Why you should try a temple stay in KoyasanHigh in Wakayama Prefecture, Koyasan offers a slower and more reflective side of Japan. The sacred mountain town is home to more than 100 Buddhist temples,…
A guide to Japanese street fashion in HarajukuHarajuku is one of Tokyo’s best places to see Japanese street fashion in motion. Rather than following a single trend, the neighborhood brings together playful…
How to Visit a Japanese Castle: Himeji and MatsumotoJapan’s historic castles offer more than impressive architecture. They reveal how regional lords defended their domains, how samurai families lived, and how…
Beautiful Free Gardens and Green Spaces in TokyoTokyo may be famous for neon streets, department stores, and crowded train stations, but the capital also has peaceful gardens hidden between office towers and…
What to Know About Japanese Vending MachinesJapan’s vending machines are far more than convenient drink dispensers. They are part of everyday life, appearing beside train stations, rural roads, school…
A self-guided walk through Tokyo’s Ueno ParkUeno Park is one of Tokyo’s most rewarding areas for a relaxed day on foot. Within a relatively compact space, the park brings together quiet temple grounds,…
Your First Japanese Baseball Game Made EasyWatching a baseball game in Japan is a lively way to experience everyday local culture. The sport combines organized chants, regional pride, stadium food, and…
The Best Time to Visit Japan for Each RegionJapan stretches from the snowy northern island of Hokkaido to the subtropical beaches of Okinawa, so there is no single best month for the entire country. The…
Exploring Ainu culture around Lake Akan in HokkaidoLake Akan sits in eastern Hokkaido, surrounded by volcanic mountains, deep forests, and the wide landscapes of Akan-Mashu National Park. The area is famous for…
A guide to the different types of Japanese green teaJapanese green tea is more varied than the familiar green powder or bottled drink found in convenience stores. Differences in cultivation, shading, steaming,…