it take to attract international tourists?
Discover Secret Scenic Spots in Japan
Minshuku Japan Tips From Locals
Japan’s natural scenery and local cultural experiences are drawing more and more international visitors off the beaten path.
Top 10 Hidden Spots in Nara
Get off the beaten path and take a look at the top 10 hidden spots in the beautiful city of Nara in Japan, courtesy of Trip101!
The Many Expressions of Nara's Deer
Nara is known for its population of friendly sacred deer, who freely roam between the ancient capital's temples and shrines, always on the lookout for deer crackers. Check out some of our favorite, hilarious photos of these adorable, derpy critters.
Tokyo Hanami Hot Spot: Inokashira Park
Inokashira Park is a beloved spot in Tokyo for cherry blossom viewing. With some 200 cherry blossom trees, it's easy to see why!
A Short, Sweet Ride through Wakayama
The Kishu Railway runs slowly through fields and a residential area along a national route in Gobo City in Wakayama Prefecture, traveling so close to the houses that it nearly grazes their eaves. Both locals and railway enthusiasts love this tiny line.
A Crash Course on Tokyo's Plum Blossoms
Spring is one of Japan's most anticipated times of year, with good reason! Plum blossoms pop up in late February, and are the herald of the changing season. Find out what they are, how they're different and where you can see them in Tokyo!
2019 Tokyo Sakura Season Officially Begins!
As of Thursday, March 21, the flower frenzy that sweeps the nation has officially begun in Tokyo!
Updated 2019 Cherry Blossom Forecast!
According to the latest forecast by the JMC, the first blooms are only a little over one month away!
Capturing the Perfect Pink of Sakura
The pastel pink of Japan's cherry blossoms paints the country for nearly a month in spring. One artisan has spent years trying to capture this color from nature and use it to dye fabrics.
A Country Town Open to Diversity & Possibility
In the town of Kamiyama, tucked away in a valley of Tokushima Prefecture on Shikoku, the population is about a quarter of what it was six decades ago. But Shinya Ominami wants to make the town a place where diverse groups can gather.
Hanami Starts in Tokyo with Index Tree
How is the official start of hanami season determined in Tokyo? The Japan Meteorological Agency uses a special 'index tree' located at Tokyo's Yasukuni Shrine.
Discover 'Hell' on Earth in Kyushu
Kyushu's Oita Prefecture is home to a collection of incredible onsen that are literally too hot to handle, and referred to collectively as the "Hells of Beppu."
The Akiyoshidai Fire Festival
People come to the Akiyoshi Plateau in Yamaguchi Prefecture to watch rolling grasslands burn with strips of open flame, and to explore the famous giant cave and fascinating geology of the Quasi-National Park.
Tokyo Hanami Hot Spot: Ueno Park
This expansive park in eastern Tokyo is one of the most popular places to enjoy cherry blossoms, and with good reason!
All About Earthquakes in Japan
Japan has thousands of earthquakes every year, which can be scary if you don't know what to expect! Learn all about earthquakes in Japan, including how to prepare and what to do when it happens.
