Explore Japan Through Stories and Experiences
Discover articles and things to do from across Japan. Search by keyword or explore by theme, region, prefecture, and season to find inspiring places, local stories, cultural experiences, and activities for your journey.
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Houkouji Temple: Hidden Mountain Sanctuary in Hamamatsu
Hidden among the forested mountains of northern Hamamatsu, Houkouji Temple combines centuries of Zen Buddhist history with red bridges, waterfalls, towering trees, and hundreds of expressive stone statues. Follow a scenic walking route from the hillside pagoda into a secluded temple complex where the landscape is as memorable as the architecture.
Sagano Romantic Train: The Scenic Way into Arashiyama
Take the long way into Arashiyama aboard Kyoto’s Sagano Romantic Train, following the Hozugawa River through tunnels, forests, and mountain scenery before arriving beside the famous bamboo grove.
From Kiso Timber to Toyota: Tracing Central Japan’s Samurai and Manufacturing Heritage
A journey through forests, castles, post towns, and machines reveals the roots of central Japan’s celebrated manufacturing culture.
Mt. Binshiyama: Hiking to Mie’s Elephant’s Back
Climb Mt. Binshiyama to the Elephant’s Back, an exposed rock with breathtaking views across the Choshi River valley, Owase, and the Kumano-nada Sea.
Dotonbori After Dark: A First-Timer’s Guide to Osaka’s Food and Neon
Dotonbori brings together Osaka’s famous food culture, playful storefronts, canal views, and dazzling nighttime energy. Discover how to experience it without treating the neighborhood as just another sightseeing checklist.
Takayama and Shirakawa-go: Historic Streets and a Storybook Village
Discover two remarkable sides of traditional Japan in Gifu Prefecture: Takayama's atmospheric old town and Shirakawa-go's extraordinary thatched-roof farmhouses. Explore historic streets, ingenious architecture, and mountain scenery unlike anywhere else.
American Village Okinawa: Colorful Streets, Burgers, and Sunset Views
American Village in Chatan blends playful Americana, colorful architecture, casual dining, and a west-facing waterfront. Wander its maze-like lanes, stop for a burger or Blue Seal ice cream, and finish with a sunset stroll along the Depot Island Boardwalk.
Togetsukyo Bridge and Randen Arashiyama Station: From River Views to the Kimono Forest
Togetsukyo Bridge may be Arashiyama’s most recognizable landmark, but the experience is more than simply crossing it. Slow down for the river and mountain views, explore the busy streets between the bridge and Randen Arashiyama Station, and finish among the colorful pillars of the station’s Kimono Forest.
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and Tenryu-ji: From Bamboo Paths to Zen Gardens
Arashiyama’s famous bamboo is only the beginning. Follow the paths through towering green stalks and directly into the gardens of Tenryu-ji for a journey that changes character with every turn.