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.

Culture and Art Festivals →

The 4th of July and New Year's Eve aren't the only times to see great fireworks shows.

Nightlife Guides →

From a schooner in the Caribbean to Iceland's Blue Lagoon.

Relationships →

Europe to Mexico, Brazil to Australia, here's basic dating etiquette as far as who pays.

Snow →

Or, how to blow your retirement fund in 2012.

Paddling →

Latest trailer posted for Slippery when Wet by the Shasta Boyz featuring kayaking in...

Nonlinear Narrative →

Though awake since 5...This sense of dislocation.... In Chicago Friday night I stood up...

Galleries →

April is National Kite Month in the U.S., and Matador Network Editor-at-Large Eileen...

Program Profiles →

Learn about spices, regional ingredients, and local cooking techniques.

Culture and Art Festivals →

The Year of the Rabbit kicks off on February 3, 2011. Here are 15 photos of Chinese New...

Trip Planning →

I haven’t ventured too far off the beaten track in Asia. I’m thinking 2011 might be...

Art + Design →

Snow has transformative power and can itself be transformed into art.

Health + Lifestyle →

Relocating to one of these regions could help you live a longer, healthier life.

Galleries →

Because big cities look so much cooler when they're tiny.

Galleries →

These sculptures range from fun to freaky and might just make you look twice.

 

Wasabi, bacon, bugs, octopus and pepper are all flavors of some of the world's strangest...

Couples + Romantic →

25 romantic places where couples can simply enjoy each other - which is really the whole...

Photo Essay →

Move over peanut M&Ms, from fried chicken to tomatoes and bananas, these vending machines...

Luxury + High End →

All you need is a dollar and a dream? Not if you live here.

Travel and Adventure Jobs →

Working at international resorts is one way to live and work abroad in a variety of...

Language Learning →

Careful in Portuguese - "ficar na" means stay at, but "ficar com" means make out with...

Culture Guides →

China could be the Holy Grail for smokers. Smoking bans are rarely enforced except in...

Culture + Religion →

Be careful buying someone a drink in Norway; watch out for thrown punches in Mongolia.

 

LP ranks the top 10 locations in the world to be wet and nude.

 

Hal rounds up the travel web's airport chatter from the past few months.

Parks + Wilderness →

Your ideal place for watching the sunrise.

Photo Essay →

Every once in a while, it's good to take stock.