Japan

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When many people think of Japan, they conjure images of Tokyo and bullet trains, cherry blossoms, and Mount Fuji.

Those images are certainly well-known, but Japan is much more than that. The nation is composed of thousands of small islands inhabiting 127 million people. The terrain ranges from Tokyo’s skyscrapers and ancient shrines to Hokkaido’s stark mountain ranges to Okinawa’s dense jungle. Different regions maintain distinctive cuisine, festivals, and cultural customs.

Matador’s community of expats and travelers have written much about Japan. Here you will find personal accounts of teaching English and studying Japanese, recommendations for what NOT to do, and tips for partying with salarymen. In addition, there is a range of helpful articles to seek out cultural festivals, unusual theme restaurants, and the strangest beauty products.

Restaurants →

Mary Richardson gives us the story on where you can dine with cats, chow down locked in a...

What NOT to do →

Mary Richardson breaks down the island's avoidable attractions...and what you should do...

Clubs →

If you're in Japan, you have probably been told that all the gaijin in Tokyo do their...

What NOT to do →

Matador's destination expert on Japan lays out the country's avoidable attractions...and...

Culture + Religion →

Okinawa invites the outside world to share in the culture, dance, music, and spirit of...

Budget + Backpacker →

Fear not--the following are ways to eat well without running out of cash.

Food →

Menya Musashi: "The cooks are animated in the open kitchen, with the head noodle chef...

Culture Guides →

The following Culture Crash Course will help you ease right into Japan.

 

It may not be cute, but it's saving energy.

Food →

It looks like a melting tongue and you dunk it in yellow goop...

Culture Guides →

It's not enough that you have to teach; you have to dodge fingers up the butt as well.

Culture Guides →

Watching people slurp noodles whilst drunk is as entertaining as people-watching gets.

Photo + Video + Film →

Drawing out the seconds and exploring their details.

World Events →

Sometimes, extreme measures are required to put an end to terrible conflicts.

 

Takabisha, the world's steepest roller coaster, accelerates to 100 km/h, has a 43m drop,...

 

"We encourage them to continue the good fight -- when even the strongest warriors would...

Paddling →

This photo essay captures the work and spirit of Shon Bollock and his crew, as well as...

Language Learning →

It’s best to target simple pop, relaxing jazz, or country acts.

World Events →

Man rescued after being stranded for days and other videos of Japan as it begins...

World Events →

7 videos that demonstrate the power and destruction of the disaster and the long road...

 

The word is easily tossed around, but what does it mean? Is it imminent in Japan? And is...

Culture + Religion →

I spent the whole week preparing emotionally, financially, and even gastronomically.