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.

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.

Yanaka Ginza is a quaint shopping street in Tokyo that transports visitors back in time to the charm of a traditional downtown district. Located just minutes from Nippori Station, this 170-meter street offers a mix of Japanese street food, unique shops, and a warm atmosphere. This is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a glimpse of shitamachi – Tokyo’s old-fashioned neighborhoods.

The pure snow of Niigata is well known for helping to create some of the best sake in Japan. And now you can sample over 100 kinds of sake from the region from the convenience of three major train stations.

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.

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.

Step into a slice of history and embrace the community spirit at the Katsuura Morning Market in Chiba Prefecture. With its roots stretching back over 430 years, this vibrant market offers visitors a unique chance to experience the heart of local life.

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.

One of Japan’s most intriguing and popular fish markets is well worth visiting when in Ibaraki Prefecture. Situated along the waterfront of Ibaraki Prefecture's eastern coast in Minato-honcho, Nakaminato Fish Market reflects Japan's rich maritime heritage. Rivaling Tokyo's famed Tsukiji Fish Market in both size and the abundance of fresh catches, Nakaminato offers a truly local experience without the overwhelming crowds.

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.

Saitama is home to two major rivers, the Arakawa and Tone, which provide high-quality water that’s perfect for brewing sake. With over 30 breweries spread throughout the prefecture, you’re invited to come and get a taste of the region yourself. We’ll take a closer look at three top producers.

The world has fallen in love with wagyu, regional, high-quality Japanese beef. If you’re traveling in the Kanto region, you’ve got to head to Yamanashi Prefecture to try Koshu wagyu beef, the high ranking wagyu of the region.

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.

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.

Taste this classic snack in its place of origin and visit the eco-friendly factory in Sammu.

TOGEDAMA craft gin is locally made with love by a family business that has been based in the Saitama forest since the Meiji period.

Discover the innovative way this store is giving new life to undiscovered clothing and accessories. Located just across from Tokyo Bay, at Kisarazu Concept Store shoppers can discover a treasure trove of discontinued fashions and unique designs.

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