15 Things to Do in Shimane

Shimane Prefecture sits on the southwestern portion of Japan's main island, and is the perfect spot to visit if you're looking for an off the beaten path travel experience. Often overlooked by visitors in favor of better known destinations, the region has culture, nature and history by the bucketload – just without the massive crowds to battle!

Attractions Travel Tips Chugoku

Kim

July 14, 2018

Kicking Back on Ishigaki Island

With its semi-tropical climate, warm surrounding ocean and extensive, rare and protected coral reefs, Ishigaki is probably the best location for snorkelling in the whole of Japan. Indeed, many would argue there is little else to do there, but the year-round warmth and relaxed pace the island offers makes it equally ideal for those simply seeking respite from the hubbub of city living.

Attractions Okinawa

Ubba

June 30, 2018

Niigata Rose Festival at Echigo Hillside Park: Life is Indeed a Bed of Roses Here

The park’s roses come in packs; a big patch of red here and a big patch of white there. The petals of the roses are made up of so many layers and visitors are welcome to get close with the roses and take as many pictures as they fancy.

Attractions Events Nature Chubu

Cara Lam

May 26, 2018

Top Things to Do in Niigata Prefecture

Easily accessible from Tokyo via the Joetsu Shinkansen, there are plenty of reasons to pay this part of the country a visit - and not just for the bucketloads of winter activities! Wondering what Niigata has to offer? Here are 15 of the best things to see and do in this part of Japan.

Attractions Chubu

Kim

May 24, 2018

A Pilgrimage to Hiroshima With 1,000 Paper Cranes

What was it like folding one thousand origami cranes? Not nearly as challenging as you might think! We began the task of folding our cranes in May about four months before the wedding.

Attractions Culture Chugoku

Emily Schilb

May 21, 2018

Japan's Version of Paris's Love Lock Bridges ― on a Cliff

With an endless view of the Sea of Japan below, this spot is easily your next stop to vow for eternal love.

Attractions Chubu

Cara Lam

May 2, 2018

Takamatsu: Shikoku's Hidden Gem

As the largest city on the island and location of the main transport hubs for commuting between Shikoku and the mainland, Takamatsu, in Kagawa Prefecture, is the most commonly visited city on the island. What does Takamatsu have to offer the average tourist, looking to get the most out of their tour of Japan?

Attractions Shopping Shikoku

Liam Carrigan

April 19, 2018

Hanami in Kintaikyo

Gathering with friends to enjoy the cherry blossoms, eat good food, and maybe even indulge in some sake is what spring in Japan is all about.

Attractions Chugoku

Jess Williams

April 9, 2018

Enjoy Sakura Along the Shakujii River in Tokyo Today!

Cherry Blossoms are in full bloom in Tokyo now and there’s many famous areas to see the pink and white flowers across the city.

Attractions Kanto

Dkun

March 28, 2018

A Pink Explosion: Hanami in Yokkaichi, Mie

In Yokkaichi prefecture, along the river side and small bridge ways, these trees which are bare the whole of winter would sprout out their little buds at the beginning of April which is a sign the time for celebration.

Attractions Events Kansai

Fazira Thufail

March 23, 2018

20 Things to Do in Kawasaki

Kawasaki is not just a Japanese motorcycle company, it is an industrial metropolis where visitors can wander and find an abundance of discovery. Here we look at the 20 best things to do in this amazing city just 1 hour from Tokyo.

Attractions Culture Shopping Travel Tips Kanto

Marina Lizio

March 1, 2018

The 5 Most Historic Sites of Beppu

Even today, Beppu accounts for at least one tenths of Japan’s onsen production by volume. But although the place is a famous among the Japanese, and an increasingly popular destination for Korean and Chinese tourists, it is still relatively unknown to Western tourists in spite of its long history.

Attractions Kyushu

Akira Fuyuno

February 6, 2018

3-Day Trip to Yudanaka Onsen in Nagano

Yudanaka Onsen town is great all year round; however, going in winter would be a bonus to your travel plan as you can see the snow monkeys covered in snow soaking themselves in the onsen, go skiing or snowboarding, and most importantly, enjoy the outdoor natural hot spring under the snow (one of the best life experiences ever).

Attractions Chubu

Vanessa Techapichetvanich

February 2, 2018

Seeing Mount Fuji from Tokyo (For Free!)

Mount Fuji peeking over Tokyo's skyscraper's is one of Japan's iconic images. But where exactly can you see the volcano from Tokyo? And for free?

Attractions Nature Kanto

Peter Leonard

January 26, 2018

3 Memorable Winter Experiences in Toyama

Despite of its gloomy reputation, winter has a special place in my heart. I am spending my first full-length winter in Toyama and I am enjoying some really memorable experiences!

Attractions Food & Drink Chubu

Grace

January 26, 2018

Japan's First Cherry Blossom Bloom: Hanami in Okinawa

Thanks to Okinawa's southern location and warm climate, it enjoys the country's earliest hanami season, usually starting by the end of January and going into the first two weeks of February.

Attractions Nature Okinawa

Emily Dickson

January 12, 2018

5 Great Ski Resorts Easily Reached by Tokyo

So if you’re a fan of skiing, or snow in general, but don’t have the money or thermals for Hokkaido, then here are five great ski destinations that can be easily reached from Tokyo.

Attractions Events Chubu

Alfie Blincowe

January 11, 2018

Mount Zao in Yamagata: It's Time For The Snow Monsters!

Winter is upon us, and the distinct phenomenon of the juhyou or “snow monsters” of Mount Zao in Yamagata prefecture are not to be missed as one of Japan’s top winter wonders.

Attractions Travel Tips Tohoku

Jackie Imamura

January 5, 2018