With its 280-year-old history of making tatami mats, Kuboki Tatami is helping this traditional craft win new fans at its innovative facility in Fukushima.

Abt Road in Annaka, Gunma Prefecture, is a world away from high-speed bullet trains, timely commuter rails and subway systems. The 11.2-kilometer portion of railway on the Usui Main Line between Yokokawa and Karuizawa stations had been active for 104 years until it finally closed on September 30, 1997. The Usui Main Line and others like it connected Gunma, Nagano, and Niigata prefectures to Tokyo, paving the way for travel today. The Usui Line has since opened to visitors in the form of Abt Road, which welcomes hikers, adventurers and history enthusiasts from far and wide to enjoy the historic railway and make new kinds of memories on these tracks.

Hidden on the historic streets of Nagareyama in Chiba, the Nagareyama Kaleidoscope Gallery & Museum offers visitors the chance to experience the unique and immersive world of kaleidoscopic art. The museum is located in a preserved storehouse that was built in 1889 and was once owned by the Terada family, one of the six pioneering families in the area. This is the only original storehouse remaining on the street, with its black plaster finish adding a touch of historical charm to the neighborhood gallery.

Tour a brewery where the focus is on conserving the surrounding area’s natural ecology and biodiversity.

This picturesque location nestled in the mountains near Hanno is the only place in eastern Japan where Buddhism and Shinto beliefs are still fused together.

Head to Kusatsu Onsen Ski Resort any time of the year to enjoy countless activities in nature, from skiing and hiking to playing with your furry friends!

Experience the fusion of architecture, art, and culinary excellence at SHIROIYA HOTEL. This creative retreat in Maebashi invites travelers to immerse themselves in a space that celebrates culture and innovation. ©Photo by Shinya Kigure

Step into a piece of Japan's history while savoring its culinary treasures. Donryu Yokocho is the ultimate destination for food, drinks, and an unforgettable retro nightlife experience.

Step into a retreat where time slows down and every moment invites introspection. At ZEN & BED Bogetsu-An, guests experience traditional Zen practices that refresh both mind and body.

This stunning building preserves three eras of Japan’s history and serves the unique cuisine of this samurai castle town from days long past. Immerse yourself in Aizu-Wakamatsu’s cultural history at this nostalgic restaurant.

Discover a space dedicated to fostering creativity, cultural exchange, and meaningful connections. ARTS MAEBASHI is a museum that functions as a cultural hub; a place where art enriches lives and shapes the local community.

Iinuma Honke offers visitors the exceptional opportunity to stay overnight for a fully immersive sake brewing experience.

Discover the artistry of Japanese crafts at Chichibu Orijuku Koubou Yokoyama, where over a century of dyeing and weaving heritage comes to life. Located in the Chichibu area of Saitama Prefecture, this workshop offers visitors an immersive experience in traditional techniques with more than 100 years of history, including Chichibu Meisen, Nagatoro indigo dyeing, and plant dyeing. Suitable for both experienced artists and curious beginners, it’s an inviting space to challenge your own creativity while embracing Japan’s rich textile traditions.

Embrace the outdoors and witness volcanic activity on this awe-inspiring tour through unique landscapes in this spectacular onsen area. Nihonmatsu City, in the north of Fukushima Prefecture, is home to an otherworldly landscape, covered in green vegetation, rocky terrain, and an impressive crater. This is the Adatara Sulfur Mine Trail, which is a fantastic destination for nature-lovers.

Saitama Prefecture’s Oshi Castle is the ideal spot to revel in Japan’s fascinating history. Located in Gyoda City, Saitama Prefecture, Oshi Castle is a historic landmark that offers visitors a unique opportunity to step into the world of the samurai.

Experience a temple lodging that invites you to embrace quiet reflection and mindful living. TEMPLESTAY ZENSŌ offers a distinctive refuge for visitors where Zen principles and Buddhist traditions shape every detail, earning it the Special Award at the 2025 Japan Travel Awards.

Looking for original accommodations in Tokyo? In the heart of Asakusa, Stay SAKURA Tokyo Asakusa Yokozuna Hotel offers guests a one-of-a-kind opportunity to experience the world of sumo wrestling. Formerly a sumo training stable called Kokonoe-beya, this hotel retains much of its original structure and authentic details, blending traditional Japanese culture with modern comforts.

Located in Tokamachi City in Niigata Prefecture, known as the "town of kimono,” Kimono no Aoyagi has been preserving and innovating traditional kimono-making techniques since 1938. This historic workshop offers a unique opportunity to witness every stage of kimono creation all under one roof.