As the winter nights grow longer, the streets of Tokyo glow brighter, with colorful lights adorning streetlamps, trees and buildings. If you are looking for something a bit more dramatic that won't leave you exposed to the chilly air, look no further than the Edo ...

On Aug. 17, for one special night, an illuminated display appeared near Hikone Castle in Shiga Prefecture to celebrate the Hikone Tokae festival. Those who missed the installations will be glad to know that the lights will make a comeback on Dec. 16, and this ...

Half a decade has passed since Universal Studios Japan expanded its theme park to include the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, to the delight of bookworms visiting Osaka. You can stroll through the magical realm any time of year and step into the shoes of ...

The end or beginning of a year should be a time for peaceful reflection. The din of your everyday life may be a distraction, though, so why not venture into the tranquil nature of Geibikei Gorge in Ichinoseki, Iwate Prefecture, for some peace of ...

In winter, skiers and snowboarders aren't the only figures crowding the slopes at the Zao Onsen ski resort in Yamagata Prefecture — "snow monsters" join in the fun as well. Don't be scared, though. These monsters won't bite, as they are actually juhyō (frost-covered ...

The Sapporo Snow Festival, which attracted almost 3 million people to the capital of Hokkaido last year, is still over a month away. That won't stop the north from indulging in a little winter-themed fun, though. If you're looking to get into a merry mood ...

Travelers can get a glimpse of ancient Japan when they visit the historic temples and museums of western Nara, especially now using a discounted price. Despite being a residential area, the western part of Nara has a wide selection of World Heritage sites, museums, ...