All About Japan

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!

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.

All Aboard the Mickey Mouse Bullet Train!

Japan's iconic bullet trains are no strangers to pop culture makeovers, but this latest sees the shinkansen take a note from the Magic Kingdom!

Rep Your Ryukyu Pride with Okinawa Coca-Cola

The latest addition to Coca-Cola's regional, limited-edition bottles is Okinawa! Quench your thirst and show your pride with this beautiful bottle.

Sakura-Inspired Torch for the 2020 Olympics

The design for the torch, which will kick off the 2020 Olympic & Paralympic Games in Tokyo, has been revealed. Unsurprisingly, it takes inspiration from Japan's favorite flower!

New Japan-Only KitKats Combine Berries & Nuts

These two new spring flavors utilize Nestlé Japan's new ruby chocolate, as well as simple everyday snacks that are sure to please.

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.

Surreal Combo of Sakura & Jellyfish at Skytree

The surreal and beautiful combination of cherry blossoms and jellyfish is part of a seasonal event at the Sumida Aquarium.

Whisk Yourself Away to a Land of Wisteria

Isn't spring just the best? Sure, the cherry blossoms may be on their way out, but Japan’s amazing wisteria flowers are here to make us all forget about them!

Incredible Cherry Blossoms in Kagawa

Learn about Shiudeyama, a beautiful cherry blossom spot in Kagawa Prefecture which was featured in the New York Times’ as one of Japan's must-visit destinations!

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.

Incredible Drive-By Hanami on a Tokyo Train

Tokyo's extensive rail network isn't only extremely convenient—it can also be extremely beautiful, especially during cherry blossom season!

Snow & Sakura Make for Incredible Hanami

The weather is fickle in Japan as the seasons change, and occasionally this results in the beautiful and unlikely combination of snow and cherry blossoms!

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!

Perfectly Pink Sakura-Flavored Baum Cake

The German treat is a Japanese favorite, and popular purveyor Nerinya gives it the spring sakura treatment!

Flowers & Sakura at Seaside Park in Fukuoka

Compared to some places, Kyushu's Fukuoka Prefecture isn't particularly famous for its cherry blossoms. But these shots—accompanied by gorgeous baby blue flowers—makes us think it should be!

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!

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.

Riding Through the Heart of Shikoku

The charming sightseeing train known as Shikoku Mannaka Sennen Monogatari is a three-hour ride through two of Shikoku's beautiful prefectures.

know-before-you-go