If you visit traditional souvenir shops or hot spring towns in Japan, you will likely encounter charming, minimalist wooden dolls with round heads and cylindrical bodies. These are Kokeshi (こけし). With their simple hand-painted faces and lack of arms or … Read More
High in the mountains of northern Japan stands one of the country’s most breathtaking temple complexes: Risshaku-ji, widely known as Yamadera. Located in Yamagata, this historic Buddhist temple is famous for its dramatic cliffside buildings, 1,000 stone steps, and its … Read More
If you’re looking for the most magical cherry blossom spot in Fukushima, this is it.The Hitachisen Weeping Cherry Blossom Avenue feels like stepping into the world of a video game or anime — a real-life sakura tunnel that stretches endlessly … Read More
Miyagi Prefecture is home to some of the most breathtaking cherry blossom scenery in Japan.From rivers lined with thousands of trees to historic shrines and urban parks, Miyagi offers a wide variety of sakura experiences — many of them less … Read More
What Is a Kamakura? Kamakura is a traditional snow structure made by hollowing out a large mound of snow, creating a small room inside.In snowy regions of Japan, kamakura have long been used as winter shelters and as sacred spaces … Read More
Towering above the city of Sendai, Sendai Daikannon is one of Japan’s most surprising landmarks.Standing at 100 meters tall, it is the second tallest statue in Japan—and one of the very few giant statues in the country that visitors can … Read More
A Unique Temple Unlike Any Other in Japan Hidden in the historic city of Aizuwakamatsu in Fukushima Prefecture, Aizu Sazae-dō (会津さざえ堂) is one of Japan’s most fascinating architectural wonders. Officially called Entsū Sansō-dō (円通三匝堂), this wooden pagoda was built in … Read More
Meet the Beloved “Aomori Dog” and “A to Z Memorial Dog” Who is Yoshitomo Nara? Yoshitomo Nara is one of Japan’s most internationally recognized contemporary artists. Born in Hirosaki, Aomori Prefecture, he is famous for his paintings and sculptures of … Read More
Kemuyama Sunflower Park in Yahaba Town, Iwate Prefecture, is a breathtaking summer destination where over 400,000 sunflowers bloom across vast fields against the backdrop of the majestic Mt. Nansho. If you’re traveling in northern Japan during August, this hidden gem … Read More
Located in Ichinoseki City (一関), Iwate Prefecture, Michinoku Hydrangea Garden is one of Japan’s premier spots to enjoy the mesmerizing beauty of hydrangeas. Every summer, the garden hosts the “Michinoku Hydrangea Festival,” showcasing over 400 varieties and 40,000 hydrangeas in … Read More