Japan

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[State of Emergency Declared] Japanese Government Announcements About COVID-19 Announcement from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Lost in Another World! 6 Scenic Summer Seascapes in Tohoku

Morioka, Hiraizumi And Hachimantai Summer

With relatively cool temperatures and many spectacular natural landscapes, Japan's Tohoku region is the perfect destination for a summer getaway! Consisting of six prefectures in the country's northeast – Aomori, Akita, Iwate, Yamagata, Miyagi, and Fukushima – this area is filled with hidden gems. Here we'll introduce some of Tohoku's top scenic summer spots, from dynamic cliffs to quiet coves where you can swim in the sea.

2021 Osaka Cherry Blossom Festivals and Events

Osaka Suburbs Spring
All About Yamagata's Exquisite Yonezawa Beef: Restaurants, Top-Grade Dishes & More!

Surrounding Areas Of Yamagata Yakiniku
Starbucks Hirosaki Koen-mae: Enjoy Coffee at One of Japan's Hip Retro Locations!

Aomori, Hirosaki And Hachinohe Other Cafes and Sweets
10 Best Spots for Hydrangeas in Kansai: From Famous Sites to Charming Hideaways

Fushimi, Uji Other Nature
10 Absolutely Adorable Animals in Hokkaido You May Encounter on a Lucky Day!

Sapporo / Chitose Other Nature
Top 10 Recommended Sightseeing Spots in Aomori - According to Foreigners Who Live There

Aomori, Hirosaki And Hachinohe Rivers, Lakes & Canyons

Japan Has An Incredible Traditional-Style Starbucks in This Rustic Town

Saitama Suburbs Other Cafes and Sweets

Kawagoe is a town not far from Tokyo, but a lot of people simply call the city “Little Edo.” That’s because the scenic townscape evokes an authentic image of Japan’s feudal past and Kawagoe has played a central role as a merchant town from the late Edo period to the Meiji era (1800 to 1900). Many of the old warehouses still line the streets, making you feel like you’ve fallen through a crack in time as you stroll by. In a curious, intriguing case of “traditional meets modern,” one of those old warehouses is home to Starbucks, possibly the world’s most famous coffee shop chain! Why not have a “Tall” of your favorite brew in an authentically Japanese building? You won’t find a Starbucks like that anywhere else in the world, that’s for sure!

Can You Still Call This A Pancake?! Top 3 Thick and Fluffy Pancake Spots in Tokyo

Ginza Other Cafes and Sweets
Dine With Rabbits! 9 Cute and Cuddly Animal Cafes in Tokyo

Shibuya Other Cafes and Sweets
6 Top Spots for Sapporo Ramen, Recommended by Local Critics

Sapporo / Chitose Ramen
Visit Japan While You're Stuck Home: 5 Breathtaking Places For Your Bucket List!

Spring
18 of The Best, Super-Japanese Gift Ideas to Look Forward to in Tokyo!

Asakusa Other Shopping
What Do Japanese Buy at the Supermarket? Top 10 Quirky Japanese Drinks!

Tokyo Station Grocery Stores

Stringraphy at Studio EVE: A Striking and Unique Musical Experience

Shibuya Other Contemporary Arts

Have you ever imagined being right inside a musical instrument, surrounded by song? I visited Studio EVE in Tokyo’s Daitabashi neighborhood and was able to experience this very feeling by attending a Stringraphy workshop. A beautiful melting of music, art, and movement, Stringraphy is an original concept that while born in Japan, has already made waves across the globe in its 25 years of existence. During the workshop, I had the chance to meet the members of the world-renowned Stringraphy Ensemble, enjoy a performance, and even try my hand at making my own string music.

Purikura: Change Yourself Up with Photo Booth Fun!

Arcades
[MOVIE] Navigating Virtual Airspace with Skyart JAPAN

Shinagawa Adventure Activities
[MOVIE] DRUM TAO’S MANGEKYO – a Kaleidoscope of Taiko Drums

Shinagawa Shows
[MOVIE] A Japanese Drum Experience at TAIKO-LAB

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

Arcades
Learn the Art of Flower Arrangement at Ohara School of Ikebana

Harajuku Other Traditional Arts

Top 5 Things to Do Around Lake Toya: Hokkaido's Land of Inspiring Views and Delectable Sweets!

Noboribetsu / Lake Toya Rivers, Lakes & Canyons

What to do around Lake Toya, one of Hokkaido’s most popular tourist spots? We’ve put together some sightseeing tips for places you really must-see. These will help you experience all the attractions of Lake Toya, from the splendid view of the lake to experiencing the confectionery for which it is famous.

Japanese Foodies Recommend: Top Restaurants Near Osaka Castle

Osaka Castle, Tenmabashi, Kyobashi Izakaya
Ultimate Kiyomizudera Temple Guide: Visiting Kyoto's Most Famous Sightseeing Spot!

Gion, Kawaramachi, Kiyomizu-dera Temple Shrines
The Complete Guide to Haneda Airport Arrival Lobby

Haneda Other Sightseeing
Must-try Mouthwatering Hokkaido Food: Robatayaki, Jingisukan and More!

Sapporo / Chitose Sushi
Crazy Cheap but Crazy Quality: The Shopping Secret to Japan’s Home Appliances on a Budget

Electronics Stores
Guide to Ginza Itoya: The Century-Old Stationery Store

Ginza Other Shopping

The 'Obligatory Chocolate' of Japan: The Quirks of Valentine's Day and Other Adopted Western Celebrations

Tokyo's Surrounding Areas

From obligatory chocolate on Valentine's Day to fried chicken on Christmas - Some events we might think we know very well are celebrated pretty differently in the Land of the Rising Sun. Of course, every country is somewhat influenced by the next, and we're constantly changing and adapting to the newest changes, but how have those changes come to pass in Japan? From food to IT, Japan has the unique habit of absorbing and transforming culture from abroad, with a fairly long history of evolving an original culture to turn it into something entirely unique to Japan. Of course, that's not only true of food and IT, but of adapting Western customs that are known throughout the world, such as Halloween, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and quite a few others!

Kumano Sanzan: Visit the Land of Gods on a Journey to Wakayama Prefecture

Kumano Kodo, Shingu, Shirahama Shrines
7 Inspiring Sights on Rebun Island, Japan's Secret Wild Northern Paradise

Wakkanai Other Nature
'What is Tofu Anyway?' Everything You Need to Know About Tofu

Sapporo / Chitose
Visiting the Sacred Japanese Gardens of Matsushima's Entsuin Temple

Sendai And Matsushima Temples
Tokyo Trouble: What to Do When You Miss the Last Train

Shibuya
Fall in Japan is the Best! 10 Reasons We Love Autumn in Tokyo

Autumn

Japanese Hot Spring Quiz: How Much Do You Know About Japanese Onsens?

Hot Springs (Onsen) & Bath Houses (Sento)

Visiting an authentic Japanese onsen is one of the quintessential experiences to have in Japan. But how much do you really know about these iconic baths? It’s trivia time! Thinking deeply about hot springs, choose the best answer for each question. Then scroll to the bottom to see the correct answers. Click on the links to read informative articles and boost your knowledge of Japanese hot springs. And when you’re next in Japan, be sure to give one a go!