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  • Once upon a time, these storied châteaux and fortresses housed royals and scared off invaders—now they’re open to the public.
  • Oita, on Japan’s southernmost Kyushu Island, has thousands of hot springs to explore. Here’s how to make the most of your time there.
  • Slated to open November 1, Ghibli Park will be located just outside of Nagoya.
  • Discover a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, architecture, whiskey, and more in this lesser-known—and absolutely gorgeous—region of Japan.
  • The long-awaited museum dedicated to all things cinema will open September 30 in the “movie capital of the world,” with views of the iconic Hollywood hills.
  • This island of Japan is best experienced through its verdant mountains, active volcanoes, thermal waterfalls, and thousands of bubbling hot springs.
  • The 36+3 sightseeing train joins the Seven Stars sleeper train in Kyushu, adding five new routes to Japan’s southernmost main island.
  • Looking for some good news—or at least a delightful diversion—in this time of uncertainty and isolation? AFAR’s editors share the positive little things that have brightened long days spent inside.
  • No crowds. No cosplay. Just temples, trees, and a warm bath at the end of the day on the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route.
  • You might go for the temples. They’ll go for the video games, giant toy stores, and bizarre candy.
  • A small but lively Japanese scene is thriving in the glitzy city.
  • 1-chōme-1-83 Shimorenjaku, Mitaka, Tōkyō-to 181-0013, Japan
    Since its founding in 1985, Studio Ghibli has become one of the world’s preeminent masters of film animation. The Ghibli Museum, opened in 2001, is nested within one of Tokyo’s most beloved parks, Inokashira Park—just 20 minutes by train from Shinjuku to either Mitaka or Kichijōji. Take time before or after your museum visit to stroll through the park or to rent a paddle boat. Included with the price of admission is one viewing in the Saturn Theater, where Ghibli’s short films—made exclusively for the museum—are screened. The tickets themselves are precious as well—each one is made of original 35mm film print. On the second floor, the permanent exhibits are set up as an animator’s workshop and display the many steps of the animation process. Tubes of paint, pencils, and figurines sit scattered across a desk alongside paint palettes and works in progress. A stack of books about World War II aircraft sits in the corner, while model airplanes dangle from the rafters. Visitors can see original concept sketches, storyboards, background matte paintings, and animation cels—a rare treat for fans. Other exhibits demonstrate the science of animation, including the “Bouncing Totoro” zoetrope. When illuminated by strobe lights, the figurines on the turntables spring to life. Admission is by advance purchase only. While it is possible to buy tickets in Japan at most Lawson locations, visitors outside Japan can buy tickets through an authorized travel agency. Photo: Grace Lingad
  • Untouched by humans before the 1800s, Boundary Island wins my vote for most beautiful water on all of the Sanya coastline. It’s still touristy, of course—and you should definitely skip the “submarine ride,” which isn’t worth the money—but the diving and snorkeling there are phenomenal, and simply walking the beach is a joy.
  • 1 Chome Sotokanda, Chiyoda, Tokyo, Japan
    Long known as the neighborhood where consumers—both locals and visitors—come for electronics, Akihabara has evolved to include a manga and anime subculture, with anime character models roaming the streets and anime videos playing in stores and restaurants. Retro computer-game fans will not want to miss Super Potato Retro-kan for its selection of vintage and used games.
  • Miyazaki, Miyazaki Prefecture, Japan
    Miyazaki’s serious shopping takes place on Tachibana-dori, which is lined with retail stores and boutiques, as well as restaurants, cafés and other diversions. Also worth strolling is Shiki-dori, another pedestrian-friendly shopping street near Tachibana.