Greater Tokyo

Features

reset

Tranquility and Tradition The Hidden Gems of Fukushima

Fukushima is the kind of place that sneaks up on you. The first time I hopped on a Shinkansen bullet train and visited this Tohoku prefecture just north of Tokyo, I was simply curious about what Fukushima had to offer. Before I knew it, I had fallen in love with it: the fertile agricultural fields framed by rugged mountains, the kindhearted people who offered their sincerest hospitality, and the proud cultural heritage rooted deep in its samurai history. Many first-time visitors come to Fukushima unsure of what to expect from it but leave, often reluctantly, with a new-found respect for its beauty, people, and culture.

Where Art Meets Nature: Uncover Kanto’s Creative Side

Kanto is full of surprises. Just beyond Tokyo’s dense skyline, a unique kind of creativity flourishes, one shaped by rolling hills, quiet lakes, and innovative spaces where art and nature coexist. In Chiba and Gunma prefectures, these worlds come together in unexpected ways, from sustainable farms dotted with contemporary sculptures to museums where nature seamlessly blends with exhibition spaces. Whether it’s a hands-on experience at an eco-friendly art farm or an architectural masterpiece that doubles as a hotel, these destinations prove that inspiration thrives in the most unexpected places.

A Craft Journey Where Tradition Meets Creativity

The traditional crafts live and breathe in and around the Tokyo area. The origins vary from religious symbols to architectural designs to just pure enjoyment. The exploration of the endless creativity behind Japanese crafts can take you on a journey to discover some of the wonderful towns and cities beyond the capital, deepening your appreciation of Japanese culture as a whole. Let's visit five fascinating places in and around Tokyo where tradition meets creativity in the craft world.