Roadside Stations Where Travelers Discover Local Japan If you travel through the Japanese countryside, you may notice signs that read “Michi-no-Eki.” At first glance they may look like ordinary roadside rest stops. But in reality they represent something uniquely Japanese. Michi-no-Eki (道の駅)  literally means “roadside station.” They function as rest areas for drivers, but they are also lively community hubs where travelers can experience the food, culture, and craftsmanship o

When visiting Japan, most travelers book a hotel. It’s convenient, familiar, and efficient. But there is another way to stay — one that reveals how Japan relaxes, heals, eats, and lives. That experience is an onsen ryokan stay . A ryokan is not simply a place to sleep. It is a cultural immersion that combines hot spring bathing, seasonal cuisine, regional identity, and traditional hospitality — all in one stay. Japan: A Volcanic Country with a Nationwide Hot Spring Culture Ja

Here is some essential HELP information we want every visitor to Japan to know in case you experience an earthquake or any natural disaster during your stay. Yesterday, a magnitude 3.4 earthquake occurred in Tokyo and the surrounding Kanto region. And today, at 10:18 AM on the 6th, a much stronger M6.4 earthquake  struck Tottori and Shimane Prefectures , triggering loud alert sounds on TVs and smartphones that woke many people up. Earthquakes • Typhoons • Tsunamis • Volcanic

A Hidden Tradition Continuing From the Age of the Samurai Japan is a land of quiet traditions, but some of its oldest practices still pulse with raw power and emotion. One of the most remarkable among them is Japanese bullfighting —not the Spanish style where humans face bulls, but an ancient form known as tsunotsuki  or tōgyū , where bulls face each other in a ritualized contest of strength. This culture, still alive in rural communities from Niigata to Ehime and Okinawa, or

Discover the quieter, deeper side of Japan beyond overtourism. Japan is experiencing record-breaking tourism, but overtourism is affecting both locals and visitors. The solution is not avoiding travel—it’s exploring beyond the well-known hotspots, that are 7 uncrowded destinations offering real culture, nature, and human connection. 1. East Hokkaido – Shiretoko, Akan, Kushiro Wild Nature & Indigenous Culture in Japan’s Far North Frozen seascape stretches into the horizon, sho

A New Champion Ozeki Aonishiki Arata Recently, I found myself writing about sumo more than once. The repetition wasn’t intentional at all. Yet this time, not addressing the topic felt impossible. Some events demand attention — because they carry a quiet kind of greatness. And today, one young man on the dohyo created such a moment once again — Aonishiki Arata has officially been promoted to Ōzeki. This is not merely a headline in sports news; it is a milestone that speaks to

The Grand Sumo Tournament will be held in London at the Royal Albert Hall from Wednesday, October 15 to Sunday, October 19, 2025. For the first time in 34 years , Japan’s Grand Sumo  has returned to London’s Royal Albert Hall , bringing not only the might of the rikishi (sumo wrestlers) but also centuries of cultural spirit. As the salt is scattered and the drums echo through the hall, Londoners are witnessing more than a sporting event — they’re stepping into a living ritua

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A Sacred Path Beyond UNESCO Shikoku Fudasho List and visuals provided per Shikoku Henro Association by Ministry of Education, Culture,...

Living with Chronic Pain Spending long hours at a desk has left me with chronic lower back pain, a condition I’ve carried for years....

A cultural journey through Japan’s architectural heritage When people think of Japan, they often imagine cherry blossoms, temples, or sushi. But another powerful and iconic symbol of Japan’s spirit is the castle — Shiro (城). These structures are not merely remnants of war, but living legacies of resilience, beauty, and identity. From the 15th-century hilltop fortresses of the Sengoku (Warring States) period to the majestic, multi-tiered masterpieces of the Edo era, Japan’s ca

Teiichi Igarashi, from Sanjo City in Niigata, was a legend who climbed Mt. Fuji at the age of 101 years and 10 months. He first set foot...