Seasonal Fire Festival Drives Demons Away
300 people gather in Fukuoka to take part in the 1,000-year-old Onisube ritual to ward away demons like illness and disaster.
Ghostly Tales from Japanese Folklore
Japan has many old ghost stories that are still being told today. With Halloween on the horizon we thought it would be appropriate to share some of the best of these spooky tales handed down throughout the ages!
Tiny Island Proves Japan is Full of Surprises
This small island in Iwate Prefecture is walkable, and it's so much more than just a beautiful landmark. Home to an adorable red lighthouse and a shrine for the Shinto goddess of the sea, it's just one example of why Japan is a great place to explore!
Do's & Don'ts: Japanese New Year
Ringing in the New Year in Japan is an awesome experience, but it does come with some unique challenges. If you're going to be here over the winter holiday, find out what to expect!
Telling the Tales Behind Historical Sites
Historical Site , World Heritage
World Heritage Site listings and the designation of Cultural Properties are primarily intended to protect sites. But Japan Heritage introduces the stories and historical context behind local Tangible and Intangible Cultural Properties.
Enter the Samurai Time in Aizuwakamatsu
Visit Aizuwakamatsu, where travelers can gain an understanding of how its rich samurai history still plays a part in almost every aspect of modern daily life. Ancient traditions, castles, martial arts, traditional food and more are waiting in Aizu!
Tokyo's Top 5 Winter Illumination Events 2019!
Tokyo's winter illuminations are some of the highlights of the calendar year. People flock from far and wide to catch a glimpse of these dazzling visual displays! Here are 5 of our favorites!
Top 10 Onsen in Tokyo
Love hot springs but don't want to leave the big city? Our resident hot spring expert has put together a list of the top 10 onsen and onsen hotels in the Tokyo area, so start planning your next luxurious getaway now!
Where to Enjoy International Theater in Tokyo
Tokyo is chock-full of places were you can get your theatrical fix, even if you don't speak Japanese. With live performances, broadcasts, translated theater, non-verbal shows and improv groups, the options go on and on! Here's what you need to know...
From France to Tokyo: Working in Japan
Life in Japan , Working in Japan
Frenchwoman Samantha Lassaux is a sales manager for Meiji Shrine’s event hall, known as the 'Meiji Kinenkan.' Lassaux talks about her work at the historic venue, which was built in the Meiji Period and originally served as a state guesthouse.
The Last Samurai of Aizuwakamatsu
In the Japanese city of Aizuwakamatsu, the last samurai fought to defend their way of life. On a visit to Aizu, you can experience samurai life yourself. Join travel blogger extraordinaire Michael Turtle as he does just that.
Battling Child Poverty One Offering at a Time
Temples & Shrines , Life in Japan
Nearly 1,000 temples throughout Japan are banding together to help combat child poverty thanks to devotional offerings and the charitable organization, the 'Otera Oyatsu Club.'
Experience the Dance of the Golden Dragon
Twice a year in Asakusa, a golden dragon appears at Sensoji Temple...
10 Reasons to Visit Yamaguchi
Yamaguchi Prefecture is an incredible travel destination that is overlooked far too often. With a rich cultural identity, incredible landscapes and architectural marvels, delicious food and more, check out why it should be at the top of your itinerary!
The Intricate Detail of Kirie Paper Cutting
The Japanese artist Masayo Fukuda has practiced 'kirie,' the art of cutting pictures from paper, for over 25 years. Take a look at her self-proclaimed greatest masterpiece from 2018, an incredibly detailed octopus cut from a single piece of paper.
Discovering My Inner Samurai in Aizuwakamatsu
British travel blogger and freelance writer Emily Luxton spent some time in "Samurai City" Aizuwakamatsu, in Fukushima Prefecture. There, she explored the area's rich culture and history, and discovered her inner samurai!
8 Ways Japanese Christmas is Weird
Christmas is celebrated in different ways all around the world, but even looking beyond KFC and its status as a couples' night, Japan has picked up some traditions that warrant a few extra raised eyebrows.
New Wave Japanese Tea Shops in Tokyo
Although tea has always been a big deal in Japan, recently there's been a boom of new ways to enjoy it. Here are some new, modern shops in Tokyo that specialize in Japanese Tea!
Omotenashi of English-Speaking Geisha in Kyoto
The “flower town” district of Gion in Kyoto is where geiko and maiko in glamorous kimono enchant people with their talents, elegance and grace. One geiko in particular shines through her use of two languages; a unique dialect of Japanese, and English.
Huge Hot Spring Theme Park Coming to Osaka
Customers will get to enjoy four floors of steamy hot baths, exquisite restaurants and fun activities right in the heart of Osaka!
