Tohoku

As sweltering summer turns to autumn, leaves take on an amber hue starting from the mountains in Hokkaido and spreading southwards. Here are three top spots where Japanese people go “koyo (autumn leaf) hunting”!  Arashiyama, Kyoto 嵐山－京都   Best...

Within just 3 hours of Central Japan, you can find slopes to suit any ski level, not to mention a great selection of spas. Our top four picks take you high, where trees freeze into "ice...

Here you can row a pleasure boat in one of the largest lakes in the 800m high Bandai Highlands, Lake Hibara, before embarking on a 3.6km route through the cluster of lakes at Goshiki-numa...

Shirakami Sanchi: Beech Forest Sanctuary Transcending Time With its four distinct seasons and deep valuing of tradition, it is no wonder that Japan ranks among the top of the list of countries with numerous natural...

Larger than life lanterns at the Aomori Nebuta Festival Ready to celebrate Japan’s ancient traditions at a matsuri of massive proportions? Grab your geta, and head up to the Aomori Nebuta Festival on Aug. 1-7, one...

Tohoku - the northeastern region of Japan's main island -  is most enjoyable in autumn, when this scenic area is aflame with fall colors, and its famed fruits and seafood are in full harvest. And...

Every night this week till Friday, the sleepy streets of Aomori city roar into life with the chants of "ra-se-ra, ra-se-ra, ra-se-ra-se-ra-se-ra!" and thousands of feet spring off the ground as they dance to the...

Summertime in Japan isn't complete without watermelons, shaved ice, wind chimes, mosquito coils and last but not least, fireworks of massive proportions! It's a great reason to put on a summer yukata, throng the streets...

Recently, a major convenience store chain in Japan came up with a summer version of dango (mochi, or rice cakes, usually on a stick) meant to be eaten cooled. Presumably this is to make...

King of Onsens - The Princess Water hot spring Some hot springs are so good you never forget them. For me, the Zao Dairotenburo Hot Spring in Yamagata prefecture is one of those. A decade...