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

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.

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.

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.

Shake off the chill of winter, or any season for that matter, with a dip in the refreshing hot spring waters of Hakone. A quick day trip from Tokyo is just what the doctor ordered for weary travelers who need a break from the Tokyo streets.

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

Of the 3,000 or so onsen (natural hot spring baths) in Japan, Kusatsu Onsen in Gunma has been rated number one of the Top 100 Onsen selected by travel pros for the past 20 years in a row. Come learn how this small town has become one of the most popular onsen resort towns in the country, fielding around 3 million visitors annually.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.)

Located off the coast of Niigata Prefecture in the Sea of Japan, the remote island of Sado holds a unique place in Japanese history. Learn about how this former gold mine was a shining part of the Japanese economy.

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.

In Tokyo, immerse yourself in one of Japan’s traditional crafts and learn how to repair broken ceramics with a method that enhances their aesthetic appeal.

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.

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