All About Japan

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.

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.

The Meiji Restoration in Kitakyushu

Learn all about the Meiji Restoration in the city of Kitakyushu.

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.

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.

Cosplay as Samurai & Walk through Kamakura

When you visit Kamakura, you can not only look like a samurai—you can also eat like one!

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.

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!

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!

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?

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.

5 Cool Events at the Nagasaki Kunchi Festival

While the festival itself is well known in Japan, even most Japanese people aren't familiar with the various performances to be seen at Nagasaki's raucous Kunchi Festival.

'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.

Curious About Buddhist Cuisine?

If you've ever wanted to try 'Shojin Ryori' and experience the way monks eat in Japan, we know just the place!

The Power of Soybeans

Soybeans are one of the most-used plants in Japan, with countless recipes calling on one or several soy products. Here are 10 things made from soybeans you'll surely encounter while you're in Japan.

A New Wave of Folk Music

Breathing new life into traditional Japanese folk music, Aragehonji has a unique take on Japanese music.

8 Things You Didn't Know About Sports in Japan

How often does a sumo wrestler wash his loincloth?

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.

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!

Tofu: The Hard (& Soft) Facts

Ready to become an expert on the white, fluffy deliciousness that is tofu?

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