2024-04-04 03:27
Flea markets may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of Japan, but visiting one in your travel itinerary can offer an interesting way to immerse yourself in local culture… Read More
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2024-03-29 06:00
Kyoto – the former capital of Japan and home to countless wonderful experiences and sights to see. Among the fascinating things to do are visiting the Samurai and Ninja Museum, a popul… Read More
2024-03-27 11:00
Venture into the dense forest mountains of Akita (秋田) prefecture in northeast Japan, and peek under the surface of its famous winter snowscapes, behind the scenes of its fermen… Read More
2024-03-26 09:30
Kyoto is often one of the first places on many travelers’ lists when visiting Japan. But with its main attractions more crowded than ever, you may find venturing a little further afie… Read More
2024-03-15 08:00
Isehara City (伊勢原市) located in Kanagawa Prefecture’s heartland, is a gateway to both history and nature, just a short journey away from Tokyo and Yokohama… Read More
2024-03-15 06:00
The sight of Mount Oyama’s pyramid-shaped silhouette, at an altitude of 1,252 meters, is hard to miss in the Kanagawa area. The hike to the summit has been on my bucket list for quite… Read More
2024-03-14 09:00
For years, overseas visitors to Japan have seemingly worn a groove traveling between Tokyo and Kyoto / Osaka during their holiday stay. A few have ventured further west, perhaps to Hiroshima… Read More
2024-03-13 10:00
Picture yourself in a time machine, traveling 400 years ago to the Edo era in Japan. You find yourself in the presence of Lord Inaba, the feudal lord of the Usuki domain in present-day Oita… Read More
2024-03-12 05:00
I first visited Hamamatsu in the Spring of 2021. Before that, my only knowledge of the city was a blur on the Shinkansen between Tokyo and Kyoto or glimpses of the ocean and the red torii ga… Read More
2024-03-08 09:00
As Tokyo’s tourism industry has experienced a remarkable revival since last year, the principles of sustainable tourism, societal impact, and cultural heritage preservation have become… Read More
2024-03-08 09:00
As global tourism rebounds in the post-pandemic world, travelers must think about how their travel practices impact the places they choose to visit. Done well, international tourism increase… Read More
2024-03-08 09:00
As global tourism rebounds in the post-pandemic world, travelers must think about how their travel practices impact the places they choose to visit. Done well, international tourism increase… Read More
2024-03-04 09:00
Between you and me, if I had to pick only one island in Japan to visit for the rest of my days, it would be Kyushu. It is an island with pristine nature, outstanding cuisine, vivid daily and… Read More
2024-02-29 10:00
At the heart of the Setouchi region, the four cardinal cities of Okayama, Hiroshima, Matsuyama and Takamatsu frame the Seto Inland Sea with a rich blend of history and modernity. Our journey… Read More
2024-02-22 08:30
The bullet train has long been a favourite among Japan travellers, and is one of the most convenient ways to explore the country, at a fast pace. The new extensions of the Hokuriku Shinkanse… Read More
2024-02-22 08:30
The image of the Shinkansen, Japan’s high-speed train, is iconic for travelers worldwide. Its sleek facade is instantly recognizable, and even locals may stop and stare to watch it gli… Read More
2024-02-22 08:30
If you’re looking for a way to round out an itinerary in Japan focused mainly on visiting famous landmarks, shopping til you drop, and eating Japan’s incredible cuisine, might I… Read More
2024-02-08 09:00
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A country of fascinating traditions and incredible culture, as well as breathtaking natural beauty, there is so much to see and do in Japan. One way to explore more of Japan… Read More
2024-01-24 01:00
If you’re on the hunt for a destination that unlocks the real essence of Japan, where culture, history, and tradition come to life, look no further than Shizuoka. This gem, slightly of… Read More
2024-01-24 01:00
If you’re looking for a captivating destination that blends culture, history, and nature, Shizuoka Prefecture is the place to be! Located just one hour southwest of Tokyo on the JR Tok… Read More
2024-01-24 01:00
In the heart of Japan, between the iconic Mount Fuji and the serene Pacific, lies the vibrant region of Shizuoka. An area often overlooked in the rush to more famous destinations, the area i… Read More
2023-05-01 00:59
If you’re looking for a unique travel experience in Japan, then Shikoku should be high on your bucket list! As the smallest of Japan’s main islands, Shikoku is known fo… Read More
2023-03-31 00:00
Yokohama (横浜) is a global city of about 3.77 million people, with opportunities for businesses, academics, and individuals. The city prides itself on being a welcoming and supp… Read More
2023-03-29 12:30
Water is the beginning of life, and there’s one place in Yamanashi prefecture where it flows from the holiest of mountains and the purest underground springs. Here, water flows into va… Read More
2023-03-29 10:00
Yamanashi Prefecture is one of Japan’s best off-the-beaten-path destinations for wandering and letting yourself be taken in the breathtaking views of mountains, lakes, and natural park… Read More
2023-03-28 10:30
Who said traveling in Japan has to be stressful? If you’re tired of shopping and sightseeing and want to take a breather from the hustle and bustle of the city, Yamanashi Prefecture is… Read More
2023-03-28 10:00
If you’re a lover of nature and hiking and are curious to travel Japan off the beaten path, Yamanashi prefecture is the perfect destination to consider for your next journey. Located o… Read More
2023-03-27 10:30
When traveling, many people may settle for the most trodden path while may find that the more fulfilling experiences may consist of immersing themselves in what makes a place different from… Read More
2023-03-27 10:00
If there is one craft that is intrinsically related to Japan, it is Japanese lacquer. Before humans ever rode horses, the indigenous peoples of the islands of Japan were already using this e… Read More
2023-03-27 07:00
If you sense a bit of magic in the air when you visit Hamamatsu (浜松市) in Shizuoka Prefecture, it isn’t just your imagination. The spirit of “Yaramaika”… Read More
2023-03-21 16:00
Kyushu’s most southern prefecture, Kagoshima (鹿児島), is a beautiful place packed with interesting bits of Kagoshima history, culture, and subtropical beauty, many o… Read More
2023-03-17 00:00
Welcome to Japan’s Setouchi region, home to some of the country’s most beautiful natural landscapes, historic sites, and cultural experiences. Located in western Japan, the Setou… Read More
2023-03-16 04:00
As the world returns to travel as a business and leisure activity after a forced hiatus, once again, we are faced with the question of how to ensure tourism is a positive force in this world… Read More
2023-03-16 04:00
Sustainable Tourism has become an increasingly important topic as the world considers how to maximize the potential of global tourism to support local businesses and economies, increase glob… Read More
2023-03-16 04:00
Sustainable tourism, societal impact, and culture and legacy preservation are crucial aspects of modern travel. As we explore new destinations and experience different cultures, it’s i… Read More
2023-03-14 01:00
From bustling markets to quiet alleyways, Okinawa’s arcades are a fascinating blend of the traditional and the modern, with old-school shops coexisting alongside trendy cafes and bars… Read More
2023-03-09 09:00
Surrounded by the mountains of southern Kyushu, the Hitoyoshi Kuma Area in Kumamoto Prefecture is blessed with a stunning landscape, a centuries-old history, and a local commu… Read More
2023-03-08 04:30
Train travel is one of the most scenic ways to experience Japan’s varied, mountainous terrain, and Fukushima Prefecture’s landscape is no slouch in its endlessly stunning natural… Read More
2023-03-08 03:00
On March 11th, 2011, the northeastern coast of Japan suffered the most unimaginable horrific disasters of modern history. A magnitude 9.0 earthquake triggered a powerful tsunami that inundat… Read More
2023-03-07 22:00
Less than 3 hours from Tokyo, the sleek red Akita Shinkansen zips by snow-covered forests and frozen valleys of Semboku City (仙北市). Japan’s deepest Lake, Tazawako… Read More
2023-03-07 22:00
From the sea to the mountains, Fukushima Prefecture offers an exciting range of landscapes and settings. There are many interesting places, whether off-the-beaten-path or conveniently locate… Read More
2023-03-01 12:21
The beautiful coastal city of Hamamatsu is along the golden route of Japan, just under 1.5 hours from Tokyo on the Tokaido Shinkansen. It’s not only an industrial hub, producing… Read More
2023-02-27 22:30
Shizuoka Prefecture’s fame comes from being the home to Japan’s iconic volcanic mountain, Mt. Fuji, but this prefecture offers so much more than being one of the best viewing spo… Read More
2023-02-27 21:00
On the southernmost part of Japan lies a group of 23 islands called Yaeyama (八重山列島) where the mangrove forests and jungles dominate the otherworldly l… Read More
2023-02-21 02:00
During the Edo Period, the only way to travel between the capital and other parts of Japan was by a series of set routes called the kaido. Samurai, merchants, and pilgrims in Edo-era Japan w… Read More
2023-02-20 22:41
The surrounding region of Tokyo has much more to offer than just the metropolis. One way to experience its rich history and cultural heritage is by traveling along the historic Kaido routes… Read More
2023-02-10 08:00
Sakurajima (桜島), the enigmatic and commanding volcanic landmark over Kyushu’s Kagoshima (鹿児島) cityscape, certainly stands out as one of the region&rs&hell…Read More
2023-02-10 08:00
The Tohoku region, tucked between the geographically largest region of Japan, Hokkaido, and the country’s most populated region, Kanto, carries a sense of enigma for most visitors to J… Read More
2023-02-02 08:50
While the cities of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka continue to get the lion’s share of overseas tourists to Japan, few visitors realize that there is a lot of Japan to see between them. Fewer… Read More
2023-02-02 08:50
In the modern age of international tourism to Japan, Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka capture the vast majority of foreign visitors, who often travel between these cities using the Tokaido Shinkansen… Read More
2023-02-02 08:49
Over the years, shinkansen train lines have expanded across the country, meaning you can easily explore more of Japan and into the off-the-beaten-track destinations. To make it even easier… Read More
2023-02-02 08:48
While Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka remain high on the list of many visitors embarking on their travel to Japan, few realize the world of fascinating traditional and cultural experiences that awai… Read More
2023-01-31 08:48
Near the geological center of Goto’s Fukue Island, there is a tiny general store catering to the locals living in the nearby agricultural area of Kishiku town (岐宿町… Read More
2023-01-31 08:46
As I approached Fukue Island’s port aboard the Jetfoil from Nagasaki city (長崎市), I kept wondering what I would find. While I was eager to discover the gorgeous bea… Read More
2023-01-31 08:00
When planning your trip to Okinawa and you need to choose accommodation, the first thing you probably think of is a fancy resort near the sea. But while these hotels are a great relaxing opt… Read More
2023-01-20 11:15
Just south of Tokyo on the Shonan coast facing Sagami Bay, is the island of Enoshima (江の島), Fujisawa City. It is one of the most popular trip destinations from Tokyo and… Read More
2023-01-20 02:59
Tochigi Prefecture (栃木県) is located in Japan’s northern Kanto region, only a couple hours by train from Tokyo. Home to a wealth of historical, cultural, and natura… Read More
2022-12-16 08:00
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There are few places where the allure of culture, nature, modernity, and tradition come together as they do in Japan. Go to the thriving mega-capital of Tokyo, and you&rs&helli…Read More
2022-12-15 09:36
Located in the center of Tokyo and on the grounds of former Edo Castle, the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace are awaiting you with over 210,000 m² of a wide variety of trees and flow… Read More
2022-12-09 09:05
Sailor Moon by manga author Naoko Takeuchi is one of Japan’s most famous magical girl series. First published in a monthly manga magazine in December 1991, the first official manga vol… Read More
2022-12-02 08:00
Kanagawa might not sound immediately familiar, but you almost certainly have seen one of the most famous depictions of this coastal prefecture in The Great Wave Off Kanagawa by ukiyo-e artis… Read More
2022-12-01 08:00
Travelling from Tokyo during Japan’s Edo period would often involve a journey along one of Japan’s five main old highways, called kaido. Japan’s five kaido connected Tokyo… Read More
2022-11-30 08:00
More often than not, autumn often gets overshadowed by cherry blossoms in springtime in Japan. However, autumn holds a special place in my heart, as it is the first season I got to wear a k… Read More
2022-11-24 09:29
While sake might be Japan’s most famous alcoholic beverage, beer is undoubtedly the most popular. There is an enormous range of beer in Japan to sample. The most well-known are popular… Read More
2022-11-02 07:28
A quick search of Ishikawa will give you images of Kenrokuen Gardens and perhaps the old town area of Higashi Chaya. But when looking for my next adventure in Japan, that was not what caught… Read More
2022-10-20 01:56
Spain – Madrid, France – Paris, United Kingdom – London… How about the capital of Japan? While many may know about Nara, Kyoto, and Tokyo as Japan’s famous cap… Read More
2022-09-14 05:17
The term otaku (オタク) is used in Japan to describe a person who is obsessively devoted to a particular interest or hobby of whatever nature: there are train otaku, TV ser… Read More
2022-09-09 07:53
The mighty Mount Aso (阿蘇山) is the largest active volcano in Japan. As is the case with many of the volcanoes located on Kyushu Island, which is often referred to as the… Read More
2022-08-31 07:31
From abroad, you might believe that tattoos are frowned upon in Japan. However, it’s important to point out that most tattoos in the rest of the world are very far from traditional Jap… Read More
2022-08-22 05:54
My introduction to the world of Japanese tea ceremony (茶道, chado) took place during my first visit to Japan in 2016. Everywhere I stayed, from the smallest ryokan to… Read More
2022-08-18 07:20
In Japan, as well as in many other countries, birthdays are a reason for celebration. But has it always been the case? How do people wish “happy birthday” in Japanese, and how do… Read More
2022-08-09 08:03
It’s not rare for Japanese subcultures to expand overseas and then explode in the West. Manga, anime, and video games are just a few Japan exports reaching the Western world and beyond… Read More
2022-07-29 13:56
It was 2014 when a young pop star with long, turquoise twintails opened U.S. artist Lady Gaga’s ArtRave: The Artpop Ball tour, catching the attention of Western non-otaku (i.e., non-lo… Read More
2022-07-25 18:06
What is the climate like in Japan? What temperatures should you expect when traveling in different seasons? And what is the best time of the year to visit the Land of the Rising Sun? Today w… Read More
2022-07-20 18:55
I am a fan of travel blogs and conventional guide books and possibly, one of the last few on earth who still buys printed versions of the guide books. You can often rely on blogs and guidebo… Read More
2022-07-14 12:53
When discussing Japan and the Second World War, one inevitably thinks of the kamikaze, Pearl Harbor, or the atomic bombs of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, which immediately brings up very dark imag… Read More
2022-07-08 14:47
If Miyazaki Prefecture (宮崎県) is on your itinerary, you will get the chance to discover much more than its superb surf beaches and subtropical landscapes. Some villages i… Read More
2022-06-29 05:19
Full disclosure: This article was written in collaboration with Trekkling to promote a cycling experience people can enjoy near (or more accurately, in) Tokyo. Trekkling provided me with a c… Read More
2022-06-24 12:01
One of Japan’s most impressive night illumination festivals is held in the Kansai region: Kobe Luminarie (神戸ルミナリエ). Although the event… Read More
2022-06-17 09:20
I enjoy a sport even more than sakura hunting: It’s Momiji autumn leaves hunting. At the beginning of November, the foliage of Japanese maple trees turns red before falling during wint… Read More
2022-06-06 03:45
The first thing to do before undertaking a trip is to plan it: looking for which airline to fly with, planning an itinerary or hiring a guide, thinking about what to add to the suitcase, and… Read More
2022-05-30 01:44
When you think of Japan, you might picture Mt Fuji, temples and shrines, sushi, and countless other cultural and gastronomical icons for which the country is so well known. Every year, milli… Read More
2022-05-24 09:20
“A Japanese is born as a Shinto, marries as a Christian, and dies as a Buddhist.” This looks impossible, but in Japan, it has its logic. The concept of spirituality and religion… Read More
2022-05-16 03:21
In most cases, an internship is an essential part of studies or training. So-called mandatory internships are intended to help us determine which path we would like to take in our profession… Read More
2022-05-13 04:24
So you’ve decided, perhaps to study Japanese or work, to take the plunge and move to Japan. If there is one thing that most new residents of Japan have in common, regardless… Read More
2022-05-11 08:51
Japan’s smallest main island, Shikoku, is usually not one of the main destinations for international tourists visiting Japan. Many follow the golden route with Tokyo – Fuji &ndas&hell…Read More
2022-05-06 06:47
Japan is a country of consumption. Commercial solicitations are everywhere, in supermarkets, shopping centers (depato, デパート) and konbini (コンビ… Read More
2022-05-02 05:24
Located a few kilometres from Kyoto and Osaka, Nara (奈良市) is one of the historical capitals of Japan. Numerous Buddhist temples and traditional buildings from its glorio… Read More
2022-04-30 08:00
If you have friends or relatives in Japan, you might have tried to send a letter or a parcel abroad. Thus, you may know that postal services can be sensitive in case of wrongly written addre… Read More
2022-04-28 00:53
For many, the first things that come to mind when they think about Tokyo are the crowded streets full of neon lights in Shibuya or Shinjuku, the anime figu… Read More
2022-04-26 10:52
One of the most common stereotypes we have of Japan is that Japanese people work all the time and have very little time off. This is partly true: work shifts are often very long, and paid va… Read More
2022-04-25 12:49
In Japan, wage policies and minimum wage are decided at both government and local levels. In recent years, we’ve seen wage policies evolve according to the changing economic context. A… Read More
2022-04-21 08:00
Stretching along a beautiful section of Japan’s east coast, Ibaraki Prefecture features a wonderfully diverse range of things to see and do. Within easy reach of Tokyo, many of Ibaraki… Read More
2022-04-12 08:36
Legend has it that a deity appeared in a dream to a pious Buddhist monk to show him a sacred valley, blessed by an abundant stream of water — a mythical place where the prote… Read More
2022-04-08 06:17
When talking about Kumamoto (熊本), the first image that comes to mind is probably Kumamon, the city’s cuddly black bear mascot, if not the symbolic Kumamoto Castle, which… Read More
2022-04-05 10:17
Experiencing an authentic aspect of traditional Japan is a dream come true for any fan of Japanese culture. While traveling around Japan, you may have many occasions to witness its deep-root… Read More
2022-03-31 05:00
The Hamamatsu region in Shizuoka Prefecture is located in a privileged natural environment. With its impressive mountains and over 800 different types of plants inhabiting the area, Lake Ham… Read More
2022-03-31 05:00
Hamamatsu is located in the western part of Shizuoka Prefecture. In addition to its abundant nature and breathtaking sceneries, it also has a rich history. During the Edo period, this area w… Read More
2022-03-29 09:00
There’s hardly a traveler to Japan who hasn’t thought about, read, or traveled to Kyoto’s cultural capital or Hyogo’s Himeji Castle. But anyone looking for an excursi… Read More
2022-03-29 09:00
If a visit to Japan in winter has escaped your radar until now, cozying up in local restaurants as you indulge in a rich seafood heritage and breathtaking winter sceneries in northern Kyoto… Read More
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