history

This is Japan’s only shrine with a Shinkansen tunnel underneath it

It’s a distinction Akabane Hachiman Shrine didn’t want, but has come to embrace.

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Japan’s most popular castle raising ticket prices by up to 200 percent for non-local tourists

There’s a little silver lining to Himeji Castle’s new tiered ticket prices, but if you’re not a local, it’s probably going to cost you a whole lot more.

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Japanese bank’s founders blood-signed promise to commit samurai-style suicide if they committed fraud

Pledge, signed in blood, is “a treasure” of bank that’s still in operation today.

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Samurai ritual suicide contest cancelled by organizer in west Japan

Holding seppuku contest on government property deemed inappropriate by city hall.

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Japanese ramen restaurant serves noodles with a heartwarming side of history

Unique visitor’s record tells the story of a ramen dish that remains unchanged for decades.

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Japanese communities giving their skylines a spring clean and saying goodbye to power lines

The quest to let Japan’s historical sites shine bright continues on.

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How to do an overnight bus trip to Kanazawa from Tokyo【Photos】 – Part 2

Historical tea houses, throwing stars, retro cafes, and Kanazawa’s special curry, all without any need to book a hotel.

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A visit to Japan’s priest murder party cliffs of Tojinbo【Photos】

Dramatic coastline has a dramatic reason for sharing its name with a priest from the Heian period.

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Starbucks teams up with the oldest of Japan’s Six Ancient Kilns to create a Bizen ware coffee mug

Ancient Japanese pottery techniques create a sublime coffee-drinking experience.

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Site of Japan’s most famous samurai murder is now a Kyoto karaoke joint

Belt one out for Ryoma.

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A trip to the other side of Matsushima, a mysterious power spot with an otherworldly atmosphere

The eerie ruins on this island will take your breath away. 

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Japan’s two-month Shut-in Pilgrimage – A 1,200-year-old way to deal with a modern issue

Program helps hikikomori take steps towards reconnecting with the outside world.

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Rest in style – Japanese company bringing back kofun burial mounds for the modern era

An exciting development for kofun fans.

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Summer nights at this amazing Tokyo open-air museum are like stepping back in time

Downtown Summer Evening returns to Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum.

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Japanese house is actually a cheap hotel where you can stay for US$24 a night

Forget capsule hotels, here you can get a room in a Japanese house instead.

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Japanese hand-dug tunnels on a bamboo forest trail are like a quest in a video game

Complete with advice from a local side character, this off-the-beaten path adventure is wild and frightening at the same time. 

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Cheap hotel beside cemetery at Kozukappara execution grounds in Tokyo is a scary place to stay

Things go bump in the night at this unique accommodation in Minami Senju.

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Boxed sake is now a thing in Japan, thanks to one of the oldest breweries in the country

Kojima Sohonten serves up award-winning Toko Junmai in new sustainable cask packaging.

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Uniqlo brings cultural cuteness to Edo animals T-shirt line with Japanese history’s greatest artists

Hokusai and four other ukiyo-e masters featured.

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Hidden history, retro cafes, and a shoe shrine on Asakusa bus loop【Tokyo Loop Buses】

There’s so much more to Tokyo’s Asakusa area than Sensoji Temple.

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