Uncharted Japan

Exploring places most visitors never see

Explore the Blog
u
Why Uncharted Japan
Know Before You Go
Videos
Cities
Getting Around
Photos

Why Uncharted Japan

I’m John Haynes and my wife, Josephine is the fourth generation in her family to have been born in Japan with her great, great-grandparents having arrived in September 1861 from New York only a few years after Japan opened to the west. Her ancestors served as missionaries there when Ronin (former Samurai) still roamed the countryside.  It was very much unlike today’s Japan.  Therefore her family has a very long history retaining many contacts and the family still keeps the family home there north of Nagano.  No one of whom I’m aware in the Japan travel community online or on Youtube has such a background.  We both love Japan and enjoy sharing our experience with others.  Read on to learn more.

From The Blog

OSAKA EXPO 2025 CONCERT IDEA

Today, we received a comment from the guys of "Roast Apple" a German based Indie-Pop band letting us know they will be performing two nightly concerts at the German Pavilion at Osaka Expo 2025 the nights from April 22nd to April 26th.  Not being familiar with them,...

A $19 Strawberry??!!

Its all over social media these days.......the $19 Japanese strawberry being sold at upscale grocer Erewhon in Los Angeles.  Japan is no stranger to high priced fruits.  When we are traveling throughout the country, we often seen $10, $20 and $30 melons and such.  I...

Formula One In Japan!

In early April, Nagoya will host the Formula 1 Grand Prix at the Suzuka Circuit.  This is the only Formula 1 event in Japan and happens once a year.  We just posted a new video on the event along with some of the many other amazing things to do while in Nagoya other...
Christmas Lights:  Japanese Style!

Christmas Lights: Japanese Style!

During December, the larger cities of Japan go all out when it comes to Christmas lights.  Over here, they call them Winter Illuminations and generally run from mid November through mid January.  Some of them, such as those of Nabana no Sato run into Spring.  Its an...

read more
Go Fly A Kite!  In Japan!

Go Fly A Kite! In Japan!

Kites are a big deal in Japan, and nowhere is this more apparent than just outside the city of Niigata.  The Shirone River runs through the area and is the site of the largest Kite Battles in Japan.  The tradition dates back to the mid Edo Period and as the story...

read more
JR Rail Pass Giveaway Winner!

JR Rail Pass Giveaway Winner!

This week we had the privilege of showcasing Uncharted Japan at the Southeastern US/Japan Conference.  This is an annual conference in which seven southern states come together to foster business relationships with their Japanese counterparts.  Included in the list of...

read more

Photo Galleries

COUNTRYSIDE LANDSCAPES

Museums

Cities & Towns

FOOD

CASTLES

Hotels & Inns

Got a Question Send Us a Note

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.