Did you know Izu Oshima is home to Japan's largest active volcano, Mount Mihara, which last erupted in 1990 and created a lunar-like landscape that makes visitors feel they've stepped onto another planet? Located just 120 km (75 miles) south of Tokyo, this volcanic...

Did you know Aomori City receives an astonishing 26 feet of snow annually, making it one of Japan's snowiest cities? Yet despite this winter wonderland status, Aomori draws over 3 million visitors during its vibrant Nebuta Festival alone. This northernmost prefecture...

Did you know that Fuji Hakone Izu National Park is the only national park in Japan that encompasses an iconic volcano, coastal islands, and some of the country's most renowned hot springs all in one protected area? Spanning across four prefectures, this diverse...

Did you know that Fukuoka is home to over 150 yatai food stalls, the highest concentration in Japan? These iconic open-air street food vendors have become the symbol of this vibrant city, offering an authentic dining experience you won't find anywhere else in the...

Did you know that Hakone is home to over 20 natural hot springs that produce an astonishing 11.5 million liters of therapeutic water daily? This volcanic wonderland, just 90 minutes from Tokyo, has been a healing retreat for Japanese locals for over 1,200 years....

Did you know that Hiroshima's streetcar system, which survived the 1945 atomic bombing, still operates today with some of the original trams? These historic "hibaku densha" (atomic bomb-exposed streetcars) continue to serve as both practical transportation and moving...

Did you know that 90% of Iriomote Island is covered in pristine, untouched subtropical jungle? This wild frontier of Japan offers one of the country's last truly unspoiled natural environments, home to the critically endangered Iriomote wildcat found nowhere else on...

Did you know that Ishigaki Island is home to Japan's southernmost national park and boasts some of the most biodiverse coral reefs in the Northern Hemisphere? This tropical paradise, located in Okinawa Prefecture, offers a perfect blend of pristine beaches, emerald...

Did you know that Kagoshima City is home to Sakurajima, one of Japan's most active volcanoes that erupts over 1,500 times annually? This spectacular natural wonder is just one of many attractions that make Kagoshima a must-visit destination in southern Japan. Often...

Did you know that Kamakura, often called "Little Kyoto," was Japan's first feudal capital and home to over 65 temples and 19 shrines? Just an hour from Tokyo, this coastal city combines ancient history, stunning natural landscapes, and delicious local cuisine into one...

Did you know that Kanazawa supplies an astonishing 99% of Japan's gold leaf production? This cultural gem on Japan's west coast escaped bombing during WWII, preserving its historic districts in a way few Japanese cities can claim. Often called the "Kyoto of the...

Did you know that Kumamoto Castle survived a devastating 7.0 magnitude earthquake in 2016 and has been meticulously restored to preserve its 400-year heritage? This resilient fortress symbolizes the spirit of Kumamoto, a captivating destination in southern Japan where...

Did you know that Matsue Castle is one of only 12 original feudal castles still standing in Japan? Unlike many Japanese castles that were rebuilt after fires or wars, Matsue's iconic black castle has survived intact since 1611, earning it the nickname "black castle"...

Did you know that Nagasaki is the only city in Japan where you can find authentic Chinese temples, Dutch colonial buildings, and traditional Japanese shrines all within walking distance of each other? This unique cultural blend makes Nagasaki one of Japan's most...

Did you know that Nagoya is home to Japan's first LEGOLAND and the birthplace of Toyota, one of the world's largest automobile manufacturers? This vibrant city, often overshadowed by Tokyo and Kyoto, serves as the gateway to Central Japan and offers a perfect blend of...

Did you know that Tokushima City hosts one of Japan's largest dance festivals, where over 100,000 dancers and 1.3 million spectators gather annually? This vibrant celebration, known as the Awa Odori Festival, transforms the streets into a mesmerizing spectacle of...

Did you know that Takayama's historic district contains over 200 buildings dating back to the Edo period (1603-1868), making it one of Japan's most perfectly preserved traditional towns? Nestled in the mountainous Hida region of Gifu Prefecture, this charming city...

Did you know that despite being just a 30-minute train ride from Tokyo, Yokohama is actually Japan's second-largest city with a population exceeding 3.7 million? This vibrant harbor city offers a refreshing escape from Tokyo's intensity while delivering a uniquely...

Home to Japan's last virgin mangrove forests, the Yaeyama Islands shelter over 400 species found nowhere else on Earth. This remote archipelago forms the southernmost inhabited part of Japan, lying just 100km east of Taiwan. With their pristine beaches, vibrant coral...

Did you know Tokyo has more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other city in the world? With over 200 starred establishments, this culinary paradise outshines even Paris. But Tokyo's allure extends far beyond its exceptional dining scene. From ancient temples...

Did you know that Takamatsu is home to Ritsurin Garden, one of Japan's most exquisite landscape gardens, which took over 100 years to complete and features 6 ponds and 13 artificial hills? Often called the "Gateway to Shikoku," this charming port city offers a perfect...

Did you know that Shizuoka City produces over 40% of Japan's green tea, making it the undisputed tea capital of a nation famous for its tea culture? This scenic coastal city, nestled between Tokyo and Kyoto along the historic Tokaido route, offers breathtaking views...

Did you know Sapporo receives over 5 meters of annual snowfall, making it one of the snowiest cities in the world? This winter wonderland transforms into a vibrant, green metropolis in summer, offering visitors year-round attractions that showcase both its natural...

Did you know that Otsu City was Japan's capital for just one year in 667 CE, before the imperial court moved to Kyoto? This historic lakeside city, nestled against Japan's largest freshwater lake, offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and...