Culture Kotozaki Hachimangu Shrine Tiffany Aguilar As of 2024, it has been selected as an important shrine, belonging to one of the 346 shrines designated by the Jinja Honcho, the Association of Shinto
Recommended Activities Omagari Hanabi 2026 Late Aug Described by Lonely Planet as "Japan's Olympics of fireworks," the Omagari Hanabi event in Akita has over 100 years of history behind it.
Culture Post-quake Support for Noto Emi Takahata After the 2024 earthquake hit Noto Peninsula, recovery has been slow due to its isolation. Local businesses, like a ryokan in Nanao, are rebuilding.
Activities Walking Yokohama 2021 Rey Waters Yokohama has many neighborhood parks and rivers where you can view excellent displays of Hydrangea without the crowds.
Culture Starry Sky Film Festival 2026 Early - Mid Aug The Starry Sky Film Festival has become one of Nagano Prefecture's most-loved summer traditions, and it's held in the beautiful surroundings of the Yatsugatake
Culture Six Spirit-Sighting Spots in Tokyo Serena Ogawa Tokyo has a long history. What disgruntled denizens of Old Edo could you meet along these modern streets?
Culture Motobu Yaedake Cherry Blossom Festival 2027 Mid Jan - Early Feb The Motobu Yaedake Cherry Blossom Festival has been running for almost half a century now, and takes place from the latter part of January until early
Planning Where to Exchange Money in Japan Tom Roseveare The Japanese landscape for payments has transformed in the last decade to keep pace with the revolution in digital and contactless payments.