Japan

Japan’s ‘Fountain of Youth?’ Charms and Comforting Power of Kumano Hongu Hot Spring Village

Kumano Kodo, Shingu, Shirahama Hot Springs (Onsen) & Bath Houses (Sento)

Kumano in Wakayama has been known as the "Land of Rejuvenation" since ancient times. Word has it that those who overcome difficulties while taking the difficult pilgrimage path in Kumano will see rejuvenation after having their souls cleansed. In the village of Kumano Hongu Taisha, one of the three major shrines of Kumano, is a hot spring district called Kumano Hongu Hot Spring Village. Many travelers past and present come here first to rest up from the long journey and cleanse their bodies before visiting the mountain shrine, and the village is undoubtedly designed to welcome such visitors warmly. This seemingly simple place of interest has been receiving more and more attention from foreign tourists in recent years, and our comprehensive guide to the charms and comforting power of Kumano Hongu Hot Spring Village will explain in detail why that is so! Main image credit: Kumano Hongu Tourist Association

Niseko Hokkaido: 3 best hot springs in Niseko offering beautiful mountain views!

Niseko / Rusutsu Hot Springs (Onsen) & Bath Houses (Sento)
All-You-Can-Eat Cheese Fondue?! Incredible Value Lunches at Tokyo Ikebukuro's 'The Life Table'

Ikebukuro
(Aomori Japan Guide) Scrumptious Seafood Bowls & More at Japan’s Fresh Fish Theme Park – Hasshoku Center!

Aomori, Hirosaki And Hachinohe Sashimi
Traveling to Fukushima: Top Tourist Attractions for Shopping and Fun

Fukushima, Koriyama And Iwaki Other Sightseeing
New Details of 'Ghibli Park' Revealed! Check Out the World of 'Spirited Away' and 'Princess Mononoke'
Come see this spectacular view only an hour away from Sapporo! Easy one-day sightseeing trip to the clear waters at Lake Shikotsu

Sapporo / Chitose Rivers, Lakes & Canyons

Enjoy hands-on fun at "Koto no Hako Kobe” - Gateway to Kobe

Kobe, Sannomiya, Kitano Theme Parks

Opened in July 2019, Koto no Hako Kobe is a renewal of the Shin-Kobe Oriental Avenue. As part of the ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel Kobe complex, which is directly connected to the Shin-Kobe Station. Based on the concept of “Destination & Experience,” the facility aims to be a collection of shops that are “only here” by focussing on experiences that can only be had on-site and “the consumption of things; not things.” The shops are dedicated to Featuring shops entertainment and tourism, beauty and health. Let's take a brief look at some points of interest, including new stores that opened after the reopening.

Great Food With a View: Top 4 Restaurants You Won't Forget in Omotesando, Tokyo

Shibuya Other Sightseeing
Tokyo Brunch: 4 of our Favorite Spots for a Japanese-style Brunch in Asakusa!

Asakusa Japanese cuisine
Dining in Tokyo: 4 Late-night Dinner Spots in Asakusa!

Asakusa Yakiniku
Top 10 Tokyo Souvenirs and Travel Goods: Take Home a Piece of Japan!

Ikebukuro Household Goods Stores
5 Insanely Addictive Hokkaido Ramen Dishes: What You Need to Know Before Ordering!

Noboribetsu / Lake Toya Ramen
Japanese Housewife Shares Her 9 Favorite Cooking Shortcuts

Tokyo's Surrounding Areas Other Restaurants

(Video) OFF-KAi!!: An Akihabara Hair Salon for Anime Fans

Akihabara Other Health and Beauty

Have you ever watched anime and wished that you could rock a style as colorful and wild as the characters in Japanese animation? Your chance has arrived! Located in Akihabara, the heart of Japan’s otaku subculture, is a unique hair salon like none other in the world: OFF-KAi!! a hair salon that transforms customers into their favorite anime, manga, or game characters! LIVE JAPAN took a visit to see what it’s all about and to try out their services!

Stringraphy at Studio EVE: A Striking and Unique Musical Experience

Shibuya Other Contemporary Arts
Checking Out Tokyo's Samurai Museum: Get to Know the Spirit of Japan’s Ancient Warriors

Shinjuku Other Museums
[MOVIE] Achieve Your Cosplay Dreams at Cosplay Studio Crown!

Akihabara Culture Experience
Learn the Art of Flower Arrangement at Ohara School of Ikebana

Harajuku Other Traditional Arts
Become a True Gundam Pilot - Stepping into the P.O.D. at a Tokyo Arcade! (Video)

Arcades
Say Hello to Kitty and Friends at Tokyo’s Cutest Train Station!

Tokyo's Surrounding Areas Pop Culture

Sounkyo Onsen: 4 Recommended Hot Spring Getaways in Japan's Leading Onsen Destination!

Furano / Biei / Sounkyo Ryokan

Sounkyo Onsen is one of the best known hot spring destinations in Hokkaido. Surrounded by the gorgeous natural surroundings of Daisetsuzan National Park, you can relax in a hot spring while enjoying the splendor of Hokkaido’s natural beauty: the serene greenery in the summer, and the changing colors of the leaves in fall. Fall starts earlier here than in the rest of Japan. In this article, we’re going to introduce you to four popular onsen hotels, each with their own distinct features and characteristics!

Ueno Discount Shopping: Travelers Reveal Favorite Souvenirs at Huge Tokyo Bargain Store!

Ueno Other Shopping
Know Before You Go: Osaka and Kansai Travel Phrases (Different to Textbook Japanese!)

Umeda, Osaka Station, Kitashinchi Other Sightseeing
There's an Entire "Ramen Prefecture"?! Taste Testing 3 Ramen Shops in Japan's Famous Yamagata

Surrounding Areas Of Yamagata Ramen
How to Eat Sushi: the Complete Guide to Japan’s Most Famous Food

Sushi
Visiting Lake Biwa: 3 stylish cafés offering dreamy views of the area

Shiga Suburbs Other Restaurants
Kobe Guide: Top 3 Trendy Cafes in Kobe’s Sannomiya/Motomachi district

Kobe, Sannomiya, Kitano Other Cafes and Sweets

Expats Reveal: 8 Weird Japanese Customs That Foreign Visitors Just Can't Get Used To

Ikebukuro

From an outsider’s point of view, Japan is home to many unique customs and traditions. Though it may seem natural to the Japanese, to those from other countries with different upbringings and values, many aren’t able to understand or get used to some of these customs. In general, which customs and traditions do they find the most inconvenient or hardest to get into to? We heard from some foreign visitors about customs in Japan they just haven't got the hang of, and about their thoughts about the traditions here. (The opinions below belong to the respondents)

Japanese Restaurants and Foreigner-Friendly Services: What Is Needed and Further Thoughts

Kyoto Station, To-ji Temple Other Japanese Food
Cozy and Fun: Experience Casual Tokyo at a “Pub Under the Rails”

Ginza Izakaya
Meals, Manners & More: Your Ultimate Guide to Eating in Japan!

Ginza Other Japanese Food
See the Influence of the West Live in Action in Osaka's Incredible Public Hall

Umeda, Osaka Station, Kitashinchi Other Architecture
A Night in Nature: 5 Serene Temple Stays Around Tokyo!

Tokyo's Surrounding Areas Other Traditional Culture
Rebun Island: 7 Inspiring Sights in Japan’s Wild North That'll Have You Booking Your Trip!

Shiretoko Other Nature

What's Christmas Like in Japan? 6 Unique Ways Japanese Celebrate the Holidays!

Winter

Each December, Christmas is celebrated by people in countries all over the world, and Japan is no exception! Many of the Christmas customs seen in western countries can also be found in Japan, but often reimagined in a different way than you may expect. There are also some new traditions that have been created by the Japanese, making Christmas in Japan a unique celebration of its own accord!