East Hokkaido is one of the few remaining places of true wilderness in Japan. Roam through untamed territories and encounter the area’s many wild species, from whales to brown bears.

Hokkaido is one of the snowiest places in the world, making it a legendary destination for powder-snow enthusiasts. Explore this winter wonderland and race down backcountry slopes of deep powder.

The Ainu are Japan’s indigenous people and the earliest settlers of Hokkaido. Meet an inspiring Ainu couple and learn about their vanishing culture by trying your hand at their traditional crafts.

In the shadow of Kagoshima’s many volcanoes, local residents have adapted to life alongside these titanic forces of nature, regarding them with respect and awe.

Get lost on the fairytale island of Yakushima, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is home to picturesque moss forests and to the legendary ‘yakusugi’ cedar trees.

Far to the south, Amami Island offers a secluded tropical retreat with sandy beaches, unhurried island culture, and excellent snorkeling and scuba diving.

Delve into a realm of gods, demons, dragons, and heroes as you explore the fascinating world of ‘kagura’, one of Japan’s oldest and most exciting performing arts.

Step inside the private studios of Shimane’s master craftspeople to hear their stories, witness their skills, and even try your hand at creating pieces of your own.

Leave the beaten path behind as you move deep into the Japanese countryside to experience authentic tradition and classic, small-town hospitality.

Venture deep into subtropical jungles to encounter exotic flora and fauna, from loop-root mangroves and wild hibiscus, to giant coconut crabs and Asia’s most elusive and endangered wildcat.

Dive beneath the waves to snorkel and scuba dive among vibrant corals, colorful fish, and sea turtles. Lucky divers may even spot giant manta rays gliding effortlessly through the water.

Experience a different side of Japan. Far to the south, this picturesque archipelago is home to warm sands, clear skies, and a relaxed island culture totally distinct from the mainland.

Enter the refined world of Kanazawa craft, where steady hands and keen aesthetic senses continue to create some of the country’s most stunning works of art.

Stroll along streets once frequented by samurais, craft merchants, and geishas. History comes alive as you explore Kanazawa’s many fascinating sights, from lively markets to preserved teahouses.

See, smell, and taste what makes Kanazawa one of Japan’s premier food destinations. From ‘kaiseki’ feasts almost too beautiful to eat, to humble locals-only eateries, foodies are sure to find new favorites here.

For hundreds of years, the famed Yamabushi priests of Yamagata have trekked throughout the Dewa Sanzan mountains in search of spiritual awakenings and a heightened connection with nature.

Yamagata’s cuisine is legendary. The region is famed throughout Japan for its fruits and vegetables, and the seafood pulled from its coastal waters is considered to be among the best in the world.

From Yamadera Temple perched precariously on a mountainous cliffside, to the serene Zenpoji Temple along the coast, Yamagata is home to fascinating Zen traditions dating back hundreds of years. Gain unparalleled access into Japan’s spiritual side.