A Day at the Sumo
Like visiting Kyoto, climbing Mount Fuji and catching a Japanese baseball game, watching a live sumo match is one of those things that 'must be done' while in Japan.
A New Wave of Folk Music
Breathing new life into traditional Japanese folk music, Aragehonji has a unique take on Japanese music.
Curious About Buddhist Cuisine?
Temples & Shrines Healthy Japanese Food
If you've ever wanted to try 'Shojin Ryori' and experience the way monks eat in Japan, we know just the place!
The Past and Future of Japanese Sports
Professor Lee Thompson examines how media narratives have shaped the public’s view of Japanese athletics from the postwar period to the present.
The Rise of Halloween in Japan
How did Halloween go from an unknown word to a month-long festival of freaky fun all over Japan?
9 Classic Yugawara Ryokan with Private Baths
Traditional 'ryokan' (Japanese-style inns) are the epitome classical of Japan, and they're the backbone of the hot spring town of Yugawara. Here are nine great picks in Yugawara, each with a private bath!
All About the Tenjin Matsuri
Japan is famous for its wide variety of festivals, and one of the Top 3 is the Tenjin festival in Osaka. Between dances and river parades, this summer event has it all. Check it out and plan your next visit!
Cursed Swords on Display at Kuwana Museum
Don’t forget to purify your soul before heading to this museum’s display of samurai swords that were designed to do just one thing: kill.
'Undo-kai': Sports Day
The opening ceremony of the 1964 Tokyo Olympics was held on October 10, which in 1966 became a national public holiday known as Health and Sports Day. Many schools hold athletic events and sports meets on this day.
8 Things You Didn't Know About Sports in Japan
How often does a sumo wrestler wash his loincloth?
US vs. Japan: 6 Key Halloween Differences
What's the difference between Halloween in the U.S. and Halloween in Japan? Grace and Ryosuke from Texan in Tokyo give us the grisly goods!
Ichinoyu Ryokan: The Hot Choice for Hakone
The Ichinoyu Group's Japanese-style inns, or 'ryokan,' can be found throughout the Hakone area, offering half a dozen luxuriously different ways to experience this famed hot spring region. Find out why they're hot, and which one suits you best!
All About the Hanshin Tigers
Tokyo may have the Giants, but nothing beats a game with the Hanshin Tigers! With a rivalry as famous as the Yankees and Red Sox, the Tigers have been around almost as long as the Giants and their games and fans are a sight to behold.
A Traditional Twist on Nintendo Characters
Mario, Pokémon, Link, Star Fox and more are brought to life artistically through the same process used 200 years ago.
Asakusa Tori-no-Ichi
Pray for good luck in business at this huge midnight market festival in November.
Paint Your Face for Next Year's Crops!
Fukuoka locals show their appreciation to the powers above at this goopy harvest festival.
Geisha & Handicraft Experiences in Hakone
Looking for things to do around Hakone? If you want to get into traditional Japanese culture, two popular activities are geisha performances and traditional local handicrafts.
Tanzan Shrine Kemari Festival
A game played by royals 1,400 years ago, held at this nature-rich shrine in Nara. Japan's football starts here!
Chichibu Night Festival
See impressive floats maneuvered below winter fireworks in Saitama in December.
The Coexistence of Old & New
One unique aspect of Japan is to respect traditional culture and let it grow alongside new customs in today’s society. And Kamakura is a great place to see both.
