When you think of TV series from Japan, the first thing that comes to mind is most likely the huge output of anime processed in the country. However, aside from quality animation, there is also a huge range of television content produced in the...

Gotokuji temple (??? in kanji) is well known across Japan as the supposed origin of Maneki-neko, the ?beckoning cat? figurine which is said to bring good fortune and success to its owner if kept in their bedroom or place of study. Many people...

As part of its Change 2027 program, JR East has announced that it will conduct a series of driverless Shinkansen test runs in late 2021, using a 12-car E7-series bullet train. The 5-kilometer trial runs, which will take place in October and...

Although you might already be aware that the holiday is celebrated across the world in territories as diverse as the United States, Brazil, Canada, Liberia, and Puerto Rico, you may not know that there is also a Thanksgiving in Japan. If you?re...

The Ginkakuji Temple is also known as the Silver Pavillion, although, curiously, it is not coated in silver plating as one would expect from the name, although that was indeed the original intention of its designer. A Rinzai Zen temple located in...

Located in Kagoshima prefecture at the southwestern tip of the island of Kyushu, Kagoshima is the largest southernmost city on the main islands of Japan and is often considered the friendliest Japanese city for visitors. Kagoshima has a long...

Sensoji temple, also known as Asakusa Kannon and located in Tokyo?s Asakusa district, is the city?s oldest religious building and one of its most colorful and popular. With roughly 20 million annual visitors, it?s also the most visited-temple in...

The Shinkansen network of high-speed bullet trains in Japan has a great safety record, thanks in large part to Doctor Yellow, the Shinkansen test train. The Doctor Yellow Shinkansen is so named because it literally diagnoses any problems with the...

Japan is famous for its four distinct and breathtaking seasons, and many visitors to the country often consider the Japanese autumn to be the most beautiful. As temperatures dip after the scorching summer, the colors of the leaves change into...

One of the busiest pedestrian crossings in the world, Shibuya crossing is perhaps the most iconic symbol of the city of Tokyo around the world. Shibuya Crossing?s large advertising screens and heavy foot traffic means it is often compared to the...

Japan is well known for its rich culture and preservation of history. Shrines and temples are located all over Japan?s islands, large and small. The most sacred shrines of the Shinto religion are located on the Shima Peninsula. These shrines, the...

The Kenrokuen Garden in Kanazawa is considered one of the three most beautiful landscape gardens in Japan. Once the outer garden around the castle of a ruling family, Kenrokuen has been open to and enjoyed by the public since 1871. Thanks to the...

Rail travel serves as a primary means of transportation in Japan. The Yokosuka Line, for example, spans 73 kilometers or 45 miles, originating in central Tokyo. International travelers can purchase a Japan Rail Pass, which provides quick and easy...

Join some of your favorite animated characters as you board the new Pixar bullet train in Kyushu, Japan?s southernmost island. The Go! Waku Waku Adventure with Pixar project marks the 25th anniversary of Toy Story, the family classic that...

Kobe is a major port city in Japan?s Hyogo Prefecture. Kobe?s Sannomiya district is one of the city?s business and entertainment hubs. Together with the nearby Sannomiya-Hanadokeimae and Kobe-Sannomiya Stations, the JR Sannomiya Station represents...

Because of its location, Japan is frequented by natural disasters such as earthquakes. If you?re traveling to Japan, there is no need to fear – simply get the facts. The following information is designed to help you stay safe in the event of an...

The Philosopher’s walk, also known as Tetsugaku no Michi, is a pedestrian route located in the Northern Higashiyama district of Kyoto that stretches for around 2 kilometers along the Lake Biwa Canal among stunning natural scenery. The path was...

The large city of Tokyo is divided into a number of special wards or municipalities. Tokyo?s Shibuya ward is home to the neighborhood of Ebisu, which contains a JR East railway station of the same name. The station and neighborhood are named...

Just hours from Tokyo, you will find the island of Kyushu. This island was inhabited early in Japanese history, and remains a stronghold of historic artifacts, natural beauty, and contrasting modern cities. Would you like to discover all that...

Sendagaya Station is located in the Shibuya special ward of Tokyo. It first opened its doors in 1904. As of 2011, Sendagaya Station was serving more than 20,000 passengers daily. Sendagaya Station will have the special privilege of helping visitors...

Yoyogi Station first opened its doors in 1906. Today, the two stations that make up Yoyogi Station serve nearly 100,000 passengers daily. As part of the Yamanote Loop, Yoyogi is a popular station, especially for those attending a sporting event or...

Tanabata, also known as the ?Star Festival?, is a Japanese celebration which takes place on the seventh day of the seventh month. According to Japanese folklore, this is the only day of the year when the two stars, Altair and Vega, can meet. At...

Yokohama is the second-largest city in Japan, located on Tokyo Bay south of Tokyo. It is the capital city of the Kanagawa Prefecture. In the Nishi-ku ward of this commercial hub, you will find Yokohama Station. This station originally opened in...

Fukuoka and Nagasaki are two of the biggest metropolitan areas in the north of the southern Japanese island of Kyushu and among the most popular destinations in the area. Travelers planning to visit Kyushu have various transportation options...

The JR Saikyo Line, or Saikyo-sen, connects Osaki Station in Tokyo and Omiya Station in Saitama Prefecture. Opened in 1885 and is operated by the East Japan Railway Company, or JR East. Over a million passengers utilize the JR Saikyo Line each...