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Scenery of Shiretoko in Hokkaido, Shari-cho, Midsummer

Outdoor Adventure

In a Lesser-Known Part of Japan, Outdoor Adventure Awaits

Explore bubbling volcanoes, primeval forests, and fantastical wildlife in the far east of Hokkaido.

March 22, 2024 01:25 PM

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Sarika Bansal

Gifu, Japan - May 3 2023: World heritage site - The Historical Village of Shirakawa-go, Gifu, Japan.

Where to Travel Next

7 Charming Small Towns in Japan You Must Visit

Venture beyond the big cities and you’ll find peaceful onsen, historic architecture, and the freshest sushi.

October 3, 2024 11:45 AM

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Yukari Sakamoto

4 Days In

4 Days in Tokyo: Vintage Denim Boutiques, Playful Museums, and Surprisingly Great Pizza

Don’t let the city overwhelm you—use this local-created guide to find the best neighborhoods, shops, and food.

February 12, 2026 03:36 PM

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Yukari Sakamoto

Hotels

Japan’s Mount Fuji Has a New Luxury Hotel With Private Hot Springs and Michelin-Worthy Dining

Gora Kadan, one of Japan’s most respected ryokans, opens its second property, bringing its revered hospitality to a stunning new location near Mount Fuji.

July 18, 2025 11:41 AM

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Yukari Sakamoto

Sakura bloom in the Brooklyn Botanic Garden.

Where to Go in Spring

15 Places to See Cherry Blossoms Across the United States

You don’t need to fly to Japan to see these legendary pink flowers.

March 10, 2026 01:37 PM

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Alina Polishuk

Ocean Cruises

6 Best Japan Cruises for Every Type of Traveler

Drawn to Japan’s natural marvels or curious about its culture and cuisine? Whether you want to sail in luxury or with a locally owned boutique ship, there’s a perfect Japan cruise for you.

June 17, 2024 07:00 PM

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Fran Golden

History + Culture

You Have to Leave Tokyo to Try Japan’s Best Matcha

Here is where you can find the crème de la crème of the superfood.

August 14, 2024 05:15 PM

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Alex Schechter

Shot of of building in Gion/downtown area of Kyoto

Destination Spotlight

8 Must-Stop Places on a Trip Around Japan

Visit both well-loved and lesser-known places on your next Japan trip.

June 2, 2023 05:19 PM

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Yukari Sakamoto

This guest room at the Four Seasons Hotel Osaka has blond wood interiors and views of the city.

Stay Here Next

At this New Hotel in Osaka, Michelin-Starred Dining Meets Japanese Hospitality

At the new Four Seasons Hotel Osaka, there’s an exclusive modern ryokan within the hotel and an enticing culinary program.

January 31, 2025 04:29 PM

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Yukari Sakamoto

Museums + Galleries

This New Tokyo Museum Feels Like Traveling in Time to Midcentury Japan—Vinyl Records, Rotary Phones, and All

The Odaiba Retro Museum brings Japan’s Shōwa era back to life, tapping into Tokyo’s growing love of analogue nostalgia.

April 16, 2026 02:55 PM

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Karen Gardiner

Travel Tips + Etiquette

A Beginner’s Guide to Japanese Onsen Etiquette

Before visiting a traditional onsen, you need to know these specific rules for entering (and enjoying) the natural-spring bathhouses.

January 29, 2023 02:31 PM

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Adam H. Graham

The rooms at Gora Kadan have views of intimate gardens with maple trees.

Hotels

What to Know Before Staying in a Ryokan in Japan

A ryokan is one of the coolest hotel experiences you can have in Japan—here’s how to navigate one.

November 8, 2023 09:00 AM

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Nicola Chilton

Katsuo-ji temple in Minoh, Osaka, Japan seen with fall foliage

Travel Tips + Etiquette

The Best Time to Visit Japan For Every Type of Trip

Here’s when to go to Japan for cherry blossoms, skiing, and fewer crowds.

October 7, 2025 02:46 AM

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Sophie Friedman

The pleasure of yakitori is experiencing the different textures: crunchy cartilage, chewy chicken skin, rich gizzards, and more.

Food + Drink

8 Essential Japanese Street Foods to Try

Navigate the delicious world of Japanese street food with this list of essential snacks, meals, and more—along with where in Japan to try them.

September 6, 2022 10:14 AM

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Yukari Sakamoto

A man in a backpack walking through a red shrine entrance in Shingu, Japan.

Hiking + Cycling

This Epic Hike in Japan Takes You Through Ancient Shrines, Onsen Towns, and Magical Forests

You’ve heard of the Camino de Santiago. But what about the Kumano Kodo? Here’s how to hike Japan’s sacred route.

April 10, 2024 07:14 PM

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Miranda Smith

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