Category
Travel
ActivitiesTravel
Not every trip to Japan is built around a single activity, and this section covers the rest: cultural travel, eco-tourism, adventure travel, onsen and hot spring culture, and the practical planning that ties a trip together. Start with our Best Time to Visit Japan guide if you’re still deciding when to go, or our guide to Takaragawa Onsen in Gunma if a great hot spring is part of the plan. This is also the broadest section on the site, so use the subcategories below to narrow in on a specific region, culture, or travel style.
People
Silent Resilience
Curling athlete Sayuri Matsuhashi’s journey to the top of her sport is an inspiration to deaf athletes and women juggling their roles as mothers while also pursuing their professional dreams.
Hokkaido
Heritage Hunting in Hokkaido
Travelers venturing beyond Hokkaido's popular winter resorts will discover a land with a rich cultural and natural history, a proud indigenous people and a community striving to preserve their heritage.
Iwate
Shizukuishi
Northern Honshu’s Iwate Prefecture, known for heavy snowfall, features Shizukuishi—a powder-rich resort area with views of Mt. Iwate. Snow enthusiasts seeking lesser-known gems can enjoy exceptional snow quality and uncrowded resorts, including Shizukuishi Ski Resort, Amihari Onsen Ski Resort, and Iwate Kogen Snow Park, offering affordability and traditional hospitality.
Nagano
Northern Shinshu’s Secret Stash
A weak yen, revenge travel, and excellent ski conditions have led to high demand, booking out popular resorts like Hakuba and Nozawa Onsen this year. Fortunately, lesser-known gems like Togari Onsen, near Nozawa Onsen and Madarao, offer charming alternatives for powder seekers.
Food and Drinks
Springs and Spirits in Nozawa Onsen
Nozawa Onsen Distillery, situated in a refurbished canning factory, is the latest addition to the village's culinary and craft beverage scene, crafting elegant gin and whisky with local ingredients.
Snowboarding
Yama Women
Despite challenges, women like Tayler Paulsen from Tasmania are shaping the snow sports landscape, addressing issues such as limited media coverage and disparities in equipment and training access. As a mom and advocate, Paulsen founded "Yama Women," offering specialized snowboard camps for female snow enthusiasts.
Cycling
Cycling the Kuma Valley
The Kuma River is the heart of the Kuma Valley with Hitoyoshi, a historic castle town, serving as the valley’s main hub. The vast...
Autumn
The Mermaids of Mie
Overfishing, ocean pollution and sea bed crawling, which destroys ocean floors, are just a few of the threats the ocean is facing...