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Kansai, a diverse, cultural and historical epicenter of Japan, is one of the world’s most visited and talked about geographical locations. Tourists flock to this area of the country for its temples,…
By Weekender Editor
The spiritual center of Japan’s culture and heritage, Kyoto is renowned for its abundance of green tea. It’s also a city that houses a surprising number of cafés promoting coffee culture, pastries…
By Samantha Low
Depending on what kind of kaiju monster fan you are, ziplining into Godzilla’s mouth might be a nightmare or a dream. Either way, you can now try exactly that at Nijigen no…
By Mac Salman
The last tendrils of morning mist rise through the boughs of the cedar trees and are gone. There is the distant sound of water tumbling down a rocky streambed. A bright green…
By Julian Ryall
The world’s first Super Nintendo World opened at Universal Studios Japan in February 2021. It cost $580 million to build. Was it worth it? I hopped on the shinkansen to Osaka to…
The luxury hotel Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto, in all its grandeur takes the ideal of “sustainable tourism” to heart; bringing Japanese traditions to international patrons in full form, buttressed by a modern…
By Taylor Stewart
Fourteen hundred years after his death, Prince Shotoku’s legacy remains strong in Japan. More than just a prince regent, Prince Shotoku was many things: a politician, a champion for Buddhism in Japan…
By Lisa Wallin
Along the coast from Himeji and situated beside the Seto Inland Sea, you’ll find the lesser-known but just as spectacular Ako city. This trove of stunning sites includes castle ruins, hot springs…
By Alexandra Ziminski
Of course Kyoto, with an old-world image counter to Tokyo’s ultra-modern reputation, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. But historical sightseeing, ambling temples and gardens and exploring the narrow…
The revitalization of many regions and cities (including Tokyo) has been an important strategy for Japan for the last decade. Breathing new life into less-trodden areas may attract city folk to the…
With their charmingly retro architecture and atmosphere, these traditional towns around Japan offer a glimpse back in time to the Edo period — perfect for a strolling weekend getaway. As a handy…
Kyoto is a city which lives and breathes history, culture and art. From the myriad temples and shrines to the luxury restaurants and elegant machiya, the former Japanese capital is the epitome…
By Paul McInnes
Nintendo has become a global phenomenon, but it wasn’t always that way. When they entered the Western video game market in the early 1980s, it was seen as a risky move. By…
By Terin Jackson
There is something peculiar about traveling in Kyoto: the more you visit, the more hints you collect about the future — by returning to the past. This is especially true for Nazuna…
Although Nara city – and the prefecture as a whole – is best known for its temples and free-roaming deer, there’s much more to experience in this beautiful region. Here, we give you a…
Anyone visiting Japan (who is of age) should take the chance to sample the local beverage sake. This truly unique alcoholic drink distilled from locally grown rice can be served chilled or warm,…
Ask anyone about what they know about Nara and they’ll most likely come up with a list similar to this: Nara Deer Park, Todaiji and perhaps the capital city’s old town of…
According to the passages of Kojiki – one of the first written records of Japan – the sakura (aka cherry blossom) has been treasured by the people of Japan since ancient times. Furthermore,…
By Hiroko Asano
