North of Tokyo, crossing up through Honshu Island, the Tohoku region is one of Japan’s most preserved havens. This traditional heritage and the region’s abundant wild landscapes, from snowy mountains to lush forests and rocky shorelines, makes it an ideal destination to enjoy onsen. 

Japan is a country with a unique geography: almost 80% of the archipelago is covered in mountains. Being at the junction of four major tectonic plates, these mountains also host a large amount of volcanic activity. These peculiar features do not only create Japan’s gorgeous natural landscapes, they also provide the country with one of its most distinctive qualities: onsen (natural hot springs).

Japan stands as one of the world’s most long-standing cultures. Throughout the centuries, the people of the archipelago have gone on to develop a medley of arts and crafts, and to this day, many of these artisanal works live on. The regions of Hokuriku, Kansai (historically known as Kinki), and Chugoku serve as premier destinations to see these crafts first-hand, oftentimes even allowing for a hands-on experience to get a taste of the process behind the pursuit. Let’s take a look at some of these famous handicrafts and the destinations whose cultures they are synonymous with!

For many, one of the most wondrous symbols of Japan are the cherry blossoms, dubbed “sakura” in Japanese, as many people know. As temperatures rise and the scenery transitions from white winterscapes to rolling greens and blossoming flowers, the aforementioned sakura season is most anticipated. Sakura trees grace the landscape all over the country, be it avenues in major cities, riverbanks in the countryside, or even through the windows of commuting locomotives that move through the landscape, here's a look at a few spots.

Hiroshima, a symbol of resistance and rebirth, deserves to be at the top of your bucket list of places to visit in Japan. With a rich historic past that extends well beyond the tragic 1945 events, a vibrant city life, wonderful local cuisine, and gorgeous surroundings as it lies by the blue waters of Hiroshima Bay, let’s take a look at everything Hiroshima has to offer!