The Akita Kanto Matsuri is one of the most spectacular celebrations not only in Akita prefecture, but in the whole of Japan.
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Why You Should Stay the Night in Nara
Everything changed when I decided to stay overnight in Nara.
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Off Okinawa’s Beaten Path
Miyako presents a conundrum.
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Tohoku’s Tamest Summer Festival
The Sendai Tanabata Matsuri is probably not what you’re expecting.
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Kanagawa’s Top Tokyo Day Trip
Is Yokohama or Kamakura a better excursion from Tokyo?
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How Japan’s Hawaii Compares to the Original
The topic of Okinawa vs Hawaii is somewhat loaded—and not just for reasons of national pride.
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Which Japanese Castle Will You Like Best?
Castles (and castle towns) make great touchstones for any trip to Japan, no matter where in the country you are or how many times you’ve been.
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Maruoka Castle is Worth the Hassle
Maruoka Castle can be a pain to reach, but trust me: It’s worth it.
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Japan’s Best Islands (Besides the Big 4)
When the topic of Japan’s best islands comes up, it requires a bit of parsing.
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Kyoto’s Low-Stress Sacred Spaces
Fabulous spots like Kifune and Kurama, a shrine-and-temple pair in far northwestern Kyoto, are just waiting for you to discover them.
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Edo for the Afternoon
Taking a Kawagoe day trip from Tokyo is usually a second (or even third) choice.
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These Are Japan’s Best Beaches
Japan, in spite of being a country of islands, is not known for its beaches.
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The Cat Island Conundrum
If you’re a big feline fan, you might find cat island in Japan disappointing.
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Japan’s Paradise Beach
This Jodogahama Beach itinerary will set you on course.
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A Perfectly Nice Town
Is Ishinomaki worth visiting?
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Japan’s Treasure Trail
Sanriku might just be the most authentic, enticing region in Japan.
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Run With All You Have
A viper seems to be little more than a leathery bamboo shoot until the moment it sinks its fangs into you.
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Is Nikko Tokyo’s Best Day Trip?
Nikko is one of the easiest and most fulfilling day trips from Tokyo.
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Kamakura Starts Here
It’s easy to rationalize Japan’s former capital as a one-and-done day trip from its current one.
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A Tale of Two Tourist Traps
Comparing Takayama vs Kyoto isn’t as futile as you might think.
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