Gyokusendo’s Open Factory The Tsubame-Sanjo area of Niigata Prefecture is known for its centuries-long history of traditional Japanese handicrafts, talented artisans, and manufacturing. And in recent years, the creators in the area have begun to open up to the world, showing off the beautifully crafted fruits of their labor through open factories, where…

The hustle and bustle of Tokyo attracts millions of tourists every year, but for many, there’s nothing more refreshing and relaxing than a little break from the crowds and a breath of fresh mountain air! For travelers and Tokyoites alike, hiking on the outskirts of Tokyo has become increasingly popular…

Gotokuji, a Temple of Cats, a Temple of Samurai Ever noticed the little cat figures in Japanese restaurant windows or perched near cash registers, with one paw up as if they’re waving you over? These lucky cats are called manekineko (招き猫), literally “inviting cat,” and they’re thought to be charms that bring prosperity wherever they may be. But in…

Worth a Visit, With or Without a Car! If your image of roadside rest areas stops at dirty floors and overpriced junk food, then you’ve probably never been to one in Japan! Dotted along Japan’s rural roads, these spots really deserve the moniker “rest stop,” with their sightseeing options, local food specialties, plus plenty of shopping and souvenirs…

Stressed at work and feeling your blood pressure rise? People all over the world are told by their doctors to try for a low-sodium diet to treat high blood pressure or other diseases, but there’s no denying it, salt makes food taste good. …

Is This Provence or Hokkaido? Enjoying the freshly blooming flowers of each new season is a long-lived cultural tradition in Japan, and when it comes to lavender fields, the city of Furano and its surroundings in Hokkaido are undoubtedly Japan’s go-to destination. The little purple flowers, native to the coast of the Mediterranean, came to…

Nezu Shrine: Founded by Royalty, Elevated by Emperors One of Tokyo’s oldest shrines, Nezu Shrine was founded almost 2,000 years ago, allegedly by Prince Ousu (also known by the name Yamato Takeru), a semi-legendary figure from Japan’s oldest histories. Perhaps it’s only fitting that the prince decided to enshrine the god Susanoo-no-Mikoto, as it’s said that Susanoo was…

Brewery Viewing & Carefully-Crafted Cafe Experiences at Iinuma Honke For most travelers arriving in Narita Airport, the only hint that the airport isn’t actually in Tokyo is the long train ride into the city. But the Narita area of Chiba has some interesting destinations for visitors who care to take a look, and that includes the Iinuma Honke Brewery…

Kameido Tenjin Shrine was built back in the days before Tokyo became the capital of Japan, when it was a mid-17th-century bayside port city ruled by the Edo clan, and just the place for an intrepid young Shinto priest. The shrine is dedicated to the god Tenjin, who was once…