Shuri Castle, an iconic symbol of Okinawa’s Ryukyu Kingdom heritage, has long captivated the hearts of both locals and visitors. Located in the vibrant city of Naha, Okinawa, the castle’s bright vermilion walls and graceful architecture tell the story of a unique kingdom that flourished independently for centuries.
Every autumn, Kyoto’s Arashiyama Bamboo Grove (also known as the “Kyoto Bamboo Forest”) has mesmerized visitors with its mysterious charm and soothing atmosphere. The bamboo light show has returned in 2025 after a four-year break caused by the pandemic.
Typically, late November brings cool days, with dipping temperatures around 10 to 15°C (50–59°F) in many regions. This year, though, things feel different. Because of these changes, many people are asking: Did Japan’s winter really arrive too soon?
If you love Hokusai and Scottish culture, this opera is for you. The Great Wave is a new Hokusai-themed opera by Japanese composer Dai Fujikura. The libretto is by Scottish writer Harry Ross, in collaboration with Scottish Opera. Today, we’ll examine the historical and cultural legacy of Hokusai and his daughter Oi, as well as what to expect from the performance.
If you’re a fan of Japanese lacquerware, Wajima-nuri is a name you should know. Its deep shine, smooth finish, and incredible strength come from centuries of skill passed down in a small coastal city in Ishikawa.
Step into art that moves, glows, and comes to life all around you. The art collective teamLab is opening a new museum in Kyoto, Japan, called teamLab Biovortex Kyoto. It opened on October 7, 2025, and it’s just a short walk from Kyoto Station.
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.
From the bustling Golden Route to quiet, lesser-known towns, we’ll explore how affluent visitors spend their time in Japan.
Summer 2025 will be remembered as one of the most extreme seasons in Japan’s history. Temperatures soared to record highs, leaving cities sweltering, crops struggling, and daily life challenging for millions of people.
Renowned as Japan’s largest freshwater lake, Lake Biwa is not only a place of natural beauty but also a gateway to the country’s deep past.
Japan’s ancient kofun (burial mounds) often appear as simple parks, blending seamlessly into the surrounding city. But, in ancient times, they stood proudly above the landscape as symbols of their occupants’ wealth.
Fluttering cherry blossoms, tranquil shrines, and delicious sushi. These images might pop in your mind the moment you think of Japan, but the country’s charm goes beyond these famous icons. In Saga, Japan, a tradition has evolved that combines history, teamwork, and culture into a single thrilling spectacle: the Ancient Row Boat Race.
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