The perfect five-day itinerary in northern Japan using the JR EAST PASS (Tohoku area)!

If you’re a foreign passport holder, you might know that you can take advantage of the JR EAST PASS (Tohoku area), which unlocks five consecutive days of unlimited travel across northern Japan for only 20,000 YEN (10,000 YEN for children).  Continue Reading

Travel back to 17th-century Japan from anywhere in the world on February 20 at 2:30PM (JST)! (Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture)

Among the beautiful mountains of Nikko in Tochigi Prefecture, there is a world where samurai roam the streets with their katana swords tucked into their traditional kimono obi (belt), ninja will teach you concealment techniques, local restaurants serve Japanese delicacies Continue Reading

Jarman International CEO, Ruth Marie Jarman, discusses Yonezawa City’s great potential as a tourism and living destination

Yonezawa City is located in Yamagata Prefecture of the northeastern Tohoku region, famous for delicious sake, nationally renowned beef, hot springs, and more. Ever since Jarman International helped organize the innovative sake webinar last November (available to watch HERE), which Continue Reading

Discover hidden Japan with YouTuber John Daub in Fukushima and Aomori!

From exploring Japan’s Hawaiian resort and witnessing a retro train cross the infamous Tadami River Bridge in all of its winter glory in Fukushima, to devouring world-class Japanese wagyu beef and ginger miso hot pot in Aomori, YouTuber John Daub Continue Reading

Experience the thrill of Hirosaki’s Neputa Festival from anywhere around the world on February 6 at 2PM (JST)! (Aomori Prefecture)

Every summer, over 80 illuminated, fan-shaped floats parade through the old castle town of Hirosaki in Aomori Prefecture for the Neputa Festival. The epic images of warriors on the floats (handmade by locals) come to life with the enchanting melodies Continue Reading

Exploring the Land of the Namahage: Sights, Tastes and Traditions of the Oga Peninsula (Akita Prefecture)

In mid-November, JI Core 50 member Sarah Achilles travelled to Akita Prefecture in the northeastern Tohoku region, which is sometimes referred to as the ‘Land of the Namahage’. In Japanese folklore, namahage are trolls or oni (demons) that scare little Continue Reading

Here is everything you need to know about the JR EAST PASS (Tohoku area)

If you are a non-Japanese passport holder (regardless of visa status), you can purchase the JR EAST PASS (Tohoku area) to unlock five consecutive days of unlimited travel across northeastern Japan. For a flat fee of 20,000 yen (10,000 yen Continue Reading

A spiritual marvel of the north – JI Core 50 member Adam Fulford discovers deep Japan in Yamagata Prefecture

“Every day is a journey, and the journey itself home.” This phrase is found in one of Japan’s most famous and beloved classical literature texts called “The Narrow Road to the Deep North”, which was written by legendary haiku poet, Continue Reading

Learn all about Japanese gourmet ramen & noodles with John Daub! (Live from Japan Rail Cafe in Tokyo station)

Japanese cuisine is no stranger to noodles, and YouTuber John Daub has travelled all across Japan to taste its countless varieties. Brought to you live from the Japan Rail Cafe in Tokyo station, John will introduce some of his most Continue Reading

Article about summer in Tohoku written by JI team member Chiara Terzuolo was published on Japan Today!

Although many of Tohoku’s beloved summer festivals have been cancelled or scaled down due to the pandemic, there are infinite ways to still have fun in this incredible northern region of Japan.  Visit Esashi Fujiwara Heritage Park in Iwate, a Continue Reading