Story Ideas

Where to Stay and Explore during 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics Games

19 Mar 2020

Tokyo will definitely become an exciting hub of energy and attractions when it holds the Olympics and Paralympics. But sometimes it's good to  get out of the heart of the city and admire some of Japan's other, slightly more laid back destinations. Whether you're after mountain views, spiritual history, traditional sights, or beach escapes, there are countless excellent day trip destinations to explore and stay. To learn more about transportation and accommodation to and around the outskirts of Tokyo or the countryside, visit JNTO's special website.

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Cruise through Japan's Nautical Side

11 Feb 2020

Being an island nation, Japan’s connection to the sea, and, more importantly, how to navigate the sea is a strong one. From the laid back leisure trips on yakata-bune boats, and cherry blossom cruises to globe traveling ships, the country’s history has a rich connection to boats. Even today, you can pop by some of the city’s most popular parks and get a small taste of life on the water.

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The Humble Plum Blossom, an Icon of Japanese Culture

11 Feb 2020

The plum tree is Japan's enduring icon, one that signifies the start of spring and has been the inspiration for poets, artists, kimono makers, and scholars for centuries. Originally introduced from China, the plum known as 'ume' in Japanese has become an integral part of Japanese culture. Japanese plums are different from western ones, as they're a little sourer, and are best enjoyed as a pickled garnish, or as the key ingredient of ume plum wine, known as umeshu, a sweet shochu based drink enjoyed all year round. While the cherry blossom may be the most famous of the seasonal flowers, the plum blossom was originally the nation's favorite, and it's still celebrated around the country to this day.

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Pottery, Japan's Richest Traditional Artcraft

11 Feb 2020

Pottery is one of Japan's richest traditional arts. It mixes utility, creativity, nature, traditional ceremony, and culture. Pottery has long been an integral part of many Japanese celebrations. From the tea ceremony and the serving of sake to artistic, creative expression, there's so much more to the nation's ceramic world than meets the eye. It's more than valuable to know a little about the history of Japanese pottery to appreciate the country's history.

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The Wonderful World of the Japanese Winter: Skiing, Boarding, Hot Springs and Snow Monsters!

11 Feb 2020

While at times Japanese winter may be bitterly cold, there’s always plenty of reason to go outside. Whether it’s the Christmas illuminations or the steaming natural hot springs, clear, bright blue winter days, or wonderful powder-soft snow, there’s just something undeniably special about Japan in winter. Getting out to the mountains and embracing the country’s excellent alpine sights and powder snow - affectionately known as ”japow” among skiers - is one great way to embrace this wonderful time of year.

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Cherry Blossom; A Guide to Japan's Most Loved Flower

28 Feb 2020

Cherry blossoms - known as ‘sakura’ in Japanese - are the nation’s most anticipated, and arguably most loved flower. Their fleeting but enchanting week or so long appearance in summer has come to embody the philosophy wabi-sabi; the appreciation for the impermanent, and the Shinto ideals of hope and renewal. When the days start to get warmer, and the soft pink petals start to make their appearance, people flock from far and wide to catch a glimpse of this enchanting flower and celebrate by throwing hanami (flower viewing) parties.

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