All About Japan

5 Rainy Day J-Pop Hits

If you ever thought rain's sole purpose was to ruin your day, then you might be missing the essence of life. Rain is the creative genius behind these hit J-pop tracks!

9 Gorgeous Out-of-the-Way Spots in Kyushu

Kyushu is home to beautiful beaches, smoking volcanoes, bubbling hot springs—and a whole lot more!

7 More Things to Do on Rainy Days in Tokyo

Visiting Tokyo during the rainy season? Have your plans for the following day been cancelled due to rain? Not to worry! Check out a list of indoors activities and experiences that will make you forget the dark clouds!

Yamagata: Rivers of Ice & Snowy Onsen

Established in the 1400s as a silver mine, Ginzan Onsen reached its height in the 1600s. After the silver was gone, the population thinned, but the hot springs were still known as a place for therapeutic bathing.

Inuyama Castle: King of the Hilltop

Inuyama Castle is a National Treasure, and one of the oldest original castles still standing in Japan.

5 Outdoor Autumn Activities in Karuizawa

Easily accessible from Tokyo and home to luxury resorts, shops and restaurants, Karuizawa is a gorgeous year-round getaway. But autumn is when the town shows its true colors!

Tokyo's 400-Year-Old Sake Brewery

Check out this gorgeous 4K video and take a look at what it means to have four centuries of passion for sake!

Enjoy Winter to its Fullest at Mukaitaki Inn

Savor the fantastic sight of candles in the snow, the natural springs flowing through the baths, and the delicate local cuisine of Aizu.

Rainy Season 101

While June to mid-July can be a drizzly experience in much of Japan, there are a few spots that look their very best at this time of year.

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.

5 Instagram-Worthy Castles for Every Season

Winter, spring, summer or fall, you'll fall in love with these sites, and snap a photo as you do!

'Aka-Tombo' — The Red Dragonfly

Have you ever seen a red dragonfly? You can in Japan!

All the Best Fall Color Spots in Tohoku

Check out these famous fall color spots and their nearby hot springs in each of northeastern Japan's six prefectures.

Castles, Gardens & Peach Boys—Oh My!

From Okayama Castle's rare black walls to the charms of Okayama Korakuen Garden, one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan, there's plenty to see and do in Okayama.

9 Ways to Talk About the Weather

Since it changes so often, the weather is actually a hot topic in Japan—no pun intended! Find out nine ways to get in on this easy conversation-starter!

Japan’s Three Famous Castles

Called 'sanmeijo' in Japanese, the three castles on this list have been chosen based on their significance to history and culture, as well as their scale and grandeur.

4 Sakura Vocaloid Songs for Spring

Many Japanese artists have at least one song dedicated to cherry blossoms, and the Vocaloid genre is no exception.

Lesser Known But No Less Beautiful

No matter what the season, the stunning Bijinyashi Forest certainly lives up to its name: 'beautiful woods!'

5 Reasons to Go Off-Season Camping in Japan

With more than 3,000 campsites in Japan, there's every reason to get out of the city and find your new happy place. Even—or especially—if it's out of the official camping season.

Fresh Cherry Picking in Numata

Nothing beats the flavor of fresh cherries: ripe and full of juice!

know-before-you-go