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!
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!
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.
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.
Bringing Japanese Performing Arts to Europe
Would traditional Japanese comic storytelling work in Edinburgh? Believe it or not, it does!
8 Amazing Days on a JR Kyushu Rail Pass
Discover the beauty of four Kyushu prefectures by rail! Wander castle towns, stroll through samurai residences and visit historic shrines tied to the founding of Japan, all surrounded by delicious local cuisine!
8 Things You Didn't Know About Sports in Japan
How often does a sumo wrestler wash his loincloth?
'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.
The Power of Soybeans
Deeper Japan Healthy Japanese Food
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.
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.
A New Wave of Folk Music
Breathing new life into traditional Japanese folk music, Aragehonji has a unique take on Japanese music.
Tofu: The Hard (& Soft) Facts
Japanese Food Healthy Japanese Food
Ready to become an expert on the white, fluffy deliciousness that is tofu?
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.
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.
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!
Savor the Harvest Moon
'O-tsukimi' refers to the Japanese custom of viewing the harvest moon on August 15 of the old lunar calendar, which is the day the beauty of the moon is considered to be the greatest. For 2016, that date corresponds to September 15.
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.
Hanazono Remixes Traditional Japanese Music
Audiences may not know what to expect when Naomichi Hanazono appears on stage. Dressed in garb inspired by traditional Japanese garments, he could have stepped out of a kabuki play. Then Western pop music starts up, and Hanazono springs into action!
Cosplay as Samurai & Walk through Kamakura
When you visit Kamakura, you can not only look like a samurai—you can also eat like one!
The Meiji Restoration in Kitakyushu
Learn all about the Meiji Restoration in the city of Kitakyushu.
