Uncovering Japan’s Road Less Traveled

Japan has developed unique and profound cultural, artisanal, and spiritual traditions that are a joy to experience – but only if you know where to go and what it all means. A government policy by the Agency for Cultural Affairs, Japan Heritage aims to inspire, demystify, and, crucially, discover the real charms of Japan.

Tourism is a relatively new phenomenon for Japan. The country’s current global status as a hit factory of style, food, design, technology, nature, deep history, and pop culture now draws tourists in fast-increasing numbers. The number of overseas visitors has been increasing significantly aft...