Number one on the "top 10 places to go" list in Japan in TIME magazine online, the Tsukiji Fish Market definitely has its own charms that all fish lovers (and even those less attached to sea creatures), should not miss out on. We have provided this short guide to visiting and enjoying the Tsukiji Fish Market.
Read MoreMeisho-e (名所絵) are not merely depictions of famous places; they are storytelling landscapes, where geography intertwines with the history of the past. Created at the turn of an era where journeys away from home were still not a common practice, these works allowed people to explore distant places through the eyes of skilled artists. In them, we find not only artistry but also a lasting sense of wonder that continues to inspire people to this day.
Read MoreThe breathtaking Nikko City(日光), nestled in the mountains north of Tokyo in Tochigi prefecture, offers a captivating blend of rich historical heritage and stunning natural beauty. Home to UNESCO World Heritage shrines and temples, Nikko blends architectural and spiritual splendor. Surrounding these cultural landmarks are dense forests, clear rivers, and pristine waterfalls.
Read MoreExperience a change of pace with the tranquil atmosphere and lush nature provided by the Goto Islands. These islands are comprised of five main islands off the coast of Nagasaki Prefecture in the southern Kyushu region of Japan. As the name “Goto Retto” translates into “five-island archipelago,” those islands are Fukue, Hisaka, Naru, Wakamatsu, and Nakadori.
Read MoreThe Okinawa Islands comprise 160 total islands in the southernmost part of Japan. Formally part of the Ryukyu Kingdom, which thrived through trade with other East and Southeast Asian countries, the archipelago has boasted its rich history well before its establishment as a Japanese prefecture in 1879.
Read MoreDiscover beauty in imperfection with the Japanese aesthetic philosophy of wabi-sabi (侘寂). This uniquely Japanese concept centers around the appreciation of transience and imperfection that can be found in anything from a crack in a teacup, the fleeting beauty of cherry blossoms or fall leaves, rust on metal, and other phenomena observed in ordinary life.
Read MoreWhile many travelers are familiar with the areas of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, many overlook the regions to the north, which in itself offers an incredible array of natural treasures unlike anywhere else in Japan.
Read MorePlaced as a major landmark on the Edo-period Tokaido road between the major cities of Kyoto and Edo (modern-day Tokyo), the city of Hakone, tucked away near Mt. Fuji, still carries on its remarkable legacy as a bridge between tradition and modernity. Four hundred years ago, this city served as a major checkpoint in Edo-period travel.
Read MoreWhile Japan is often associated in the West with its rich history and unique traditions, some also think of the country, especially its capital of Tokyo, as a bustling urban sprawl, a machine in constant, grinding motion. If that is the case, Golden Week, also known as Ogon Shukan (黄金週間), is a time when the country takes a collective deep breath.
Read MoreWhen ambitious travelers dream of their journey to Japan, their thoughts are often filled with the neon glow of Tokyo, the serene temples and shrines of Kyoto, and the powdery slopes of Hokkaido. But tucked away just one hour from the bustling city life of Tokyo lies Enoshima (江ノ島) and Kamakura (鎌倉), hidden seaside getaways just waiting to be discovered.
Read MoreIn Japan, centuries-old traditions dye the very fabric of thought that guides us through our daily lives. Here, one particular concept that has endured throughout the ages is Mono no Aware (物の哀れ), often translated as “the pathos of things.” An ancient concept within Japanese aesthetics, Mono no Aware seeks to turn our awareness to the impermanence of everything around us.
Read MoreThe three syllables that make up the word “kabuki” (歌舞伎), mean “music”, “dance”, and “acting”, respectively. The whole word itself comes from an archaic verb kabuki, which means “to incline”, and references the actors' flamboyant clothes and actions. Since the kabuki’s founding, spectators were well aware that this new type of theater would be a strong deviation from noh traditions.
Read MoreTokyo’s geisha culture is one that is rich, yet virtually unknown by many. With six hanamachi (花街, Japanese geisha districts) and hundreds of years of history, there is much to experience in this hidden culture.
Read More“Irasshai!” Customers are greeted by the Japanese word for “welcome” as they enter a traditional sushi restaurant. They are led to the counter seat, and decide to do “omakase,” leaving the responsibility of choosing the selection of fish to the chef. The chef knows best; which order to eat, what fish is in season, and which fish is especially good on that particular day.
Read MoreSitting on tranquil waters in the very heart of Tennozu Isle’s contemporary art scene is the marvelous T-Lotus M. Internationally acclaimed Japanese architect Kengo Kuma designed this stunning three-story structure, which is now available to hire for events.
Read MoreHave you ever thought of visiting Japan for a foray of modern art? Japanese artists have put their names out there on the international stage, and now every month dozens of art festivals take place all around the country. We’ve picked out the best 5 here for you to plan an amazing art journey to Japan.
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