In a previous article, we introduced you to the rich Japanese tradition of tatami. Join us for a sneak peek inside a real tatami shop, and enjoy a step by step making of a mini-tatami!

About 113 km or roughly 1.5 hours by train from the northwest part of the congested capital, Chichibu region in Saitama prefecture is now becoming a sought-after destination for nature wonders, mountain trekking, river cruising, hot springs onsen, historical sights, and gastronomical delights, including saké and liquor breweries.

One Kyoto local has taken the tourism boom as an opportunity to provide a sustainably-focused day tour from Kyoto. Chuck Kayser, moved to Kyoto over 20 years ago and has been organic farming for 11 years. He is also a member of Seeds of Sustainability Kyoto, a group which hosts events throughout the city promoting sustainable ideas.

Nearly two million people live in Fukushima. The majority of the prefecture – the third largest after Hokkaido and Iwate – was untouched by radiation, while many areas that were impacted have reached levels below what is reported in many cities around the world. Visitors need not worry about eating the produce or drinking the water. The bigger concern is whether everything Fukushima has to offer can be packed into a single trip!

When daily news and the outside world get to be too crazy, try Shodō 書道, Japanese calligraphy, to regain inner equilibrium and calm the mind and heart. Experience Shodō’s meditative and relaxing qualities in a workshop or field trip with Kobe Native Noriko Ukita who has been teaching Shodō to Japanese and foreigners alike for 27 years.

If you are looking to experience something a little different without the expense of a world trip, check out these fantastic tourist destinations that offer you the chance to travel the world without breaking the bank.

While many visitors are content to enjoy the sights in and around major tourist destinations, others are drawn to the allure of “next-level” experiences. JR Kyushu's Seven Stars Cruise Train offers this kind of unforgettable experience, pushing train travel to new heights of sophistication and luxury.

Niigata City is the biggest city in Niigata prefecture, an extremely underrated part of Japan with a mixture of the old and modern parts of Japanese history. This blend makes it a sight to behold with much to see and do. I decided to see for myself what was on offer in Niigata by taking a bus tour.

Hakata Ori is a special type of weaving with silk textile used to make kimonos and obis (sashes). High quality Chinese silk matched with the weaving style of Hakata Ori was unmatched in the whole of Japan. Hakata Ori became the choice textile for wealthy merchants, samurai and the ruling class in Japan. Let’s look how Hakata Ori began and became so famous.

Snugged in the little Bungotakada City, Oita Prefecture, is a shopping district named Showa no Machi (Showa’s Town), where the streets and shops are modeled in the classic style of 50-60s Japan. Almost like a movie set, this Showa no Machi takes you back in time as you stroll around.

Observing and experiencing nature in real life is no longer a problem. Orbi Yokohama can definitely provide you with lots of interesting and new discoveries. Opened in 2013, Orbi Yokohama is an experience-oriented museum collaborated by BBC Earth and SAGA. When you visit Yokohama, this museum is absolutely a must-see spot.

Thanks to the registration of UNESCO World Heritage sites along with other historic sites in Kyusyu, the uninhabited island is drawing more attention and becoming one of the most popular destinations for tourists. Let me share the amazing experience with you.