Walk Through Time at the Edo Open Air Museum
At the Edo Open Air Museum, you can walk through time as you explore over 30 restored buildings with over 300 years of Japanese history.
Learn the Legacy of the Samurai
Experience 700 years of Samurai history at the Shinjuku Samurai Museum. See real swords, armor, helmets, and other tools and weapons.
Monks Are Praying for Coronavirus Eradication
Buddhist monks are praying for the eradication of epidemics, including the novel coronavirus outbreak spreading around the world.
Crowning This Year's 'Luckiest Man in Japan'
Men from around Japan take part in a race at Nishinomiya Shrine in a bid to become this year’s "Luckiest Man."
Explore the Sumo World at Kokugikan Street
The best place to experience authentic sumo wrestler culture is at Kokugikan Street in Ryogoku. You can learn about sumo wrestling, watch a sumo match, and even eat like a sumo wrestler.
Dashi Chazuke En: Umami-Filled Comfort Food
At Dashi Chazuke En, you can experience the unique texture and flavor of "Ochazuke," warm rice soaked in a gentle broth overflowing with umami flavors.
Geisha in Kyoto Prepare for New Year
Geisha in Kyoto's Gion district begin their traditional New Year’s rituals. Click to learn more about the <i>koto hajime</i> ritual.
20,000 Bamboo Lanterns Light Up Oita
As the sun set on Taketa City last month, tourists and locals alike gathered together near the Oka Castle ruins to be amazed by the Chikuraku Festival.
Bungee Jumping into Adulthood
Some of Japan’s new adults celebrate their coming of age this year with bungee jumping.
Japan Cultural Expo
The Japan Cultural Expo coinciding with the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics will showcase the country’s traditional arts starting mid-March.
Year-end Cleaning at Naritasan Shinshoji
Buddhist monks spruce up Naritasan Shinshoji Temple for the annual end-of-year cleaning.
Nihonbashi's Neighborhood Noren Gallery
Over 30 Nihonbashi-based businesses came together to create noren (the curtains that hang in shopfronts) that symbolize their own identity.
Giant Rice Cake Specially Made for the Gods
Farmers in central Japan were busy pounding giant rice cakes for Atsuta Shrine at the end of the year.
Going to Gotokuji, The Lucky Cat Temple
If you are obsessed with cats, then if there is one temple you should visit: Gotokuji Temple—the temple adorned with hundreds of maneki neko, or lucky beckoning cat statues.
Enter the World of Kabuki at Kabukiza Gallery
At the Kabukiza Gallery, you can discover the secrets of kabuki, such as the realistic sound effects, the extravagant costumes, and learn about all the stage secrets that you missed during the show.
New Year, New Swords
Bladesmiths in central Japan show visitors the traditional method for making Japanese swords.
Kemari: Japan’s Ancient Ball Game
People in Kyoto are reenacting an ancient type of Japanese football that was played by nobles centuries ago.
People Are Grabbing Paper for Health
People scramble to grab pieces of “sacred” paper from a demon at a Shinto shrine in southwestern Japan.
Toshogu Shrine: Lavish Tomb of Tokugawa Ieyasu
Nikko's top attraction, UNESCO World Heritage Site Toshogu Shrine, also serves as the extravagantly embellished tomb of historical shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, ruler of Japan for over 250 years.
Japanese Tradition of Scaring Kids Continues!
Men dressed as demons scare children in northeastern Japan to discourage them from being lazy.
