The Imperial Hotel in Tokyo was originally built by Yuzuru Watanabe in 1890. Frank Lloyd Wright redesigned it, completing the famous structure in 1923. The hotel features a unique Japanese-Western hybrid design and holds significant importance in luxury hotel history, reflecting modern Japan’s architectural style. Wright intended the Imperial Hotel to harmonize with its surroundings. … Read more

Wani, a scholar from the Korean kingdom of Paekche, brought Chinese ideas to Japan in the late 4th century. He introduced Chinese characters along with 11 volumes of Chinese writings. Wani’s efforts significantly impacted the cultural exchange between China and Japan during this time. Merchants and diplomats traveled between the two nations, facilitating the transfer … Read more

The Azuchi-Momoyama period (1573–1603) saw political unification in Japan led by daimyo Oda Nobunaga and Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Nobunaga entered Kyoto in 1568, allowing Hideyoshi to continue his unification efforts. Significant sites include Nobunaga’s Azuchi Castle and Hideyoshi’s Momoyama Castle. Notable castles emerged, epitomizing military power and aesthetic beauty. The stunning Azuchi Castle, built by Nobunaga, … Read more

Planes flying from the United States to Japan usually follow an eastward path. They travel over the Pacific Ocean, covering about 5,000 miles. The flight takes a great circle route, which is the shortest distance between two points on a globe. This direction helps minimize travel time and fuel use. These routes commonly take planes … Read more

The Battle of Midway, fought in June 1942, was a key victory for the US forces against Japan. This turning point in the naval strategies of World War II shifted the balance of power in the Pacific. The defeat significantly crushed Japan’s ambitions for further conquest in the region. Japan aimed to eliminate the U.S. … Read more

Japan’s landform is predominantly mountainous, with about 75% of its national land covered by mountains. The country has extensive mountain ranges that form part of the Circum-Pacific ring of fire. In comparison, plains are less prominent. Therefore, the dominant landform in Japan is clearly mountains. In contrast, plains are limited in size and distribution. The … Read more

Green Cars are premium seating areas on several trains in Japan. You can find them on Shinkansen (bullet trains), Tokkyu (Limited Express trains), and select sleeper trains. These cars provide spacious seating and added amenities, catering to travelers who want extra comfort during their journey. To access green cars, passengers need to purchase specific green … Read more

The Shinkansen, also known as Japan’s bullet train, is a high-speed train service. It runs at maximum speeds of 240–320 kph (149–198 mph). This network connects key cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. The Shinkansen ensures timely travel and provides a comfortable travel experience, showcasing Japan’s advanced transportation technology. Limited Express trains offer a more … Read more

{Flights into Japan from the west usually approach Haneda Airport while flying south of Mt. Fuji. Passengers on the left side of the plane can often see this iconic mountain during their descent. Therefore, if you fly from the west, anticipate a beautiful view of Mt. Fuji on your left.} In addition to Mount Fuji, … Read more

Passengers on Japan Airlines international flights can see Mt. Fuji from the left side of the plane. This view usually happens during ascent or descent near Tokyo. For the best experience, choose a window seat on the left, especially on clear days. Enjoy the stunning sight of this iconic mountain during your flight! As you … Read more