Japan is a country of astonishing order and precision. Every detail is thoughtfully designed: when it’s cold outside, public restrooms are heated; at the airport, there’s a luggage compartment inside the bathroom stalls; when you’re cycling, there are no curbs on the roads; and if you can’t adjust the shower temperature, there’s a marked “comfort…
From rabbit islands and fox villages to eerie doll-filled valleys, explore unusual destinations in Japan and learn how to stay connected while travelling off the beaten path. When most people think of Japan, images of Tokyo’s neon lights, Kyoto’s temples, and Osaka’s street food usually come to mind. But beyond the major cities lies another…
In the Shinto tradition—which is an ancient Japanese belief system—the practice of iwakura venerates sacred stones that are thought to be inhabited by Shinto gods. The two rocks of Meoto Iwa—otherwise known as the Wedded Rocks—honor the gods Izanagi and Izanami, who Shinto devotees believe created the island of Japan. The larger rock represents the…
Japan, a country known for its rich cultural heritage and technological advancement, is a must-visit for any avid traveler. However, like any foreign destination, it has its own set of customs and etiquette that visitors might not be familiar with. A small misstep can lead to an awkward moment or, worse, offend your hosts. Therefore,…
Japan‘s vibrant pink cherry blossoms are among the world’s most beloved signs of spring. Kawazu, a small town less than 3 hours from Tokyo, is home to a special type of cherry blossom that is a slightly more vivid shade of pink, has larger petals, and blooms earlier than the average Sakura tree thanks to…
Tokyo and Kyoto are two of Japan’s most quintessential cities visited daily by countless tourists, but their similarities end there. In fact, these famed cities have juxtaposing atmospheres, characters, cultures, and distinctive characteristics that set these two cities apart. The contrast between Tokyo and Kyoto perfectly demonstrates the duality of Japan. Its high-tech, dynamic, ever-evolving…
Japan is a top contender to win the title of the international headquarters of all things cute. Hello Kitty accessories, mascots such as the smiling bear Kumamon, and hyperactive Pokemon characters are all designed to spread joy far and wide. How did Japan get so cute? One undeniable factor is that there are countless public…
The A-bomb Dome (Genbaku Dome), a silent sentinel on the Motoyasu Riverbank, is what remains of the once-thriving Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall. On August 6, 1945, at 8:15 A.M., the atomic bomb detonated nearly directly above the building, just 160 meters to the north-east. This unique circumstance led to one side of the structure…
