Travel
10 destinations to visit during rainy season in Japan
Japan’s rainy season (梅雨, tsuyu), often regarded as humid and depressing, particularly in June, conjures images of soggy shoes and drizzly days. People who go out during these months experience a special and magical part of the country. However, there is an upside. The rain nourishes Japan’s landscapes, turning cities and countryside… Read
A deep dive into Otaru's history and culture
The Otaru Art Base is not just an assembly of museums; it showcases Otaru’s significant history and cultural development. Otaru has long served as a gateway to Hokkaido. It grew and prospered in the late 1800s and early 1900s, especially during the Meiji and Showa periods. Its strategic location as a port town… Read
Expanding missile threats and airspace closures are straining airlines
Proliferating conflict zones are an increasing burden on airline operations and profitability, executives say, as carriers grapple with missiles and drones, airspace closures, location spoofing and the shoot-down of another passenger flight. Airlines are racking up costs and losing market share from cancelled flights and expensive re-routings, often at short… Read
Lafcadio Hearn, ghost stories and romance: Discovering Matsue before NHK’s upcoming ‘Bakebake’ drama
Along with anime and manga, asadora (morning dramas) are a staple of Japan’s domestic entertainment industry. Produced by the broadcaster NHK since 1961, asadora plots are often based on inspiring true stories — which can spark renewed interest in places or people associated with these dramas. The city of Matsue… Read
See the evolution of train travel at Saitama's Railway Museum
Japan’s train service is famous for its efficiency and punctuality, connecting millions of commuters and travelers. As one of the largest public transportation systems globally, it links urban and rural areas. The country also boasts museums that highlight its railway history, showcasing the evolution of train travel. One excellent destination is the Railway… Read
Japan’s best rose gardens to visit
For many, when they connect the two words of “Japan” and “flower,” cherry blossoms are almost certainly what comes to mind. While hanami, or “flower viewing,” is a popular springtime event for Japanese people, the appreciation of flowers is not limited to just cherry blossoms: there are many seasonal flowers… Read
Step back in time and explore the ancient world at Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum
Located in Katsuyama, Fukui Prefecture, the Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum is one of the largest in Japan and is recognized as one of the world’s best dinosaur museums. It offers visitors a chance to step back in time and explore the ancient world. Fukui Prefecture is known for its rich deposits of… Read
Stay in style: Art hotels and creative lodging in Kyoto
As with other highly-traveled destinations, Japan has no shortage of unique accommodation options. These include numerous inns incorporating explicitly artistic touches, such as one styled around a treehouse in Okinawa and another that’s a denim-themed guesthouse in the Kojima district of Kurashiki, Okayama (known as Japan’s “jeans capital”). This article… Read
Fewer Japanese people traveling domestically; gov't blames birthrate, others blame foreign crowds, costs
On May 27, the cabinet of Japan released its annual tourism white paper, based on data for the 2024 administrative year. The report found that roughly 36.87 million foreign tourists visited Japan last year, a record-setting number. But while Japan’s travel destinations are proving more attractive than ever to visitors from… Read
ANA enhances domestic and international travel experience with new fares and standardized rules
All Nippon Airways (ANA) on May 19 started streamlining and enhancing the passenger experience by integrating its domestic and international flight systems, renewing Japan-domestic fares and standardizing booking and boarding rules across all flights, to create a more seamless passenger journey. "At ANA we are dedicated to providing our customers… Read
