Japan, a forerunner in world cinema, has one of the most acclaimed film industries in the world. Their contribution to world cinema has not gone unnoticed with Japan winning—not once, but four times—the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film (the record high for any Asian nation). This list will chronicle some of the … Read more
Osaka might not have a reputation for clubbing that Tokyo does, but as the major club center in the Kansai region, Osaka’s nightlife brings in huge crowds. Trying to make a list of the top clubs can be tough. Weighing personal preferences against solid crowd-pleasers always presents a challenge. Fortunately, Osaka has some venues that … Read more
Don’t take the Japanese summer for granted. The temperatures might look mild on paper, but the high humidity makes the weather dangerous. Thousands are hospitalized from heat stroke each year. Staying in your apartment with the AC blasting might seem like the safest way to spend your summer, but there’s another option. Japan has many … Read more
Japan may not be the place you associate winter travel with, but then again, does anyone associate the word “winter” with “travel”? I think of winter, and I think of several heavy blankets, made into a mountain-shaped pile under which I remain for four solid months with my laptop, streaming Netflix. Like a bear. A … Read more
On a recent trip back to Japan, I overheard two young Japanese women talking about what they’d missed most while living overseas for a year. Together, they said, “Conbini!” and started laughing. And I nodded my head in agreement because, yeah, I miss them too. And for good reason: conbini, short for convenience stores (spelled … Read more
Whether you visit Japan for a short stay or a long vacation, this complete Japan travel guide will help you to prepare. Japan’s customs, culture, and weather is probably completely different from your home country. In fact, it’s probably different from any other country in the world. Don’t be put off – it may take … Read more
Japan is well known for putting its own unique spin on things. Their museums are no different. You’ll find hundreds of museums in Japan. They cover everything from anime characters to buttons to parasites. Forget the National Science Museum or the Museum of Modern Art. Make tracks for our top ten quirky Japanese museums you … Read more
Japan has thousands of festivals each year. The cherry blossom festival and summer-time firework displays take place all over Japan. Each city and town also have their own celebrations showcasing the local flavor unique to that part of the country. Attending a local festival is a great way to see another side of Japan and … Read more
Surrounded by Cats, Bunnies, and Foxes: A Taste of Cute Animal Islands in Japan Japan’s animal attractions can be a hit or miss. Many zoos or animal-themed parks can be depressing to foreign visitors, featuring small cages and apathetic animals. Animals at many pet-cafes quickly become bored of the attention they receive from customers and … Read more
When Is the Best Time to Visit Japan? This complete guide will give you all of the information you need to decide when the best time to visit to Japan is for you. We’ll take a look at the pros and cons of visiting Japan in certain seasons, and other factors (such as cost, weather, … Read more
One type of attraction in Japan that is popular with both foreign and local tourists is castles. There are more than 100 castles in present day Japan; an impressive number until you learn that in days gone by there are thought to have been more than 5,000. Many Japanese castles have fallen into disrepair or … Read more
Every visitor to Japan should experience an onsen. These uniquely Japanese baths will rejuvenate you after a long journey. The onsen themselves are an attraction, located in areas of great natural beauty or charming historical buildings. Relax and strike up a conversation with a local. Japanese bathers are more likely to chat with a stranger … Read more