Embrace the town of Mashiko, where culture, art, natural beauty, history, and craftsmanship have combined to create a unique form of Japanese pottery and a National Traditional Craft.

Daruma, hollow and rounded dolls generally made from paper, are one of Japan’s most enduring lucky icons. In Takasaki, visitors can try their hand at the craft in a workshop led by artisans recognized by Gunma Prefecture’s most famous daruma craftsman.

Stroll like a samurai in the city of Sakura, home to well-preserved traditional homes, sword masters, and serene bamboo groves that look straight out of a Kurosawa film.

Japan’s first silk model factory is now a place where visitors can come learn about the history and development of the nation’s raw silk industry less than two hours from Tokyo. (Photo provided by Gunma Prefecture.)

Uncover the elegance of Japanese craftsmanship and create your own masterpiece at a Kiriko Workshop in Tokyo, where tradition meets modern creativity.

Discover an extraordinary temple that blends architectural elegance with a deep history, right in the heart of Tokyo. Tsukiji Hongwanji offers visitors a unique experience where ancient Buddhist traditions meet the vibrant energy of the nearby Tsukiji market.

Explore a hidden gem in Kawasaki City where greenery meets Japan’s cultural heritage. Ikuta Ryokuchi Park and the Japan Open-Air Folk House Museum provide a relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, combining natural beauty with the country’s architectural history.

While you may be familiar with the word Zen, the best way to start a path to understanding this branch of Buddhism is to experience it for yourself. And this can be done right in Yokohoma, Tokyo’s neighbor city.

Kick it old school in Aizuwakamatsu as you learn the basics of Japanese swordplay in one of Japan’s most revered samurai cities, right in the heart of Fukushima.

Head to Japan’s former capital city of Kamakura to get your very own piece of history: a handcrafted name stamp that will let you recall your travels across Japan with every use.

Guarding the western border of Tokyo from evil spirits, the victors of samurai-era battles left priceless weapons and armor as offerings to the gods here for centuries.

A perfect blend of art, culture, and nature only two hours from Tokyo, exploring Niigata’s rich tapestry of outdoor exhibitions makes the ultimate itinerary for the adventurous art lover. (Photo: Ma Yansong /MAD Architects, 「Tunnel of Light」 (Echigo-Tsumari Art Field）Photo by YAMADA Tsutomu)

Naritasan Omotesando stretches approximately 800 meters from Narita Station to the Somon Gate of Naritasan Shinshoji Temple, preserving the atmosphere of a historic temple town.

Visit Kiryu, a city whose revived cultural heritage offers locals and visitors new ways of living in and experiencing this historical town. Tucked in the east of Gunma Prefecture, the city of Kiryu is famous for producing traditional Japanese silk textiles. Recently, Kiryu’s historic shopping district has been undergoing a cultural revival to reimagine its past, present, and future. Experience this “fashion town” firsthand to see how local communities and lifestyles are changing with the times, while protecting crafts that have been passed down over generations.

Explore a dining experience that merges culinary innovation with artistic expression. TREE by NAKED in Tokyo offers a unique take on sustainable dining, combining creative dishes with an immersive atmosphere.

Founded in 1902, Kitazawa Bookstore has long been part of Jimbocho’s literary culture and has specialized in foreign-language books since 1955.

Head out to Tochigi’s mountainous Furumine Shrine, where you can wish for good luck or good health under the stunning colors of fall, or any time of the year.

Kamakura is a hotspot for some of Japan’s most significant temples and shrines. Many of these revered locations are connected by beautiful hiking trails, and traversing them provides meaningful encounters with Japan’s natural beauty and Buddhist history.