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.

In the industrial city of Sanjo, learn the basics of blacksmithing and create a handcrafted souvenir that displays your newfound skills.

Only a short trip from Narita Airport, the Naritasan Museum of Calligraphy lies in Naritasan Park, near Naritasan Shinshoji Temple. Enrich your journey into Japanese art and style by learning about the long history of Japanese formal brushstrokes, as well as the masters of the art form.

Traditional crafts are always in style in Japan and one such city to create your own piece of culture is Mito, the capital city of Ibaraki where you’ll learn all about the famed Suifu chochin lanterns of the region.

Admire a 17th-century shrine dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu and stroll through a colorful garden of peonies and dahlias

Walk in the footsteps of samurai as you follow an ancient path through a bamboo forest and visit centuries-old samurai manors in Sakura.

Are you a Japanese sake and beer enthusiast? Then discover a blend of tradition, craftsmanship, and flavor at Ishikawa Brewery, located just outside the heart of Tokyo. Established in 1863 during the Bunkyu Era, with six buildings designated as registered tangible cultural properties and a museum dedicated to brewing history, Ishikawa Brewery offers an immersive journey through time and taste.

Only two hours from Tokyo by train lies Matsumoto, home to one of the best-preserved castles in Japan. Matsumoto Castle is a National Treasure of Japan, and one you have to see with your own eyes.

Delve into Japanese historical legend and marvel at the protected natural beauty on this incredible island off the shore of Niigata Prefecture. Check out a largely untouched side of Japan for an unforgettable, educational journey.

Learn how the art form of bonsai came to be at Omiya Bonsai Village, just a quick trip from Tokyo. (Photo: ©STIB)

Visit this former residence, a significant piece of cultural and architectural heritage in Takasaki City. Have a seat and enjoy this wonderfully atmospheric former residence in the heart of Takasaki City, which connects Tokyo and the mountainous terrain of Gunma and beyond.

Experience the history and artistry of daruma doll-making in Fukushima Prefecture, where this cultural heritage has been passed down for generations. Daruma are common figures in Japanese life, whether they are perched on bookshelves or used as motifs on hand towels. At Daruma Land in Shirakawa City, Fukushima Prefecture, visitors can get a fresh look at these dolls, from how they are made to how they have changed over the years. The facilities at Daruma Land were designed for education, shopping, and hands-on activities that encourage visitors to interact with and learn about daruma dolls.

Spend the night at a centuries old brewery and immerse yourself in the traditional work of sake-making.

Step into the world of the samurai at Aizu Samurai School Nisshinkan, the training place of Fukushima’s ancient warriors. Located in Aizuwakamatsu, a historic castle town, this faithfully reconstructed school invites visitors to experience authentic samurai training, from martial arts to traditional cultural practices.

Live the life of a Buddhist monk, from early morning meditation to sampling the delectable vegetarian cuisine, while experiencing the peaceful surroundings of Zenkoji Temple in Nagano.

Discover the exquisite artistry of Amezaiku, Japan’s traditional candy craft. At Asakusa Ame-shin, you can witness the creation of intricate sugar sculptures and even try your own hand at crafting these edible works of art.

Suwa Taisha, the head shrine overseeing more than 10,000 Suwa shrines across Japan, stands at the foot of Mt. Moriya, where ancient nature worship still lives on.