Living in Tokyo is an amazing and thrilling experience, with numerous activities to do each week. Sometimes, however, we also need to take a break from the city and relax in nature. Luckily… Read More

This is the second article of our new series, “My Japan,” where contributors from all over the country write about a typical week in their lives. After reading about Paul’s… Read More

The curvaceous and holey Henry Moores that dotted the landscape of my pre-Banksy UK youth, were to me, the face (and monolithic body) of British public art. Moore’s magnificent-but-ubi… Read More

Welcome to the first installment of Voyapon’s new series “My Japan” where Voyapon contributors from all over the country write about a normal week in their lives. Paul McIn… Read More

Over the years, one of the least wasteful ways I have found to waste my time, has been to head off to an (almost) randomly chosen area of Tokyo and immerse myself in whichever I find of the… Read More

Four games, three defeats, one draw and no goals: Japan didn’t exactly make much of an impression at the 1988 Asian Cup in Doha, Qatar. In fairness, it was the first time they’d… Read More

Japanese society, it could be said, really immerses itself in the changing seasons. From Shintoism and Buddhism, the main religions in Japan, being deeply involved with nature to strong cont… Read More

Congratulations! You’ve worked hard all year and are ready for your well-earned summer vacation, so you booked your non-refundable trip to Japan in July, and what? Now you’re sca… Read More

In 1923, Tokyo burned to its very core. Live wires and kitchens flamed out of control as the trepidation of the Great Kanto Earthquake shocked the core of the nation. It wasn’t the fir… Read More

Many bands from all over the world dream of playing live in Japan. It’s often seen as a utopia for many overseas musicians as the Japanese, it could be said, take their music very, ver… Read More

Did you know that Japan is about to roll out a new set of banknotes very soon? This will be the first major redesign in 20 years, aiming to enhance security with the best of cutting-edge sec… Read More

Following the proverb “When in Rome, do as the Romans do” when I came to Japan for the first time, I tried a typical Japanese breakfast without thinking twice. And it was love at… Read More

If you look at Japan, the most popular sport in the country is baseball, and then depending on the poll, closely followed by the national sport sumo, and then soccer. But there is another sp… Read More

On arriving in Japan a decade ago, one of my early purchases was a photo book documenting kakigori かき氷, the airy, refreshing, and often beautiful Japanese dessert made u… Read More

Every time I speak to a traveler in Japan, they never fail to mention two remarkable things: the country’s incredible cleanliness and the abundance of vending machines. You can find th… Read More

When you think of Japan, cheesecake might not be the first thing that comes to mind. Traditional Japanese sweets like mochi, taiyaki, and dorayaki typically take the spotlight. However, Japa… Read More

When we think of Japanese food, rice is undoubtedly the first thing that comes to mind, not bread. Rice has been a staple of Japanese cuisine for centuries, but in recent decades, bread has… Read More

When you think of flowers in Japan, the first thing that probably comes to mind is the famous cherry blossom. However, there are numerous other flowers that you can admire in Japan. One of t… Read More

Admiring Tokyo’s grand scale from above is a chance to capture stunning panoramic photos and one of the best ways to truly appreciate the vastness of this unmistakably distinctive metr… Read More

Butoh (舞踏), a captivating Japanese dance form, strikes viewers with its profound surreality and raw, anti-aesthetic qualities when witnessed for the first time. Emerging in pos… Read More

When you first travel to Tokyo and gradually comprehend the city’s layout, you’ll realize you’re in the midst of a boundless metropolis. Despite its vastness, however, many… Read More

In the final at-bat of the 2023 World Baseball Classic, Mike Trout, arguably one of the best hitters in baseball, stepped into the batter’s box to face his Los Angeles Angels teammate… Read More

Along Kawagoe’s famous Kurazukuri no Machinami street, the scars of the city’s long and often tragic history are evident. Many of these kurazukuri, two-story warehouses of t… Read More

Perfect Days is one of those low-key indie films that takes its time to savor every scene. With minute attention to detail, the movie reveals its characters little by little, keeping yo… Read More

Domestic air travel in Japan is often, contrary to many other countries, an absolute joy. Recently, I stepped into Tokyo’s Haneda Airport, checked into Japan Airlines (JAL) check-in te… Read More

Although the legal framework of the current Japanese education system dates back to the postwar constitution, most educational structures, which were inspired by Western models, had already… Read More

Are you flying into Hokkaido (北海道), Japan, from overseas? Then chances are you’ve already spoken your first word of Ainu origin. Hokkaido’s international New… Read More

Flea markets may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of Japan, but visiting one in your travel itinerary can offer an interesting way to immerse yourself in local culture… Read More

Kyoto – the former capital of Japan and home to countless wonderful experiences and sights to see. Among the fascinating things to do are visiting the Samurai and Ninja Museum, a popul… Read More

Venture into the dense forest mountains of Akita (秋田) prefecture in northeast Japan, and peek under the surface of its famous winter snowscapes, behind the scenes of its fermen… Read More

Kyoto is often one of the first places on many travelers’ lists when visiting Japan. But with its main attractions more crowded than ever, you may find venturing a little further afie… Read More

Isehara City (伊勢原市) located in Kanagawa Prefecture’s heartland, is a gateway to both history and nature, just a short journey away from Tokyo and Yokohama… Read More

The sight of Mount Oyama’s pyramid-shaped silhouette, at an altitude of 1,252 meters, is hard to miss in the Kanagawa area. The hike to the summit has been on my bucket list for quite… Read More

For years, overseas visitors to Japan have seemingly worn a groove traveling between Tokyo and Kyoto / Osaka during their holiday stay. A few have ventured further west, perhaps to Hiroshima… Read More

Picture yourself in a time machine, traveling 400 years ago to the Edo era in Japan. You find yourself in the presence of Lord Inaba, the feudal lord of the Usuki domain in present-day Oita… Read More

I first visited Hamamatsu in the Spring of 2021. Before that, my only knowledge of the city was a blur on the Shinkansen between Tokyo and Kyoto or glimpses of the ocean and the red torii ga… Read More

As Tokyo’s tourism industry has experienced a remarkable revival since last year, the principles of sustainable tourism, societal impact, and cultural heritage preservation have become… Read More

As global tourism rebounds in the post-pandemic world, travelers must think about how their travel practices impact the places they choose to visit. Done well, international tourism increase… Read More

As global tourism rebounds in the post-pandemic world, travelers must think about how their travel practices impact the places they choose to visit. Done well, international tourism increase… Read More

Between you and me, if I had to pick only one island in Japan to visit for the rest of my days, it would be Kyushu. It is an island with pristine nature, outstanding cuisine, vivid daily and… Read More

At the heart of the Setouchi region, the four cardinal cities of Okayama, Hiroshima, Matsuyama and Takamatsu frame the Seto Inland Sea with a rich blend of history and modernity. Our journey… Read More

The bullet train has long been a favourite among Japan travellers, and is one of the most convenient ways to explore the country, at a fast pace. The new extensions of the Hokuriku Shinkanse… Read More

The image of the Shinkansen, Japan’s high-speed train, is iconic for travelers worldwide. Its sleek facade is instantly recognizable, and even locals may stop and stare to watch it gli… Read More

If you’re looking for a way to round out an itinerary in Japan focused mainly on visiting famous landmarks, shopping til you drop, and eating Japan’s incredible cuisine, might I… Read More

Advertorial A country of fascinating traditions and incredible culture, as well as breathtaking natural beauty, there is so much to see and do in Japan. One way to explore more of Japan… Read More

If you’re on the hunt for a destination that unlocks the real essence of Japan, where culture, history, and tradition come to life, look no further than Shizuoka. This gem, slightly of… Read More

If you’re looking for a captivating destination that blends culture, history, and nature, Shizuoka Prefecture is the place to be! Located just one hour southwest of Tokyo on the JR Tok… Read More

In the heart of Japan, between the iconic Mount Fuji and the serene Pacific, lies the vibrant region of Shizuoka. An area often overlooked in the rush to more famous destinations, the area i… Read More

If you’re looking for a unique travel experience in Japan, then Shikoku should be high on your bucket list! As the smallest of Japan’s main islands, Shikoku is known fo… Read More

Yokohama (横浜) is a global city of about 3.77 million people, with opportunities for businesses, academics, and individuals. The city prides itself on being a welcoming and supp… Read More

Water is the beginning of life, and there’s one place in Yamanashi prefecture where it flows from the holiest of mountains and the purest underground springs. Here, water flows into va… Read More

Yamanashi Prefecture is one of Japan’s best off-the-beaten-path destinations for wandering and letting yourself be taken in the breathtaking views of mountains, lakes, and natural park… Read More

Who said traveling in Japan has to be stressful? If you’re tired of shopping and sightseeing and want to take a breather from the hustle and bustle of the city, Yamanashi Prefecture is… Read More

If you’re a lover of nature and hiking and are curious to travel Japan off the beaten path, Yamanashi prefecture is the perfect destination to consider for your next journey. Located o… Read More

When traveling, many people may settle for the most trodden path while may find that the more fulfilling experiences may consist of immersing themselves in what makes a place different from… Read More

If there is one craft that is intrinsically related to Japan, it is Japanese lacquer. Before humans ever rode horses, the indigenous peoples of the islands of Japan were already using this e… Read More

If you sense a bit of magic in the air when you visit Hamamatsu (浜松市) in Shizuoka Prefecture, it isn’t just your imagination. The spirit of “Yaramaika”… Read More

Kyushu’s most southern prefecture, Kagoshima (鹿児島), is a beautiful place packed with interesting bits of Kagoshima history, culture, and subtropical beauty, many o… Read More

Welcome to Japan’s Setouchi region, home to some of the country’s most beautiful natural landscapes, historic sites, and cultural experiences. Located in western Japan, the Setou… Read More

As the world returns to travel as a business and leisure activity after a forced hiatus, once again, we are faced with the question of how to ensure tourism is a positive force in this world… Read More

Sustainable Tourism has become an increasingly important topic as the world considers how to maximize the potential of global tourism to support local businesses and economies, increase glob… Read More

Sustainable tourism, societal impact, and culture and legacy preservation are crucial aspects of modern travel. As we explore new destinations and experience different cultures, it’s i… Read More

From bustling markets to quiet alleyways, Okinawa’s arcades are a fascinating blend of the traditional and the modern, with old-school shops coexisting alongside trendy cafes and bars… Read More

Surrounded by the mountains of southern Kyushu, the Hitoyoshi Kuma Area in Kumamoto Prefecture is blessed with a stunning landscape, a centuries-old history, and a local commu… Read More

Train travel is one of the most scenic ways to experience Japan’s varied, mountainous terrain, and Fukushima Prefecture’s landscape is no slouch in its endlessly stunning natural… Read More

On March 11th, 2011, the northeastern coast of Japan suffered the most unimaginable horrific disasters of modern history. A magnitude 9.0 earthquake triggered a powerful tsunami that inundat… Read More

Less than 3 hours from Tokyo, the sleek red Akita Shinkansen zips by snow-covered forests and frozen valleys of Semboku City (仙北市). Japan’s deepest Lake, Tazawako… Read More

From the sea to the mountains, Fukushima Prefecture offers an exciting range of landscapes and settings. There are many interesting places, whether off-the-beaten-path or conveniently locate… Read More

The beautiful coastal city of Hamamatsu is along the golden route of Japan, just under 1.5 hours from Tokyo on the Tokaido Shinkansen.  It’s not only an industrial hub, producing… Read More

Shizuoka Prefecture’s fame comes from being the home to Japan’s iconic volcanic mountain, Mt. Fuji, but this prefecture offers so much more than being one of the best viewing spo… Read More

On the southernmost part of Japan lies a group of 23 islands called Yaeyama (八重山列島) where the mangrove forests and jungles dominate the otherworldly l… Read More

During the Edo Period, the only way to travel between the capital and other parts of Japan was by a series of set routes called the kaido. Samurai, merchants, and pilgrims in Edo-era Japan w… Read More

The surrounding region of Tokyo has much more to offer than just the metropolis. One way to experience its rich history and cultural heritage is by traveling along the historic Kaido routes… Read More

Sakurajima (桜島), the enigmatic and commanding volcanic landmark over Kyushu’s Kagoshima (鹿児島) cityscape, certainly stands out as one of the region&rs… Read More

The Tohoku region, tucked between the geographically largest region of Japan, Hokkaido, and the country’s most populated region, Kanto, carries a sense of enigma for most visitors to J… Read More

While the cities of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka continue to get the lion’s share of overseas tourists to Japan, few visitors realize that there is a lot of Japan to see between them. Fewer… Read More

In the modern age of international tourism to Japan, Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka capture the vast majority of foreign visitors, who often travel between these cities using the Tokaido Shinkansen… Read More

Over the years, shinkansen train lines have expanded across the country, meaning you can easily explore more of Japan and into the off-the-beaten-track destinations. To make it even easier… Read More

While Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka remain high on the list of many visitors embarking on their travel to Japan, few realize the world of fascinating traditional and cultural experiences that awai… Read More

Near the geological center of Goto’s Fukue Island, there is a tiny general store catering to the locals living in the nearby agricultural area of Kishiku town (岐宿町… Read More

As I approached Fukue Island’s port aboard the Jetfoil from Nagasaki city (長崎市), I kept wondering what I would find. While I was eager to discover the gorgeous bea… Read More

When planning your trip to Okinawa and you need to choose accommodation, the first thing you probably think of is a fancy resort near the sea. But while these hotels are a great relaxing opt… Read More

Just south of Tokyo on the Shonan coast facing Sagami Bay, is the island of Enoshima (江の島), Fujisawa City. It is one of the most popular trip destinations from Tokyo and… Read More

Tochigi Prefecture (栃木県) is located in Japan’s northern Kanto region, only a couple hours by train from Tokyo. Home to a wealth of historical, cultural, and natura… Read More

Advertorial There are few places where the allure of culture, nature, modernity, and tradition come together as they do in Japan. Go to the thriving mega-capital of Tokyo, and you&rs… Read More

Located in the center of Tokyo and on the grounds of former Edo Castle, the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace are awaiting you with over 210,000 m² of a wide variety of trees and flow… Read More

Sailor Moon by manga author Naoko Takeuchi is one of Japan’s most famous magical girl series. First published in a monthly manga magazine in December 1991, the first official manga vol… Read More

Kanagawa might not sound immediately familiar, but you almost certainly have seen one of the most famous depictions of this coastal prefecture in The Great Wave Off Kanagawa by ukiyo-e artis… Read More

Travelling from Tokyo during Japan’s Edo period would often involve a journey along one of Japan’s five main old highways, called kaido. Japan’s five kaido connected Tokyo… Read More

More often than not, autumn often gets overshadowed by cherry blossoms in springtime in Japan. However, autumn holds a special place in my heart, as it is the first season I got to wear a k… Read More

While sake might be Japan’s most famous alcoholic beverage, beer is undoubtedly the most popular. There is an enormous range of beer in Japan to sample. The most well-known are popular… Read More

A quick search of Ishikawa will give you images of Kenrokuen Gardens and perhaps the old town area of Higashi Chaya. But when looking for my next adventure in Japan, that was not what caught… Read More

Spain – Madrid, France – Paris, United Kingdom – London… How about the capital of Japan? While many may know about Nara, Kyoto, and Tokyo as Japan’s famous cap… Read More

The term otaku (オタク) is used in Japan to describe a person who is obsessively devoted to a particular interest or hobby of whatever nature: there are train otaku, TV ser… Read More

The mighty Mount Aso (阿蘇山) is the largest active volcano in Japan. As is the case with many of the volcanoes located on Kyushu Island, which is often referred to as the… Read More

From abroad, you might believe that tattoos are frowned upon in Japan. However, it’s important to point out that most tattoos in the rest of the world are very far from traditional Jap… Read More

My introduction to the world of Japanese tea ceremony (茶道, chado) took place during my first visit to Japan in 2016. Everywhere I stayed, from the smallest ryokan to… Read More

In Japan, as well as in many other countries, birthdays are a reason for celebration. But has it always been the case? How do people wish “happy birthday” in Japanese, and how do… Read More

It’s not rare for Japanese subcultures to expand overseas and then explode in the West. Manga, anime, and video games are just a few Japan exports reaching the Western world and beyond… Read More

It was 2014 when a young pop star with long, turquoise twintails opened U.S. artist Lady Gaga’s ArtRave: The Artpop Ball tour, catching the attention of Western non-otaku (i.e., non-lo… Read More