Visiting World Heritage Sites is a great way to see Japan. Since the sites are scattered all around the archipelago, you’re bound to be close to at least one of them no matter where you are in the country, and having gained the prestigious status by UNESCO, you can be sure you’re seeing the very best of Japan. After all, World Heritage status is not easily obtained and competition is stiff.
Join our peripatetic reporter as she takes you to each site and gives you the lowdown on what to see, how to avoid the crowds, and how to enjoy the sites on your own terms. Ready? Let’s go!
Japan now has fish-shaped soy sauce bottle hand cream
Skirt that will make cat cafe cats love you supposedly found at Uniqlo’s sister brand
Mysterious light-up rainy night-sound Totoro figure doesn’t actually show a scene from the anime
Totoro Christmas tree cookie sets are here, are extra-special for Ghibli fans with a little luck
Studio Ghibli showcases traditional craftsmanship with new wallet range
Doraemon found buried at sea as scene from 1993 anime becomes real life【Photos】
One of Japan’s rarest sweets is a sell-out hit that looks and tastes like frost
Japanese company develops classy heavy metal band frames for glasses
Miniature keychain versions of Japan’s Death Spray are coming to capsule toy machines soon
Kansai area people more genetically predisposed to liking coffee than elsewhere in Japan
Studio Ghibli tea blends contain ingredients inspired by My Neighbour Totoro
Japan’s Kanji of the Year announced, shows the bright and dark spots of 2024【Video】
Japan’s tap-to-pay Suica train card system aims to go tapless with walk-through gates, location data scans
Starbucks teams up with 165-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Snake decorations【Photos】
Over 800 Studio Ghibli anime world paintings compiled in beautiful new hardcover art book【Pics】
Japanese city paints well-known prostitution street bright yellow, adds fish art【Video】
Possessing Harry Potter’s Sword of Godric Gryffindor is now illegal in Japan
Uniqlo announces first-ever collaboration with horror manga master Junji Ito【Photos】
J-pop mega star Ado reveals she’s been living in the U.S., may not understand language acquisition
Starbucks Japan is calling it quits with paper straws
Studio Ghibli releases new range of cardigans for anime fans
Japan’s most popular castle raising ticket prices by up to 200 percent for non-local tourists
Furikake rice seasoning sales are soaring, which is bad news for Japan as a whole
Studio Ghibli heroine cardigans give you warmth and strength to face everyday challenges
Eight unforgettable hot springs, as recommended by Japan’s “Professor Bath”
Berserk T-shirts coming to Uniqlo for launch of new Manga Curation line【Photos】
McDonald’s new Happy Meals offer up cute and practical Sanrio lifestyle goods
Foreign tourists on Shinkansen bullet train break suitcase etiquette, angering local passengers
[Deleted] Article written for April Fool’s Day 2018
Japanese government to make first change to romanization spelling rules since the 1950s
Foreigner’s request for help in Tokyo makes us sad for the state of society
Japanese convenience store Family Mart announces abolishment of eat-in spaces
Life-size vibrating Legend of Zelda Master Sword for sale from Nintendo【Photos】
Princesses, fruits, and blacksmiths: Study reveals the 30 most unusual family names in Japan
Studio Ghibli releases free-download board game — Here’s how to play it without reading Japanese
Doraemon found buried at sea as scene from 1993 anime becomes real life【Photos】
One of Japan’s rarest sweets is a sell-out hit that looks and tastes like frost
Japanese company develops classy heavy metal band frames for glasses
Miniature keychain versions of Japan’s Death Spray are coming to capsule toy machines soon
Kansai area people more genetically predisposed to liking coffee than elsewhere in Japan
The best cosplayers from Day 1 of Summer Comiket 2023【Photos】
Studio Ghibli unveils Mother’s Day gift set that captures the love in My Neighbour Totoro
Starbucks teams up with 165-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Snake decorations【Photos】
Check out these white balls of cuteness — irresistible java sparrow coin purses!!
Nozomi Shinkansen bullet train abolishes low-priced unreserved tickets during peak travel seasons
Japan reaches its lowest-ever ranking on Education First’s 2024 English Proficiency Index
Getting a driver’s license in Japan the hard way: The first written test