Kurokawa Hot Spring Village, Kyushu

The charming hot spring village of Kurokawa in Kyushu is such a gem that I had a dilemma about whether or not I wanted to...

By Joanna Pearce
February 12, 2015 | Lifestyle

Rich Land, History and Culture in the Oki Islands

Spectacular views, horses and cows grazing in the distance, fascinating rock formations and delicious seafood are just some of the things you can find on...

By Bonnie Waycott
February 6, 2015 | Lifestyle

Honolulu: The Savvy Insider’s Guide

Due to its relative proximity and some cultural similarities, Hawaii is a popular destination for those traveling from Japan, but many people stick to the...

By Cheryl White
January 29, 2015 | Lifestyle

Okinawa in the Off Season

Okinawa in the winter months makes for an affordable getaway. Airfare and hotels are much cheaper, and the tourist attractions aren’t as crowded. The average...

By Teresa Ann Koide
January 22, 2015 | Lifestyle

Yokohama’s Art Deco Walk

The Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 was devastating for the booming cities of Tokyo and Yokohama. In particular Yokohama, which had hitherto seen fabulous growth...

By Cheryl White
January 15, 2015 | Art & Culture, Lifestyle

The Oki Islands: Diving into the Sea of Japan

Enter the underwater realm of the Sea of Japan and you are sure to notice certain things. First, there is the environment that surrounds you,...

By Bonnie Waycott
January 8, 2015 | Lifestyle

Taking It Slow in Hakone

Life in any big city tends to bring with it a whirlwind of business meetings, deadlines, social functions, and other commitments. Tokyo often seems to...

By Kelly Wetherille
December 18, 2014 | Lifestyle

Minakami Onsen Weekend Getaway

Minakami Onsen, a region in Gunma Prefecture, about 150 kilometers northwest of Tokyo is the perfect place to do some great and challenging hikes during...

By Katharina von Tschurtschenthaler
November 23, 2014 | Lifestyle

Kasama: Getting Crafty in Ibaraki

Japan is a nation of craftspeople: brushmakers, food artists, textile and laquerware masters, papermakers, woodblock carvers, ceramicists. And while Japanese ceramics certainly need no introduction...

By Cynthia Popper
November 6, 2014 | Art & Culture, Lifestyle

Hoi An: A Magic Getaway

Vietnam. As far as holiday destinations, it’s an occasionally overlooked pick. While many Tokyoites head to Thailand or Indonesia to play in the sand, Hoi...

By Cynthia Popper
October 10, 2014 | Lifestyle

Beach Combing in Uraga

An hour south of Tokyo is the seaside city of Yokosuka. Perhaps best known for the huge United States Naval Base that sits to one...

By Cheryl White
October 2, 2014 | Lifestyle