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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…
By Weekender Editor
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
Japan’s diverse countryside and spectacular nature are best witnessed by pulling on a pair of walking shoes and heading out into their midst. It was with this in mind that I invited…
By Phoebe Amoroso
The history of cherry blossom-viewing dates back to middle of 9th century when emperor Saga held a hanami (flower viewing party) underneath sakura trees instead of the conventional plum blossoms. Amidst the momentum…
A secluded onsen ryokan located on a hill overlooking Ago Bay, Basaratei is one of the most luxurious accommodations in the scenic area of Ise-Shima and makes for a delightful weekend getaway…
By Matthew Hernon
“In this propitious time of early spring, the weather is clear and the wind mellow. The plum blossoms open like powder in a mirror and the orchids emit off the sweet scent…
With the Tokyo Olympics coming up in 2020, you are for sure to witness an immense increase in human population not only in Tokyo, but in Japan as a whole. With even…
