Historic World Heritage Site is a living breathing town that looks like it did when samurai roamed the streets.
retreats
- Japan
- (accommodation • culture • hot spring • Japanese accommodation • off the beaten path • off the beaten track • onsen • retreats • ryokan • Shimane • shrines • spa • temples • tourism • tourist sites • tradition • travel • UNESCO World Heritage Site • World Heritage site)
Shimane’s hidden travel sites, where you can escape the crowds and enjoy traditional Japan
-
Oona McGee
Apr 26, 2025
Sake, shrines and onsen hot springs await you at beautiful destinations that are yet to be discovered by overseas tourists.
- Japan
- (accommodation • culture • hot spring • Japanese accommodation • off the beaten path • off the beaten track • onsen • retreats • ryokan • Shimane • shrines • spa • temples • tourism • tourist sites • tradition • travel)
Muji enters the tiny house game, showcases its line of wonderfully minimalist ‘Muji Huts’
-
Philip Kendall
Nov 10, 2015
Japan does small better than pretty much any other country in the world. From intricate origami to beautiful bonsai to sushi made with barely a dozen grains of rice, the Japanese people are known for their dexterity and attention to detail.
It should come as no surprise, then, to learn that Japanese retailer Muji is now getting into the tiny house movement and recently showcased its range of prefabricated ‘Muji Hut’ minimalist homes and hangouts.
- Japan
- (architecture • home design • MUJI HUT • photos • retreats • tiny house movement)
-
Recent Posts
- KFC Japan’s “The American Burgers” include a pile of guilt
- Japanese government to allow desecration of flags on kids’ meals
- Two new Sailor Moon art manhole covers are coming to Usagi’s real-world Tokyo neighborhood
- Krispy Kreme releases new limited-edition fox doughnuts at only four stores in Japan
- Used chopsticks upgraded from “waste” to “valuable material” by Kawasaki City thanks to ChopValue
MOST POPULAR
Today
Krispy Kreme releases new limited-edition fox doughnuts at only four stores in Japan
Japan’s izakaya pubs closing at record pace, failing to attract foreign tourists
Two new Sailor Moon art manhole covers are coming to Usagi’s real-world Tokyo neighborhood
Gundam teams up with 300-year-old daruma maker for wood-carved anime mecha figures[Photos]
Tokyo’s new extra-expensive ramen restaurant is dividing opinions, so we tried a bowl
Japanese government to allow desecration of flags on kids’ meals
Pizza Hut Japan’s drinkable curry pizza is here – Is it all we dreamed it would be?[Taste test]
Japanese temple burns to the ground, fire burning inside for 1,200 years unharmed
Used chopsticks upgraded from “waste” to “valuable material” by Kawasaki City thanks to ChopValue
Japan’s instant ramen snack theme park features an athletic course even adults can enjoy
Weekly
Kanji ice cream becomes a sell-out hit in Japan
Japan has a new cute and clever sunblock for cat lovers
Tokyo’s new extra-expensive ramen restaurant is dividing opinions, so we tried a bowl
This Tokyo Station sweets sensation sells out daily, but we finally got our hands on it
Japan’s instant ramen snack theme park features an athletic course even adults can enjoy
Japanese temple burns to the ground, fire burning inside for 1,200 years unharmed
Krispy Kreme Japan is bringing two special donuts to the most-forgotten big city in the country
Japan’s izakaya pubs closing at record pace, failing to attract foreign tourists
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam anime mecha statue will be removed this summer
Gundam teams up with 300-year-old daruma maker for wood-carved anime mecha figures[Photos]
Monthly
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam anime mecha statue will be removed this summer
The average age of Japan’s hikikomori shut-ins is getting older, survey shows
Japan enters Golden Week vacation period, survey shows one in three plan to ride it out at home
Ichiraku Ramen-inspired ramen sets from Naruto anime pay homage to Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura
Kanji ice cream becomes a sell-out hit in Japan
Japan’s new Pokémon jackets give you the look and powers of the Kanto starter trio
Japan now has gyoza doughnuts, and they taste like no other doughnut we’ve tried before
New Kyoto Converse sneakers celebrate Japan with traditional kimono fabrics for your feet
Studio Ghibli releases new anime keychains that are like miniature figurines
Japan has a new cute and clever sunblock for cat lovers
Yearly
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
RECOMMENDED STORIES
Japanese government to allow desecration of flags on kids’ meals
Pizza Hut Japan’s drinkable curry pizza is here – Is it all we dreamed it would be?[Taste test]
Japanese temple burns to the ground, fire burning inside for 1,200 years unharmed
Used chopsticks upgraded from “waste” to “valuable material” by Kawasaki City thanks to ChopValue
Japan’s instant ramen snack theme park features an athletic course even adults can enjoy
Krispy Kreme Japan is bringing two special donuts to the most-forgotten big city in the country
McDonald’s Japan adds curry French fry flavor, regional-taste burgers to its menu with Gotochi Mac
Man in Japan calls in bomb threat because he doesn’t want to go to his own work farewell party
Starbucks Japan hoping fans will go bananas for its new mottainai banana affogato Frappuccino
Super! Eel Bread takes Japanese sushi into uncharted territory
Memorial bell inside Hiroshima’s Peace Park has been silenced, but for a sweet reason
Saltiest ramen in Japan? Ikebukuro White goes viral for crazy salt levels
The story of our reporter P.K. Sanjun’s heart attack
Bizarre Japanese vending machine sells “Peace and Equality” and “Angels and Demons”
-
Categories
Archives


