No.100 [TRAVEL] Welcome to Snow Country
The region is divided into “heavy snowfall areas” and “special heavy snowfall areas”. / Eric Rechsteiner for Z […][...]
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No.99 [TRAVEL] Shodoshima, between soy and olive
Shodoshima and the Inland Sea seen from Goishizan./ Eric Rechsteiner for Zoom Japan Located an hour from Takam […][...]
No.98 [TRAVEL] Aoniyoshi, the unforgettable train
The latest Japanese luxury train, the Aoniyoshi, will take you from Osaka to Kyoto via Nara./ Kintetsu Railway […][...]
No.97 [TRAVEL] In the footsteps of Prince Shotoku
Amagashi Hill offers a bird’s-eye view over Asuka, the region where Shotoku Taishi lived. / Eric Rechsteiner f […][...]
No.96 [TRAVEL] Sankei-en, a big surpris
The relocated three-storey pagoda of Tomyo-ji Temple in Kyoto, is the only building visible from anywhere in t […][...]
No.95 [TRAVEL] The early Christians of the Goto Islands
Consecrated in 1908, the redbrick Dozaki Church is located on the main island of Fukue. / Eric Rechsteiner for […][...]
No.94 [Travel] On the banks of Lake Kasumigaura
Surrounded by numerous canals, rivers and lakes, Itako is definitely a “water town”. (C) Eric Rechsteiner for […][...]
No.93 [TRAVEL] Shimonoseki, point of entry
The Kanmon Straits separate the main island of Honshu from the island of Kyushu Located at the western tip of […][...]
No.92 [Travel] Heading north on Route 58
Heart Rock Beach, Korijima, is where lovers meet! Our reporter followed the famous artery from south to north […][...]
No.91 [Travel] Close to the sea and people
The Michinoku Trail provides breathtaking scenery like the Kitayamazaki Cliffs in Iwate Prefecture. The Michin […][...]
No.90 [TRAVEL] In the north lived the Jomon
The Sannai Maruyama site provides an insight into the way the Jomon people lived. Tohoku welcomes the inclusio […][...]
No.89 [TRAVEL] Iizaka Onsen: A licence to bathe
A small Shinto shrine adjoins Sabakoyu, the oldest public bath in Iizaka Onsen. The famous spa is very popular […][...]
No.88 [TRAVEL] Noto, a piece of land-sea heaven
Located in the north of the peninsula, the Shiroyome Senmaida rice fields plunging down to the Sea of Japan ar […][...]
No.87 [TRAVEL] A country at chrysanthemum time
The cultivation of this flower took off in the Heian period (794-1185) after being imported from China. From S […][...]
No.86 [TRAVEL] Tokyo, rollercoaster version
In many ways, this part of the capital is more reminiscent of a provincial town than a district in the country […][...]
No.85 [TRAVEL] Kagurazaka, Tokyo’s hidden beauty
Today there are only around twenty geisha left in this district, compared to 600 in the 1930s. This is one of […][...]
[TRAVEL] The Castle in the Sky is here!
Kisami beach is one of the most popular spots for surfers. A source of inspiration for the great MIYAZAkIHayao […][...]
Magical Journey in Fukushima: NHK WORLD-JAPAN
NHK WORLD-JAPAN program Magical Journey Fukushima – A New Leaf, A New Day Walking through Tohoku is […][...]
No.83 [TRAVEL] Love nests in Tokyo
In Shibuya district, Tokyo, a couple search for a love hotel. In Dogenzaka district alone there are some 300 l […][...]
Trip to Japan with travel program “Storied Soil – Natural and Cultural Wonders of Tohoku”
Explore Tohoku’s beautiful nature and unique history and culture In 1689 Japan’s most famous haiku poet, Matsu […][...]
No.81 [TRAVEL] Tono – at the heart of legends
The town, which has 26,000 inhabitants, is the leading producer of hops in Japan. The small town, which […][...]
No.80 [TRAVEL] Okutama, another aspect of Tokyo
The junction of the Tama and Nippara rivers. Two hours from the capital city, lush and stunning country […][...]
No.79 [EXPLORING] A railway paradise
Landscape near Nagaoka where the first section of the Joetsu line was opened in 1920. To discover this […][...]
No.78 [TRAVEL] Under the spell of Matsue
Sunset over Shinji Lake is one of the most eagerly awaited moments for tourists who are visiting the port city […][...]
No.77 [DISCOVERY] Hiroshima’s gardens
Saizo-ji Temple and its stone garden are a lovely invitation to pause and meditate. A green city par excellenc […][...]
No.76 [TRAVEL] On the trail of Koshu wine
Château Mercian succeeded the Dai-Nihon Yamanashi Budoshu Kaisha founded in the mid-19th century. Produced in […][...]
No.75 [TRAVEL] Lake Inawashiro in autumn
The autumn landscape all around Lake Inawashiro is a symphony of colours and full of delights for visitors in […][...]
No.74 [TRAVEL] To see nature, oze is a must
Ozenuma Lake offers a magnificent view of the surrounding mountains. A real gem, this national park enc […][...]
No.73 [TRAVEL] Toyosu still needs to prove itself
built over an area of 41 hectares, the capital’s new market cost around £4.1 billion. The new fish mark […][...]
No.72 [TRAVEL] A Saturday at Urawa Stadium
The fervour of the Urawa Reds’ supporters is legendary in the Archipelago. It recalls that of those other Reds […][...]
No.71 [TRAVEL] Sandankyo’s wild beauty
Located less than an hour and a half from Hiroshima, those who love stunning scenery will be delighted. The ch […][...]
No.70 [TRAVEL] Journey back in time in Hakone
The celebrated spa is well-known as a place that has succeeded in preserving the atmosphere of the Edo era. Fo […][...]
No69 [DISCOVERY] As wild as you could wish
The perfect cone shape of Komezuka, one of Mount Aso’s five volcanic peaks. This impressive volcanic si […][...]
No.68 [TRAVEL] a Japanese weekend in… Amsterdam
In the city centre, many stalls have been decorated by street artists inspired by Japanese art. Former […][...]
No.67 [A MUST SEE] Mie, jewel of the cultured pearl
Those who love to watch the sun setting will find something to satisfy their passion in this part of Japan. &n […][...]
No.66 [DISCOVERY] Along the Tobishima route
The Inland Sea seen from Kenmin-no-hama Beach on Kamagari Island. Less well-known than the Shimanami Ka […][...]
No65 [TRAVEL] The subtle charm of miyazaki
Situated on the island of kyushu, at the southern end of the archipelago, this region is brimming with treasur […][...]
No64 [EXPLORATION] Niigata, the kingdom of sake
Niigata Prefecture is home to the largest number of breweries in Japan, with some 90 companies. Rice produced […][...]
No63 [DISCOVERY] In the land of the matagi
In the north-west of the country, traditional hunters are trying to preserve their know-how by welcoming women […][...]
No62 Sharing experiences in Iida
students from iNsEAd were able to discover an unexpected side to Japan while on a trip to iida.) Staying with […][...]
No61 An escape called chichibu
Fewer than 100 km from the centre of the capital, this region has everything to satisfy all your senses. The c […][...]
No60 Hanami : Japan’s fleeting beauties
Every year, the Japanese wait impatiently for the brief moment they are able to delight in the cherry blossom. […][...]
[DISCOVERY] in the east, the call of nature
The Shiretoko Peninsula has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2005. Nature lovers and travellers […][...]
[TRAVEL] Journey to the land of manga
The Ishinomori Manga Museum, also known as the Ishinomaki Mangattan Museum, has some wonderful surprises for l […][...]
No57 [DISCOVERY] Kagura’s affinity with Hiroshima
The monster and the umbrella seller, performed by the Yokota Kagura troupe. This theatrical art form in […][...]
No56 [FOCUS] Otsu, the authentic flavour of japan
For an uninterrupted view over Lake Biwa, just go to Biwako Terrace. Avoid the suffocating crowds of to […][...]
No56 [LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT] A warm welcome to Inase
Otsu offers visitors a range of accommodation. From luxury hotels on the shores of Lake Biwa to Enryaku-ji Tem […][...]
No55 [DISCOVERY] Miyajima: foods of the Gods
The miyajima torii is as celebrated as mount Fuji around the world. / Angeles Marin Cabello for Zoom Japan &nb […][...]
No54 Shimane, homeland of sumo
The tradition is nurtured from a very young age on the Oki Islands. To find out more about the origins of this […][...]
No53 Ogasawara: The treasure archipelago
Situated more than 1,000 km away from Tokyo, a large part of the Ogasawara archipelago is still very wild . Sh […][...]
No52[DISCOVERY] At the end of the Silk Road
The little port city isn’t just the homonym of the former American president, it’s also a relatively unknown r […][...]
No51 Between heaven and earth on Nokogiri
The Nippon-ji has been a site for prayers since the 13th century. It’s home to one of the biggest statues of B […][...]
No50 Setouchi, a whiff of the aegean sea
With its 12,000 olive trees, the ushimado Olive Garden is one of the city’s most prized locations. Situated to […][...]
No49 [KOSANJI] A touch of madness
Born of the unbridled imagination of a former business man, Kosanji is a unique example of its kind. Filial pi […][...]
No49 [IDEAS] What to do, eat, and see
A system of self-service rental bikes allows you to travel around the city easily. Hiroshima and its region ar […][...]
No48 [Hokkaido] In the footsteps of Ken-san
Notoro lake near Abashiri is once again frozen and covered in snow. A typical mid-winter sight in Hokkaido In […][...]
No47 [Taking a Walk] In the gardens of Shikoku
People from Takamatsu consider the Ritsurin Garden to be the one of the most beautiful in the country. Althoug […][...]
No46 [Discovery] Mount fuji in full colour
Mount Fuji as seen from Chureito Pagoda in Fujiyoshida. There are many treasures in the lakeland region surrou […][...]
No45 [Bewitched] A gem named Tomo
“The most beautiful view in Japan”. This is how a Korean emissary described what he saw from a window at the T […][...]
No44 [Trip] A Japanese week-end in Stockholm
Zoom Japan will be taking you on a tour of Japan right here in Europe. Our first stop is in Scandinavia. If th […][...]
No44 [Book] The Bible for train travel in japan
Nothing beats traveling around Japan by train, and there’s nothing better than a good guidebook to avoid getti […][...]
No43 [Travel] Hachijo, Pearl of the Pacific
Located to the south of Tokyo, this volcanic island excites the curiosity of visitors with its many cultural a […][...]
No42 [Taste] Nara and Kyoto, food and drink (2/2)
The two ancient imperial cities are full of history and have a long tradition of fine cuisine. Among the many […][...]
No41 [Travel] Nara and Kyoto, food and drink (1/2)
Japan’s two ancient imperial cities are full of history, and have a long tradition of fine cuisine. Kyot […][...]
No40 [Travel] On Iwakuni’s bridge
Every year, 40,000 people attend a celebration unlike any other, in an amazing setting. Under the Kintai bridg […][...]
No39 [Travel] Okinawa – A relaxing time in Taketomi
Situated in the extreme south of Japan, this little island has found a way to control the growth of its touris […][...]
No38 [Travel] Samurai spirit, are you there?
Just like the Siena Palio, Fukushima prefecture’s Soma Nomaoi is an event where riders can represent the […][...]
No37 [Travel] The divine at Togouchi
There is an ancient ritual held in the mountains surrounding Hiroshima that is well worth seeing. Yabusame (ho […][...]
No36 [Travel] Tomioka, a taste of France
Japan owes a Frenchman for its its first modern silk mill, now listed as a world heritage site. While their ec […][...]
No35 [Travel] The hidden face of Yokohama
The second largest city in Japan is known for its harbour and Chinese quarter. Let’s discover its hidden treas […][...]
No34 [Travel] The incredible Kii Peninsula
By following the Kisei line that runs along the coast, you can discover all the treasures of this region, whic […][...]
No33 [Travel] Ishinomaki Faith in a rebirth
Badly damaged by the tsunami in March 2011, the city has high hopes with its manga museum. I f one has heard t […][...]
No32 [Travel] In Hiroshige’s footsteps
Several sections of the famous road that links Edo to Kyoto are accessible. We travelled along one of them. A […][...]
No31 [Travel] The magic of the oki Islands
If you are looking for a place where you can recharge your batteries, then think about travelling to this uniq […][...]
No30 [Travel] A walk through Torasan’s shibamata
Yamada Yoji built a great part of his legendary film career in the Shibamata district of Tokyo. Since ancient […][...]
No29 [Travel] A little jaunt to Kanazawa
Thanks to a new fast section of railway line, this port city is now only two and a half hours away from Tokyo. […][...]
No28 [Travel] Walking in Taniguchi’s footsteps
700 kilometers west of Tokyo, Tottori prefecture has much to attract the curious. It all starts on a train, as […][...]
No27 [Travel] Behind the scenes in Asakusa
Everyone comes here to see the famous Thunder Gate (Kaminarimon). However, the district has many other surpris […][...]
No26 [Travel] A trip back in time in Matsumoto
Located in the heart of the Japanese Alps, this city is home to one of the rarest gems of military architectur […][...]
No25 [Travel] Autumn in Hiroshima
The trees clothed in their autumn colours are a stunning spectacle that’s not to be missed. There’s something […][...]
No24 [Travel] Walking sacred paths
Kumano and its sacred pilgrimage routes were jointly registered as a UNESCO World heritage sites ten years ago […][...]
No23 [Travel] Yanaka, an oasis of peace in Tokyo
Yanaka has become one of the capital’s most popular locations, yet it is still one of the most peaceful. Let’s […][...]
No22 [Travel] The Inner Sea by bike
There’s nothing like a lovely bike ride from one island to the other to discover one of Japan’s most be […][...]
No21 [Travel] Between heaven and earth
Far less well-known than Naoshima, Teshima in the Inland Sea has many surprises in store. For several years no […][...]
No20 [Travel] The power of cherry blossom
Every year, at the arrival of spring, cherry blossom casts a spell over the Japanese. Can’t you feel it in the […][...]
No19 [Travel] On top of the mountain
Located just thirty kilometres southwest of Takamatsu, Kotohira has many hidden treasures to offer. Shikoku is […][...]
No18 [Travel] Meeting the soul of Kyoto
Every year the inhabitants of the ancient city celebrate their past with a highly colourful procession The you […][...]
No17 [Travel] The tale of Edo and Tokyo
The Edo-Tokyo museum opened in March 1993. In the space of twenty years it has become an essential tourist des […][...]
No16 [Travel] Railway magic in Kyushu
Japan has had a new train since the 15th of October and it is a unique way of discovering regions that were li […][...]
No16 [Travel] Welcome to Tokyo-upon-Avon
If you feel like wallowing in one of the capital’s 700 thermal baths, here are three top places to visit. On t […][...]
No15 [Travel] Extraordinary Dazaifu
Just twenty minutes from Fukuoka, this beautiful sanctuary is the result of a most fantastic story. The story […][...]
No14 [Travel] Her majesty Mount Fuji
Perhaps the most widely recognised symbol of Japan that there is, the Mount Fuji volcano has been dormant sinc […][...]
No13 [Travel] High up on the sacred mountain
Designated as a Unesco World Heritage site in 2004, Mount Koya, an important Buddhist shrine, holds many surpr […][...]
No12 [Travel] Kawagoe, a journey through time
Less than an hour away from the capital, a city situated in the heart of Saitama prefecture will take you back […][...]
No11 [Travel] The art of the Inland Sea
The second Setouchi Triennial takes place this year. It involves twelve islands and two ports. To look at a Ja […][...]
No10 [Travel] A Tramway Named Desire
A unique survivor of Tokyo’s old tram network, the Arakawa line has a few beautiful surprises in store for eag […][...]
No9 [Travel] Onomichi, from Ozu to Wenders
For ages, this quiet port city situated by the Inland Sea has attracted appreciators of tranquility and good f […][...]
No8 [Travel] Amakusa, welcome to paradise
A few kilometres southwest of Kumamoto, the Amakusa archipelago is an astonishing place full of charm. Majesti […][...]
No7 [Travel] Enjoy travelling through books in Jimbocho
There are many bookshops in this area situated in the heart of the capital, where Chinese revolutionaries used […][...]