Yakushima
Our reporter Seiji hopes that first-time visitors to Yakushima’s Shiratani Unsuikyo will avoid some of the same pitfalls that he ran into.
Ancient cedar trees that inspired Hayao Miyazaki and his Studio Ghibli team are just one reason why this forest in Yakushima is so magical.
A slightly bizarre start made for a delicious meal you can only get on this remote southern Japanese island!
Winging it may not have been the best choice for Seiji’s trip to the Princess Mononoke island.
You’ll want to watch this astounding video more than once to soak in all the beauty they’ve packed into two-and-a-half minutes.
Researchers say this is the first time this type of behaviour between the two species has been recorded.
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!
Hayao Miyazaki has made his retirement official, leaving long-time fans heart-broken. Though you might be tempted to buy a gallon of ice cream, lock yourself in your room, and binge while marathon-watching Studio Ghibli films, we have a slightly healthier way of dealing with the black, gaping hole in your heart. Why not take a trip to Yakushima’s Shiratani Unsui Ravine and the “Moss Covered Forest,” the inspiration for Princess Mononoke??
MOST POPULAR
Now
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Majority of Japanese women in survey regret marrying their husband, but that’s only half the story
Mister Donut and Godiva continue their sweet sweets relationship with new treats on sale now in Japan
Totoro cream puffs and Catbus cookies are finally available in downtown Tokyo
Japan’s number-one cosplayer Enako creates jaw-dropping crowd at Winter Comiket【Photos】
The Yellow Lucky Bag from Village Vanguard is so bad it may damage Japan-US relations
Japan’s 10 best Ferris wheels for beautiful views, as chosen by travelers【Survey】
We try an unusual buffet of dishes made from wild game at a roadside stop in Chiba
Discover some of the best snacks in Atami, a wonderland of Japanese street food
Japan’s top 10 travel experiences in the sky【Survey】
Weekly
- Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
Princess Mononoke magnets return just in time to treat yourself to awesome anime decorations
Giant hotel rooms in Osaka reflect the new non-niche face of travel in Japan.
Japanese women showing rebounding interest in giving Valentine’s Day chocolate【Survey】
Umamusume anime girl plushie recalled for having parts she absolutely should not have【Pics】
What’s inside Starbucks Japan’s fukubukuro lucky bag for 2026?
Monthly
- Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
- 10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches- Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
- Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month- Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
Yearly
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid- Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
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
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
RECOMMENDED STORIES
The Yellow Lucky Bag from Village Vanguard is so bad it may damage Japan-US relations
Japan’s 10 best Ferris wheels for beautiful views, as chosen by travelers【Survey】
We try an unusual buffet of dishes made from wild game at a roadside stop in Chiba
Discover some of the best snacks in Atami, a wonderland of Japanese street food
Japan’s top 10 travel experiences in the sky【Survey】
Japan’s kid-friendly ski program is now selling Pikachu snowboards for a limited time only
Exclusive Starbucks iced coffee glass handmade in Japan according to ancient Edo tradition
Fewer ramen restaurants declare bankruptcy in Japan for first time in several years
Immersive ukiyoe exhibition in Osaka adds some scented flair
Top 10 Japanese factory tours to keep you out of the heat this summer
This Japanese pub with one-yen bottles of sake broke our brain and made our day
Princesses, fruits, and blacksmiths: Study reveals the 30 most unusual family names in Japan
-
