Okutsumiya: The Turtle Is Looking at You
Read the story
Curious places and overlooked corners of Japan.
For travellers who have already seen the obvious Japan — or would rather skip it.
And for anyone who wants to fall a little deeper in love with Japan.
This may also be the closest thing to a treasure map for avoiding rush-hour trains.
Recently noticed
View all places
Curious Food
View all food stories
Field Guides
View all field guides
Collection guide · 5 stops
An Odd Day in Chichibu: Scarecrows, Dragon Bones and Mountain Soba
Chichibu’s scarecrow village, mountain soba, curious temple treasures, face-like stones and an old-town dinner.
From Tokyo · About 2–3 hours · TrainIkebukuro → Mitsumineguchi
Practical guide · 8 sections
Eating Somewhere With No English Menu in Japan
A step-by-step guide to entering, ordering and paying at a small Japanese restaurant when there is little or no English support.
Open the guide
Collection guide · 6 places
Ghost Jizō, 108 Foxes and a Giant Kannon: Unusual Sacred Figures Around Tokyo
From a nearly faceless Jizō to 108 foxes and a giant Kannon, six unusual sacred figures within easy reach of central Tokyo.
Example train journey · add walking time
From Tokyo (Ueno) · About 6 minutes · TrainUeno → Minamisenju