Savannah Walker

Planning the right items turns a basic outing into a smooth experience where everyone focuses on the blossoms rather than last-minute hassles.

Toyama’s nickname as “The Venice of the East” goes beyond a pretty view. It reflects centuries of Japanese history, when this quiet city on the Japan Sea coast grew up around rivers, canals, trade routes, and a unique medical industry that sent traveling sellers across the country. Today, Toyama still feels like a city shaped...

The VTuber, or Virtual YouTuber, has exploded from a niche Japanese internet trend into a global entertainment powerhouse. These digital avatars, often with big anime-style eyes and colorful outfits, stream live content, chat with fans, play games. Some of them even perform concerts while a real person controls their movements in real time. What began...

During the New Year in Japan, people perform hatsumode, the first visit to a shrine or temple. Families, couples, and friends put on their warmest clothes (and sometimes a kimono!), brave the winter chill, and step through shrine gates to pray for good luck, health, and happiness.

Cherry blossoms are a quintessential symbol of Japan. Most people imagine pink sakura trees blooming beautifully across the country during springtime. However, something special happens even during a chilly time in Okinawa, Japan’s southernmost island.  Okinawa’s cherry blossoms bloom uniquely early, typically in January and February. This timing lets visitors enjoy sakura before the rest...

Does it snow in Japan? Absolutely! In this article, we’ll take you through some of Japan’s snowiest cities, why they’re worth checking out, and what makes them the perfect winter getaway.