Japan Guidebook - Online Japan Travel Guide

The Story of Japanese Wolves

hviola — Thu, 06 May 2010 21:47:34 -0500

Once upon a time there were two species of wolves living in Japan: The Hokkaido Wolf and the Honshu Wolf. The Hokkaido Wolf, also known as the Ezo Wolf, occupied the Island of Hokkaido. The Hokkaido Wolf became extinct in 1889 during the Meiji restoration period. The Island of Hokkaido was experiencing heavy development during these times and the wolves became a seen as a threat to the new horse-breeding industry. After taking advice from Americans, wolves were poisoned with strychnine and they ultimately disappeared.

Photo of Honshu Wolf at The National Science Museum of Japan © Katuuya

Japanese Canned Coffee

hviola — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 18:30:18 -0500

Japan is the world’s largest consumer of canned coffee. This ready-to-drink beverage is available in supermarkets, convenience stores, and especially vending machines.

Japan's $200 Mushrooms

Okinawa — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 00:43:14 -0500

What's the most expensive mushroom in the world?

Japan's Finest Beef - $500 Steaks Anyone?

Okinawa — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 20:06:19 -0600

These days many people know that the best beef comes from Japan, and Kobe beef has become a household name around the world. But what makes Japanese beef so good and how much does it really cost?

First Sakura of 2009

Okinawa — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 04:02:31 -0600

The first cherry blossoms of 2009 have bloomed in Okinawa. Sakura! Sakura! Sakura ga saita!

The Best Japanese Beer You Have Never Heard Of

Okinawa — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 02:52:48 -0600

What do you get when you take a serious Japan

What is the best kind of Japanese beer?

Okinawa — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 23:30:52 -0600

* Kirin * Asahi * Orion * Sapporo * Yebisu * Suntory * Otaru * Yona Yona

How to Prepare Otoshidama

Okinawa — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:02:52 -0600

Otoshidama is a Japanese custom in whi

10 Best Places to See Fall Foliage in Kyoto

hviola — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 00:10:55 -0600

1. Katsura Imperial Villa

Katsura Imperial Villa features what is said to be the most beautiful Japanese garden. The villa and the garden were started by Prince Toshihito and eventually completed by his son in 1645. It was constructed for the Katsura Family, who were members of Japan's Imperial Family. The villa remains in its original form, undamaged by fires, war, or any other forms of destruction. Immense care was taken into the construction of the villa and garden, with every stone and tree being purposefully placed with precise detail. Only the best natural materials were used to construct the villa. A garden path winds around a beautiful lake, with diverse scenery that changes with every step you take. The garden is the most gorgeous in the fall.

Sapporo Snow Festival

Okinawa — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 04:18:43 -0600

The Sapporo Snow Festival (Sapporo Yuki Matsuri) is the biggest and most famous winter festival in Japan.