Food & Drink
From traditional delicacy to conveyor belt convenience, sushi in Tokyo has gone through a long journey throughout history. But we might not know the globally popular dish without one clever food stall owner.
Art & Culture
Only a short trip from Narita Airport, the Naritasan Museum of Calligraphy lies in Naritasan Park, near Naritasan Shinshoji Temple. Enrich your journey into Japanese art and style by learning about the long history of Japanese formal brushstrokes, as well as the masters of the art form.
History
Known for unique clay warehouses, the former castle town of Kawagoe has so much in store for visitors to Saitama. Learn about the historical area and chomp on traditional treats while wearing a kimono on this special cultural activity.
Food & Drink
Saitama is home to two major rivers, the Arakawa and Tone, which provide high-quality water that’s perfect for brewing sake. With over 30 breweries spread throughout the prefecture, you’re invited to come and get a taste of the region yourself. We’ll take a closer look at three top producers.
Art & Culture
Daruma, hollow and rounded dolls generally made from paper, are one of Japan’s most enduring lucky icons. In Takasaki, visitors can try their hand at the craft in a workshop led by artisans recognized by Gunma Prefecture’s most famous daruma craftsman.
Relaxing Stay
Of the 2,982 or so onsen (natural hot spring baths) in Japan, Kusatsu Onsen in Gunma has been rated number one of the Top 100 Onsen selected by travel pros for the past 17 years in a row. Come learn how this small town has become one of the most popular onsen resort towns in the country, fielding around 3 million visitors annually.
History
Walk along a route once used by pilgrims, aristocrats, and merchants in ancient Japan as you wander the Nagano streets of Narai-juku, one of the best-preserved stations of the Nakasendo route that connected Tokyo to Kyoto.
Art & Culture
Only two hours from Tokyo by train lies Matsumoto, home to one of the best-preserved castles in Japan. Matsumoto Castle is a National Treasure of Japan, and one you have to see with your own eyes.
History
Samurai culture still thrives in Aizuwakamatsu, a castle town in central Fukushima. A distinguished school aims to keep traditions alive by introducing the authentic culture of the ancient samurai warriors to the entire world.
Art & Culture
Kick it old school in Aizuwakamatsu as you learn the basics of Japanese swordplay in one of Japan’s most revered samurai cities, right in the heart of Fukushima.
History
Located off the coast of Niigata Prefecture in the Sea of Japan, the remote island of Sado holds a unique place in Japanese history. Learn about how this former gold mine was a shining part of the Japanese economy.
Art & Culture
Traditional crafts are always in style in Japan and one such city to create your own piece of culture is Mito, the capital city of Ibaraki where you’ll learn all about the famed Suifu chochin lanterns of the region.
Art & Culture
Learn how the art form of bonsai came to be at Omiya Bonsai Village, just a quick trip from Tokyo. (Photo: ©STIB)
Art & Culture
Head to Japan’s former capital city of Kamakura to get your very own piece of history: a handcrafted name stamp that will let you recall your travels across Japan with every use.
History
While you may be familiar with the word Zen, the best way to start a path to understanding this branch of Buddhism is to experience it for yourself. And this can be done right in Yokohoma, Tokyo’s neighbor city.
Art & Culture
Embrace the town of Mashiko, where culture, art, natural beauty, history, and craftsmanship have combined to create a unique form of Japanese pottery and a National Traditional Craft.
History
Head out to Tochigi’s mountainous Furumine Shrine, where you can wish for good luck or good health under the stunning colors of fall, or any time of the year.
