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.

JR East and JR West have announced an extension of the Hokuriku Shinkansen line from Kanazawa in Ishikawa Prefecture to Tsuruga in Fukui Prefecture, which officially opened on March 16, 2024. Here are a few fun things that you can do along the way!

A short shinkansen ride away from central Tokyo, Toyama Prefecture offers a beautiful mix of nature and cultural experiences. Nestled on the northern coast of Japan’s main island and looking out into Toyama Bay and the Sea of Japan, let’s look at some of the great things you can do in this prefecture!

Ishikawa Prefecture and its main city Kanazawa have some of the best charms and attractions in the Hokuriku region. From the famous Kenrokuen garden to the many relaxing onsens in the area, let’s look at some of the famous Ishikawa and Hokuriku charm!