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.
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.
Hakuba is a mountain village in Nagano Prefecture and one of Japan’s most beloved winter destinations. Surrounded by the dramatic peaks of the Northern Alps, the area receives some of the heaviest snowfall in the country.
From small corner shops with paper lanterns to busy chain restaurants near train stations, izakaya are a fixture of Japan’s social life.
Japan is experiencing a significant shift as cashless payments become a growing part of daily life. Once known as a cash-first society, the country now uses digital transactions for over 40% of consumer spending.
Shiretoko National Park is one of Japan’s wildest and most beautiful natural areas, known for its rugged mountains, rich wildlife, and dramatic coastline
One of the best-known Japanese folktales is “The Monkey and the Moon,” in which animals mistake the moon’s reflection for the real thing. The story is a quiet lesson about illusion and reality.
Gokokucha, or “five-grain tea” in Japanese, is a cozy drink made by roasting and brewing a mix of grains. Instead of being made from tea leaves, this multigrain tea comes from simple ingredients like barley, rice, corn, and buckwheat.
Onsen, or hot springs, are a significant part of Japan’s culture, wellness traditions, and travel experiences. Found throughout the country, these natural baths have been cherished for centuries for their soothing heat and mineral-rich waters.
The junihitoe is one of the most iconic garments in Japanese history. It was once worn by court ladies during Japan’s Heian period and remains a symbol of elegance, culture, and tradition.
Fukuwatashi senbei is a popular Japanese treat that blends tradition and charm with a smooth, sweet flavor. Unlike typical senbei, which are savory rice crackers, these cookies are light, crisp, and filled with creamy goodness.
In Japan, pampas grass (susuki) symbolizes autumn and is essential to tsukimi. Its slender stalks and feathery plumes glow under the moon.
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