Bridging Japan’s major hub of Kanto and the most northern island of Hokkaido, the Tohoku region boasts some of the main island of Honshu’s most celebrated attractions, its unique culinary culture e
In addition to being the season when you will have the best chance to see Mount Fuji thanks to clear weather, winter in Japan has many surprises in store for you.
The Tohoku region consists of the north east part of the main island of Honshu including the six prefectures of Aomori, Akita, Iwate, Yamagata, Miyagi and Fukushima.
This fall, Japan Experience shares its selection of the best places to enjoy the Japanese phenomenon of kōyō, when the natural landscape is transformed and the leaves turn red.
From Kyushu to northern Honshu, discover the best places to enjoy cherry blossoms... by night! Experience this well-known phenomenon in Japan: yozakura.
When visiting Japan, you might have to do some shopping at a supermarket, but don't be intimidated! Here's a guide to what to expect when shopping at a supermarket in Japan...
Given the urban density of most of the cities in Japan, and the speed with which the authorities notice illegally parked cars, it is very unlikely that you will easily find somewhere when p
With its Mediterranean landscapes planted with olive trees along the Inland Sea of Japan (Setouchi), its mountainous landform, rice terraces, lush forests and long white sand beaches, Shikoku delig
Put in drive and let the road guide you: driving in Japan is an experience not to be missed when you want to get off the beaten track... provided that you know where your wheels will take you!
Besides the blooming sakura and the blushing leaves during the koyo season; events well known to tourists visiting Japan, however, Japan also has many other natural wonders!
The Japanese summer is hot. Very hot! Inside, the air conditioning may offer a break, but outside, you might find it hard to find a corner in the shade.
The image of Japan for many is often futuristic with crowded cities but Japan also has its small ancient villages, a more rural and quiet side of Japan, the heart of Japan.
Japan has closed its borders to many countries and the most popular sites are now deserted. This is a perfect opportunity for the lucky ones living in Japan or who can travel and explore these plac
The "100-yen shop" is an institution in Japan. They cover the needs of daily life for only 110 yen! You can also find very inexpensive stationery and souvenirs to bring back from Japan.
From mid-June to early July, it is the rainy season in Japan (known as Tsuyu). Wind, humidity, and heat, this time of year is often shunned by visitors.
Kyushu's Best Onsen Hot Springs: see a listing of the best onsen resorts in Kyushu including Yamada Bessou and Takegawara Onsen in Beppu and Otobaru Waterfall.
Top Ten Not So Famous or Hidden Gardens in Japan: we introduce ten not-so-famous gardens in Japan. These beautiful gardens live in the shadow of the top 10.
The Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage is an ancient pilgrimage route of 33 Buddhist temples, centered on Kyoto. It is most probably the oldest pilgrimage in Japan.
Kyoto Tour: Two Days in Kyoto Itinerary: For those travelers to Kyoto who have just 2 days to see the ancient capital's many sites, what to do? What to choose? What to weed out?
Top Ten Parks and Gardens in Japan: see a listing of the best Japanese gardens and parks including Kenrokuen, Korakuen, Kairakuen, Rikugien and Katsura Rikyu Imperial Villa.
Shikoku is the smallest of the four main islands of Japan. Located in the southwest of the island of Honshu, it is bathed by the waters of the Seto Isand Sea (Seto Naikai) and the Pacific Ocean.
The Sasaguri Pilgrimage is a very popular pilgrimage in northern Kyushu that visits 88 Buddhist temples along a 50 kilometer route set in the countryside and mountains near Fukuoka.
Tattoos & Hot Spring Bathing: Japan has something of a taboo about tattoos but there are many places where you can soak with inked sink throughout the country.
At the center of the political and cultural life of Japan for more than 1000 years, due to the presence of the ancient and illustrious imperial capitals, Kyoto and Nara, the Kansai region enjoys a
Are you arriving at or wanting to reach Kansai International Airport (KIX)? Japan Experience will guide you through everything you need to know to organize your trip.
Winter in Sapporo: read a guide to what to do in Sapporo over the winter including the Sapporo Snow Festival, Susukino Ice World, Sapporo Olympic Museum and Lake Shikotsu.
In Japan, the omiyage (souvenir) is a tradition and social obligation. The Japanese give them to family, friends, but also to neighbors and colleagues.
The beauty of the colors with which the trees are adorned in autumn is ephemeral, the Japanese have made it a feast of the contemplation of time passing: the momijigari, the kōyō hunt, the blushing
For several years now, we have seen many Japanese women, but also foreigners from all over the world, strolling through Japanese cities in summer in a yukata.
Almost 70% of Japanese land is covered by mountains and the best ski resorts listed amongst the world are right here making it a real paradise for skiers!
What's better than soaking in a hot bath after a day of sightseeing and exploring? Onsens are hot springs water from thermal springs of volcanic origin.
Kuchinotsu to Oniike Ferry: Shimatetsu ferries ply between Kuchinotsu Port in Nagasaki and Oniike Ferry Terminal on Shimoshima Island in the Amakusa Islands, Kumamoto.
Unlike other countries, such as the United States, Japan has perfected its rail system, including the monorail, which is more practical due to its fast and economical production, but above all buil
Japan is an archipelago of volcanic islands which extends over more than 3000 kilometers from the Russian coast to the island of Taiwan, creating a great diversity of landscapes that have been clas
Sumo is a rare spectacle: six tournaments are organized each year in four cities of the country. Here's a little guide for those interested in watching the match live.
Kagoshima Airport (KOJ) is the second busiest airport in Kyushu after Fukuoka and has flights to Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya as well as international flights to China and South Korea.
Baseball was introduced to Japan in 1872 and is currently one of the most popular sports in the country. Baseball will therefore naturally return to the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.
There's something magical about Japan in winter... Especially when it snows, under illuminations, and even fireworks, the first snowflakes are often synonymous with festivities around the country.
Japanese lotuses are unique with their huge round leaves and flowers having pink, red, or white petals. Open or closed, they are magnificent and give off an intoxicating fragrance.
The "100 famous mountains of Japan" are a list of mountains in the country established by the Japanese writer and mountaineer Kyuya Fukada in 1964 in a book, for which he obtained the Yomiuri P
When we think of onsen, we immediately think of ryokan, these traditional inns that offer the possibility of experiencing the pleasures of Japanese bathing by spending a night in
Japan is known for the diversity of its landscapes and panoramas that charm tourists across the country. But it also has a lot to offer in its basements...
In recent years, a phenomenon has appeared in Japan, the 'Power spots'. They are places where some people feel the positive energy from nature and have spiritual experiences.
Preservation Districts in Japan for Groups of Traditional Buildings (Historic Streetscapes): there are 118 such districts scattered from Okinawa to Hokkaido.
A unique travel experience in Japan, spending the night in a Japanese temple allows you to immerse yourself in the mysterious atmosphere of monastic life.
Being greeted by robots, sleeping in capsules and waking up to Godzilla... Welcome to Japan! Discover exceptional accommodations that you will only find in the Land of the Rising Sun.
The yellow Book Off sign thrones in the streets of many cities in Japan, becoming as iconic as restaurant chains such as Mos Burger or the king of discount Don Quijote!
Next to baseball, golf is one of the favorite sports of the Japanese. Japan has become a paradise for golfers to enjoy the numerous excellent golf courses around the country!
The Sunset is quite early in Japan, but not interested in going home to slump in front of the television... because when the neon lights turn on, the party begins: Discover our selection of activi
Visiting the Japanese archipelago off-season can be a great idea, with many advantages compared with traveling at the most popular times. Discover another side of Japan...
Japan attracts tourists for its magnificent landscapes, culture, and people's friendliness, and its pop culture is known worldwide. Here are five top reasons to visit Japan!
In addition to allowing motorists to rest for a few minutes during a long journey, the rest areas offer them, in addition to what to eat, a whole host of small, even sometimes extravagant pleasures
Until 2013, Mount Fuji was refused registration as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for a long time, particularly for the amount of waste that polluted its sides.
Japan Experience climbed Mount Fuji as soon as the slopes of the volcano opened in early July. After five hours of effort, a reward: the sunrise from the summit, a magical moment.
Surprisingly, the small village of Asuka, not far from Nara, is in fact the first capital of Japan! It is now a traditional village, all that is most picturesque.
Japan is surrounded by the sea, and as a result the country is dotted with beautiful beaches. White sand, crystal clear waters and magnificent scenery.
Japan may not automatically spring to mind when thinking about a destination for surfing, but nevertheless Japan has some decent spots that attract amateur boarders.
Tatara was the technology for producing iron and steel used in Japan since ancient times. Sometimes called a bloomery, sometimes forge, tatara are most commonly known as furnaces.
Traveling in Japan is quite expensive but whether it is religious sites, parks or unique places, it is possible to visit many places without spending a yen.
Japan is a country made up of a multitude of islands, which is certainly a paradise for diving in the middle of multicolored fish and magnificent underwater landscapes.
Kyoto, the former capital of Japan, is an essential place to visit after Tokyo. Famous for its temples and traditional districts, it is not always easy to get by on a small budget.
Japan is traditionally perceived as a rather expensive destination. However, many free or inexpensive activities are on offer if you know where to look.
In winter, festivals don't hibernate in Japan! When it comes to snow, it's the northern regions that are in the spotlight. Discover some festivals not to be missed if you visit Japan in winter.
Finding a place to sleep in Japan on a budget can be tricky, as hotel prices can be high, especially when looking at traditional Japanese accommodation, ryokan, or when staying in particularly tour
The Yutorito Line is a guided bus route running on a 6.5km elevated track in downtown Nagoya later becoming a normal bus in the suburbs from Obata Ryokuchi Koen.
During a trip to Japan in winter, be sure to visit the following spots! You'll be surprised to discover how the season transforms the Japanese landscapes...
The Suonada Ferry runs from Tokuyama on the southern coast of Yamaguchi over to Takedatsu on the north coast of the Kunisaki Peninsula in Oita Prefecture on Kyushu in two hours.
In recent years some Japanese stations have begun to disappear - they haven't been completely consumed by nature, but they have become less and less frequented over time: they are called hikyo eki,
Railway Museums in Japan: see a listing of railway and subway museums in Japan including Kyoto Railway Museum, Omiya Railway Museum, Ome Railway Museum and the Scmaglev and Railway Park in Nagoya.
Meitetsu Bus Center inside the Meitetsu department store in the Nagoya Station (Meieki) area of Nagoya is a bus terminal for highway buses to many parts of Japan.
Bozejima & Iejima, in Hyogo Prefecture, are two islands in the Inland Sea off the coast of Himeji. Fishing and quarrying are the main industries on the islands.
To protect female passengers from unwanted attention when they travel, some Japanese rail companies have started designating women-only cars in their trains.
The Sakae Bus Terminal in the Oasis 21 Building in Nagoya is a major bus terminal for local Nagoya city buses, Meitetsu buses, limousine buses to Chubu International Airport (Centrair), Gifu buses
The Daisen Loop Bus is an April to November bus service out of Yonago City, Tottori Prefecture, for cheap and easy access to over 20 nearby attractions in and around Daisen National Park.
This fall, Japan Experience shares its selection of the best places to enjoy the Japanese phenomenon of koyo, when the natural landscape is transformed and the leaves turn red.
Nagoya Station Bus Terminal is a major Nagoya City Bus Terminal with buses to various destinations. The Me~guru Nagoya Sightseeing Route Bus also departs from Nagoya Station Bus Terminal.
Preparing for a trip to Japan is in itself quite an experience. Managing your budget too, especially since for many Japan is often synonymous with high prices... Think again!
Halfway between the library and the cyber cafe, manga kissa rent private boxes by the hour so you can enjoy your manga without interruption and or get some shut-eye!!
Osaka buses: see a listing of the various bus routes in Osaka from the main bus terminals, plus limousine buses to Osaka's airports and highway bus to other cities in Japan.
The Shikoku Pilgrimage is a 1,200 kilometer pilgrimage to 88 temples in Shikoku associated with Kobo Daishi. The Shikoku Pilgrimage is the most well-known pilgrimage in Japan.
The Tama Toshi Monorail offers a convenient north-south rail connection between the central western suburbs of Tokyo. Tama Monorail links the cities of Higashi Yamato, Tachikawa, Hino and Tama.
Japanese garden stones are the most important feature of a Japanese garden. If the ground is the flesh of a Japanese garden, then the stones are its bones.
Read a guide to the Chugoku (San-in San'yo) region consisting of the prefectures of Okayama, Shimane,
Hiroshima, Tottori and Yamaguchi in the far south west of Honshu.
In Kyoto, there are rules to be respected. The city publishes a guide to good behavior for travelers on its website, a mixture of common sense and explanations of Japanese culture.
Read six reasons to visit northern Japan in late winter including mind blowing festivals, hot springs in the snow, seafood, winter sports, sake and scenery.
Despite real estate pressures, there are still a lot of abandoned hotels in Japan. Today, they have become haunting places that are adream come true for urban explorers.
Richard Henry Brunton (1841-1901) was a Scottish engineer responsible for construction of 26 lighthouses on the coast of Japan during the Meiji Period.
Kitaoji Bus Terminal and the connected Kitaoji subway station are a major transport hub in northern Kyoto. Vivre Mall and Kyoto North Hall are part of the station complex.
From the tiny boutique to the store on several floors, thrift stores and vintage boutiques in Japan have something to delight bargain hunters and frilly lovers .
Tsukuba Bus Station つくばバスセンター is opposite Tsukuba Station. Both local and highway buses to Tokyo, Nagoya, Haneda, and Narita depart from Tsukuba Center.
Shimane Prefecture: read a guide to Shimane Prefecture in the Chugoku region of south west Japan including the cities of Matsue, Izumo, Hamada and Masuda.
Top 10 Japanese Flowers & Flowering Plants: Japan is home to a huge variety of plants and one of the joys of visiting is to experience its varied flora.
Mie is a mainly rural prefecture with its prefectural capital Tsu located close to Nagoya - attractions in Mie include Ise Jingu and the ninja museum at Iga-Ueno.
Uninterrupted internet access in Japan has far more advantages than simply allowing you to check your email. Here are 10 reasons to stay connected and improve your trip to Japan.
Japan's toll gates represent 30% of the causes of traffic congestion on highways. Thanks to ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) gates, they'll soon be nothing but a bad memory.
Busta Shinjuku is the bus and taxi terminal for Shinjuku Station, located at the station's south end, and connecting the area by highway bus with destinations throughout Japan.
Choosing the most beautiful places in Japan seems impossible, considering all the amazing places in the country! Fortunately, the Japanese themselves have an official list.
ICOCA & Haruka: the ICOCA & Haruka pass provides either a one-way or return ride on the Haruka Express from KIX plus an ICOCA IC card for Kansai buses and subway.
For the past few years Japan has focused its efforts on foreign tourism, including through the "cool Japan" campaign. This is an opportunity to take advantage of the lower prices and better access
Knowing how to behave in case of a high magnitude earthquake is important in order to ensure your safety during a stay in Japan. Here is a short survival guide!
The Japanese company Willer Express offers a pass for unlimited travel for all foreign visitors to Japan. Another way to visit the archipelago with complete freedom!
Ten days is the average length of stay in Japan. What to do during this time? How long should you devote to each city? Here are four types of itineraries to chose from.
Japan is one of the countries in the world that have taken this issue to heart the most. With an ageing Japanese population, accessibility has increasingly become a focus.
Japan is a safe country - everyone will tell you that. The streets exude security and if you lose something, you have every chance of finding it in the same place...
Japan also has its dark side and Japanese ghosts are now everywhere, including in the movies. Some places in Japan are at the origin of some of our greatest fears...
Etajima to Hiroshima Port Ferry: If you are traveling from Hiroshima to cycle around Etajima or visit the Museum of Naval History on the island chances are you will take the ferry from Hiroshima Po
The Hiroshima Sightseeing Loop Bus (Hiroshima meipuru-pu) is an excellent way for tourists to get around Hiroshima, especially if you have a Japan Rail Pass.
While Japan is known for its exceptional trains and railway network, it is also possible, and enjoyable, to travel by ferry between the islands of the archipelago for a simple crossing or even a cr
Yamanashi Prefecture: read a guide to Yamanashi Prefecture west of Tokyo and famous for its lovely highland scenery including Mt. Fuji and Shosenkyo Gorge.
The urban jungle of the Japanese capital can become stifling. But no need to leave the city to find an oasis and take refuge in a green and original Tokyo.
It's official: Japanese cherry trees are set to start blooming from March 20, 2015! To not miss anything, all the details on this floral weather, which the Japanese take very seriously.
At first glance, it looks like a conventional travel card. But the Suica is much more than that... With it, travellers can pay in konbini, vending machines, or even rent a locker.
Want to experience hanami, but don't know when and where to go? Here is a selection of the most beautiful spots for Japanese cherry trees from the far north to the tropics.
A mobile phone can prove to be a useful and even essential tool if you want to make the most out of your stay in Japan. It provides a feeling of security, but is also a way to make reservations, re
Tokyo is not only one of the one of the world's major marathon cities: weekend runners have made it a delight for joggers, and jogging routes are plentiful. Guide Japon suggests five.
These are the sightseeing boats of Tokyo that travel the bay and offer a new perspective on the capital. Welcome aboard the Yakatabunes, summer boats dating back to the Edo period.
Summer in Japan would not be complete without the famous fireworks (hanabi taikai). Hundreds of fireworks displays are held each year throughout the country, mainly in summer.
Discovering the local cuisine through cultural exchange with the Japanese? It's possible with Nagomi Visit, which organizes meals with local people. But not just anywhere: at home.
The Randen (Keifuku) Line is the last remaining tram line in Kyoto. The Randen (Keifuku) Line has two lines from Shijo Omiya and Kitano Hakubaicho to Arashiyama.
This Spring Festival (held early on February 3rd) is an opportunity to shoo away bad spirits by throwing magic beans at demons! In Kyoto, even the geisha take part in this famous ritual.
