In the heart of Tokyo lies an interactive art installation and creative space that allows visitors to leave the city for a borderless landscape of light that evolves every day.

In Tokyo, immerse yourself in one of Japan’s traditional crafts and learn how to repair broken ceramics with a method that enhances their aesthetic appeal.

Walk along a route once used by pilgrims, aristocrats, and merchants in ancient Japan as you wander the Nagano streets of Narai-juku, one of the best-preserved stations of the Nakasendo route that connected Tokyo to Kyoto.

If you’re looking to escape the fast pace of the big cities, fewer places are better than the serene Sawara’s Historical District. Once an important trading town, this area of Chiba has kept its rustic charm while remaining a welcoming haven for weary visitors and those searching for power spots.

Looking for a place where you can enjoy Japan’s traditional hot spring culture? Then Takaragawa Onsen Osenkaku in Minakami Town, Gunma Prefecture, is your ideal destination. Nestled along the scenic Takaragawa River, this secluded onsen is surrounded by natural beauty. Known for its riverside open-air baths and quiet atmosphere, it offers visitors the perfect escape to relax.

Known for unique clay warehouses, the former castle town of Kawagoe has so much in store for visitors to Saitama. Learn about the historical area and chomp on traditional treats while wearing a kimono on this special cultural activity.

Less than two hours from Tokyo in an area of natural marvels, visitors can enjoy the remarkable atmosphere at Nihonji Temple, an ancient Buddhist temple on the mystical Mount Nokogiri. History buffs will love Nihonji, and Japan’s largest historical stone Buddha is carved right into the mountain! (Photo by Tsubasa Muroi.)

Climb the iconic Ishidan stone steps at Ikaho Onsen in Gunma Prefecture, where 400 years of history converge with traditional hot spring culture.

Enter a spiritual world filled with natural beauty, lavish detailing, and vibrant coloring.

Inside of one imaginative Saitama building that resembles a scrambled castle lies a wonderful tribute to Japanese comics and young adult books. Come inside the Kadokawa Culture Museum, famed architect Kengo Kuma’s recent work that’s promoting the world of design inside and out.

In the heart of Yanaka, one of Tokyo’s most charming and historic neighborhoods, Yanakado Café Nekoemon offers a unique experience for cat lovers and craft enthusiasts.

An art project in and of itself, the Enoura Observatory is a great place to get off the beaten path. The facility combines the artistic sensibilities of Japanese art and design with the beauty of nature. This brainchild of Hiroshi Sugimoto is a location where one can explore the origins of art. (Photo: Winter Solstice Observation Tunnel and Optical Glass Stage ©Odawara Art Foundation)

Waiting high up on Mt. Minobu is an area that just might be the place to catch your breath and center yourself. From the fresh crisp air of the mountains to the morning meditations offered at Kuonji Temple, there’s no shortage of options for unwinding during your visit to Yamanashi.

Step back in time as you traverse Asakusa, the downtown of days past. The entertainment district of Edo, Tokyo’s former name, is a mash-up of history and culture right in the heart of the capital city.

Samurai culture still thrives in Aizuwakamatsu, a castle town in central Fukushima. A distinguished school aims to keep traditions alive by introducing the authentic culture of the ancient samurai warriors to the entire world.

Located off the coast of Niigata Prefecture in the Sea of Japan, the remote island of Sado holds a unique place in Japanese history. Learn about how this former gold mine was a shining part of the Japanese economy.

Step into the world of Japan’s legendary warriors at Samurai Theater Tokyo in Kagurazaka, where history and action merge into an unforgettable experience. Situated in a district once home to samurai residences, this unique attraction connects you with Japan’s samurai heritage through performances and interactive programs. For everyone from history buffs to curious travelers, Samurai Theater Tokyo offers an authentic and immersive adventure unlike any other.

Yamanashi is the most prolific wine region of Japan with over 140 years of growing experience, producing a third of all the wine made domestically. So there’s simply no better place to tour vineyards while tasting the best the country has to offer.