Most people do Nara as a day trip, but actually staying there and spending a few days--and nights--lets you explore the rich ...

You probably know Miyamoto Musashi, but how many other real-world samurai can you name? Here are 12 of the most famous samurai in Japan!

For residents and visitors to Tokyo, the closest isle worthy of the Cat Island designation lies in Kanagawa Prefecture, the capital’s neighbor to the south. Enoshima, which can be accessed from a ...

With all the great beers available in Japan, it's difficult to sort and enjoy only the best. We've done the research for you and chosen these six for your drinking pleasure!

If you're thinking about sports in Japan, chances are sumo, judo and kendo come to mind. However, only one of these makes the Top 8 list—find out what ranks in at No. 1!

Bento can be found everywhere in Japan, from convenience stores and railway stations to upscale department stores. But where did they come from?

The Battle of Sekigahara in 1600 was a decisive clash of warlords that led to the unification of Japan. Today, you can visit significant historical spots, including a state-of-the art museum about the ...

Traveling around Japan but don't know what souvenir to buy from each region? We've got you covered with this crazy list of our Top 47 'omiyage' from each of the nation's 47 prefectures!

In fact, Japan’s culture evolved alongside nature and the two share an intimate relationship. Why else do you imagine festivals celebrating cherry blossom blooms or reddening autumn “leaf-turns” and ...

The history of origami is challenging to unfold, as any ancient pieces have long since disintegrated. Buddhist monks brought paper to both Korea and Japan from China around the sixth century. While it ...

The relationship was both physical and psychological, as mentioned in Cartographies of Desire by Gregory M. Pflugfelder: "(The shoku ideogram) literally meant 'color,' referring in Buddhist philosophy ...

While you may have seen many kimono in anime or around Japan, you may also have seen a furisode and not have even realized it!