Author: James Lau

A bunch of wine glasses on a table in Yamanashi Prefecture.

Yamanashi Wine Country: Japan’s Beautiful Vineyard Heartland

Yamanashi Prefecture is known as Japan’s wine capital. Located west of Tokyo, it is home to most of Japan’s wineries and produces a large share of the country’s wine. The region’s mountains, clean water, and sunny weather create ideal conditions for grape growing.

A woman enjoying a Japanese head spa treatment.

Japanese Head Spa: What’s The Amazing Secret?

In Japan, self-care is deeply ingrained in culture, and among the many treatments gaining attention worldwide, the Japanese head spa stands out. Unlike regular shampoo treatments, head spas combine deep cleansing, gentle massage, and aromatherapy to refresh both the scalp and the mind.

An igloo at the snowy village near Lake Shikaribetsu.

Snowy Village of Hokkaido: The Wonderful Tale of Shikaribetsuko

Every winter, deep in Hokkaido’s Daisetsuzan National Park, a snowy village known as Shikaribetsuko Kotan appears on the surface of Lake Shikaribetsu. Built entirely from ice and snow, this temporary settlement offers a one-of-a-kind experience set amidst untouched natural surroundings.

An open-air hot spring in the autumn in Japan.

Rotenburo: Discover the Wonderful Open-Air Hot Spring

In Japan, few experiences capture the nation’s love for nature and relaxation quite like the rotenburo. These outdoor baths enable visitors to soak in naturally heated water while surrounded by lush forests, majestic mountains, or the serene sea.

The Jizo statues in Kanmangafuchi Abyss in Nikko, Tochigi.

Nikko, Tochigi: A Close Look at the Region’s Rich History

In the mountains of Tochigi Prefecture, Nikkō is a place where Japan’s natural beauty, spiritual heritage, and culinary traditions converge. Just a few hours north of Tokyo, this town enchants visitors with vibrant autumn leaves, ornate shrines, and flavors unique to its mountainous setting.

A traditional Ainu piece of clothing (brown jacket and blue emblem.

Ainu Ancestors Return Home: Edinburgh University Repatriates Indigenous Skulls

After more than a century abroad, the spirits of three Ainu ancestors have finally returned home to Japan. In May 2025, the University of Edinburgh formally returned skulls that once belonged to members of Japan’s Indigenous community. Their return marks an emotional and symbolic moment for the Ainu people, whose cultural heritage was long overlooked under Japanese imperial rule.