All About Japan

Take a 3-Star Hike Up Mount Takao

Mount Takao is a 599-meter (1,965-ft) mountain in western Tokyo that has received a three-star rating from the Michelin Guide.

Tottori’s Winter Season: Lights & Sand Dunes

When most Japanese people think of Tottori, the first thing that pops into their minds is the famous Tottori Sand Dunes. The summer is a great time for sand—but Tottori also has some unique offerings in winter, too!

Japan's 11 Most Gorgeous Drone Videos

Think you can handle watching these drone-shot videos and not be compelled to visit Japan? Just try!

20 Meters of Snow in Toyama

Every spring, 30-ton snow cutters carve through some of the deepest snow accumulations in the world to create the Snow Wall, or 'Yuki-no-Otani.'

Visit 3-Michelin-Starred Gokayama

Take the new Hokuriku Shinkansen to visit the splendidly preserved, Michelin three-starred Gokayama village in Toyama Prefecture. If you want to get away from it all and be surrounded by nature and heritage, Gokayama is for you.

Tochigi: Mountain Highs & Captivating Crafts

Just an hour north of Tokyo via bullet train, Tochigi Prefecture is famed for the temple-rich historical environs of Nikko, as well as its hot springs resort towns.

Free Niseko App Will Keep You in the Snow

Want to navigate Niseko with ease? The Niseko App has been updated for the 2015/16 season, free to download on both iPhone and Android.

No Wolf Can Blow these Straw Monsters Down!

Niigata has a rather surprising tourist attraction thanks to the leftover straw from farmers—and the creative mind of Amy Goda.

Conservation of an Icon

Mount Fuji is recognized as both a World Heritage Site and a three-star Michelin spot. But how do you protect a natural site from the erosive forces of its own popularity?

What Autumn Means to Japan

Robert Campbell, graduate school professor at the University of Tokyo, discusses how Japanese literature portrays the season, the unique ways people enjoy autumn in Japan, and more.

Rivers & Shaved Ice in Nagatoro, Saitama

Nagatoro in Saitama Prefecture is a lovely place surrounded by the nature of the Chichibuchi region. The natural scenery of mountains and rivers is beautiful, and the somehow wistful site of the mountain villages is relaxing.

Japanese Festivals: Setsubun

Setsubun is the last day of winter in the traditional Chinese calendar, which is celebrated on February 3 each year in Japan. Find out how to celebrate with sushi!

5 Great Winter Activities in Sapporo

Discover the best sights and things to do in snowy Sapporo during the winter months, including a few options off the beaten path. You'll see there's more to Sapporo than just the local ramen!

Japan's Top 3 Flower Parks

Being cocooned by sweet floral scents among a palette of bright colors will leave your nose and eyes calling out for more!

Nature’s Art: The Frost-Covered Trees of Zao

The mountains of the Zao Mountain Range are one of the defining natural features of the Tohoku region.

Autumn Waterfall in Nikko

Between the huge drop and the bright leaves, it's a spectacular view!

5 Gorgeous Reasons to Visit Takayama

Takayama is a picturesque mountain town that's beautiful to visit all year round!

Okinawa's Feast of the Dragon God

Featuring everything from dragon dances to taiko drums and massive-scale shodo calligraphy, Uruma City's Feast of the Dragon God festival is a lavish indulgence in local culture.

7 Incredible Activities in Minakami, Gunma

Minakami is one exciting gem of a Japanese countryside town!

Naha's Tsuboya Pottery Festival

The Tsuboya area has been known as "the town of pottery" since the days of the Ryukyu Kingdom. It celebrates this heritage every November.

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