Red cloth hanging from a Japanese style door-front that says the title of this article, "Namba Oriental Hotel Review."

Namba Oriental Hotel Review

Can’t get enough of Namba’s electric atmosphere? Stay there in comfort at the Namba Oriental Hotel, a mid-range hotel positioned right in the heart of Namba’s shopping, dining, and entertainment area. Though mere minutes away from both Namba Station, a busy transportation hub, and Dotonbori, one of Osaka’s highlights, the hotel retains a peaceful ambiance. … Read more

A tall building taken from the bottom looking up. The text on this article reads,"Intercontinental Hotel Osaka."

Intercontinental Hotel Osaka: The Height of Luxury

The Intercontinental Hotel Osaka has everything: all of the luxury and amenities you’d expect from an up-to-date, five-star hotel, combined with Japan’s first-class customer service and attention to detail. Add in three restaurants, a bar, a bakery, breathtaking views over Osaka, and a fantastic location with shopping, dining, and entertainment within easy reach, and it’s … Read more

Silver metal bowls filled with various Korean dishes (mostly vegetables).

Tsuruhashi Korea Town: Japan’s Largest Korea Town

Want to know one of Osaka’s best-kept secrets? The city has the largest Korea Town in Japan. You have a lot to see and do in Osaka’s K-town. The neighborhood offers much more than just authentic Korean barbeque.  The narrow streets and old houses look like something out of post-war Japan. The elderly residents still … Read more

Osaka Station City as seen from above, at night.

Osaka Station City: Shopping and Food Galore!

The new Osaka Station City opened in 2011. The architects replaced a crowded and boring train station with a light and airy building complex. It’s now considered one of the most attractive train stations in Japan. It’s not just the station that’s been updated. The surrounding area looks great as well. As part of the … Read more

A panoramic shot of Kyoto City, filled with buildings all around.

Kyoto Century Hotel Review

Despite being only a 2-minute walk from Kyoto Station, the city’s train and bus hub, Kyoto Century Hotel offers guests the chance to relax and escape the bustle and relax in tranquil and peaceful surroundings. Given that the hotel is currently undergoing construction work during the daytime, these claims are somewhat in doubt, at least … Read more

Abeno Harukas building taken from afar, with other buildings around it.

Abeno Harukas: The Skyscraper That Stands Above the Rest

The Abeno Harukas Skyscraper is the tallest building in Japan. It’s also home to Japan’s largest department store – and it doesn’t stop there. The building complex has a railway station, an observation deck, a hotel, an art gallery, a garden, and lots of restaurants. The Abeno Harukas building offers something for everyone! About the … Read more

A set of statues of people in a row, their hands in prayer, and see to be floating off the ground.

Nagasaki Churches, Christianity, & World Culture

Japan has had a complicated relationship with Western culture. Nagasaki is proof. Some of the Japanese-style buildings haven’t changed since the Edo period (1603 – 1868). Other buildings might make you think you’re in an old European village. Why is the City Like This? Japan was isolated during the Sakoku period (around 1639 – 1853). … Read more

A panaoramic shot of the many buidlings in Nagasaki next to the shore.

Things to Do in Nagasaki: The Atomic Bomb and Beyond

Nagasaki has a rich cultural history, but it’s mostly known for one tragic event: the atomic bombing on the ninth of August in 1945. In a few seconds, around 40,000 people died and Nagasaki changed forever. Seventy-two years later, Nagasaki has rebuilt but not forgotten. The number of living survivors decreases each year. The Nagasaki … Read more

A close up of red and yellow maple leaves on a branch. The text on this images read, "K's House Kyoto Review"

K’s House Kyoto Review

K’s House Kyoto:  Is It Worth It? No wonder K’s House Kyoto is so popular! Since 2003, the hostel has been winning fans for its combination of modern design, affordable accommodation, and amenities for travelers. Billing itself as reasonably priced New Zealand style accommodation, K’s House was designed as a hostel from the start, giving … Read more

A Zen type of sand garden with stone pillars in it, and beatifully raked sand. The text in the image reads, "J-Hoppers Kyoto Review"

J-Hoppers Kyoto Review: Is it Worth It?

Aimed at catering for backpackers, J-Hoppers Kyoto Guesthouse is a budget hostel located within walking distance of Kyoto Station. Opened by a trans-continental motorcyclist in 2002, J-Hoppers Kyoto now has 15 years of experience dealing with foreign travelers. If you’re apprehensive about staying in a hostel, J-Hoppers is a great place to start. To Check … Read more

Mount Fuji in the background, with a couple in a small bot on the lake in the foreground. Mt. Fuji is being reflected off of the surface of the lake.

Climbing Mt. Fuji: Prepare Yourself

Mt. Fuji: Climbing the Japanese Icon Mt. Fuji looms large in Japan. The mountain’s iconic silhouette appears in everything from Edo-period woodcuts to Hello Kitty charms. The mountain is easy to get to. You can see the massive volcano from Tokyo. Any relatively fit person can manage the climb. It’s not uncommon to see Japanese … Read more

A long, wooden platform (path) cutting through a large field of green vegetation at Kushiro Shitsugen National Park.

Kushiro, Hokkaido: Visit While You Can

Kushiro is known as “The Town of Mist” due to its atmospheric weather. The fourth largest city in Hokkaido is well known for its natural attractions. Kushiro Marsh is the only known habitat of the endangered red-crowned crane. Lake Akan, a volcanic crater, is one of the few places in the world where the marimo … Read more

Asahidake with Ropeway Station taken from afar. The sun is setting in the sky.

Asahikawa: Experience The Best of Summer in Hokkaido

Summer in Hokkaido has a lot to offer. The prefecture’s gentle summer climate is perfect for flowers; tourists flock to the colorful displays. Outdoor enthusiasts can’t get enough of Hokkaido’s national parks. They love the active volcanoes and gorgeous lakes.  This article focuses on summer attractions you can easily reach from Asahikawa. We suggest using … Read more

Otaru Coastline Cliffs in front of the ocean in Sapporo.

Explore Hokkaido: Awesome Sapporo Day Trips

If you visit Sapporo, don’t limit yourself to the activities within the city. While there are many fun things to do in town, there’s even more to discover in the nearby area.Mt. Teine, an Olympic ski field visible from Sapporo, is a must-visit in winter. The historic town of Otaru offers scenic canals and warehouses. … Read more

People waiting at a crosswalk in Shinjuku. There are many tall buildlings in front of them.

The Best Cheap Hotels in Shinjuku

Shinjuku has gone through many changes in recent years, but the district is still a nightlife hotspot, home to a plethora of bars, izakaya and entertainment options. If you want to take full advantage of Shinjuku’s nightlife opportunities but don’t want the hassle of getting across Tokyo afterwards (Tokyo’s public transport system shuts down at … Read more

People skiing atop a high hill overlooking buildings and the ground below. A snow covered mountain is in the background.

Niseko: A Winter Wonderland for Skiers

If your idea of heaven is miles and miles of fresh powder, Niseko is the place for you. The ski and snowboard resort is popular for several good reasons.  Niseko’s winter coincides with summer in the southern hemisphere. This makes the resort popular with Australians.  Many have settled in Niseko and started their own businesses. … Read more

The front of the Old Government Building in Sapporo, with a sign in the front that says "WELCOME! HOKKAIDO"

What to Do in Sapporo: A Year-Round Guide

The majority of Sapporo’s visitors come in winter for the city’s famous Snow Festival. Even if your schedule doesn’t allow you to visit in winter, don’t pass up a chance to see this beautiful city.  Sapporo has a lot to offer. The historical village gives you insight into Hokkaido’s pioneering past. The iconic markets offer … Read more

A huge snow sculpture of a big building with pillars around. At the bottom of this sculpture are ice pieces that have been illuminated with different colors (blue, pink, yellow).

Things to Do in Sapporo: Amazing Ice Sculptures, Food, and Fun

Sapporo has a lot to offer. It’s the Prefectural Capital of Hokkaido and Japan’s fifth largest city.  Thanks to Hokkaido’s reputation as a skiing and snowboarding paradise, most people visit Sapporo just for the winter sports. This is a shame! Even during Hokkaido’s harsh winter, it’s worth spending some time exploring Sapporo. You don’t want … Read more

A group of Tokyo Baseball Japanese Fans cheering in the stands awith one group holding a flag of Japan.

Tokyo Baseball Games: Feel the Energy of the Crowd!

Sumo may be Japan’s national sport, but baseball is Japan’s most popular past time.  English professor Horace Wilson introduced baseball to Japan in 1872. Since then, the game has become Japan’s favorite form of recreation. Professional baseball started in the 1920s. It’s now firmly established as the most watched sport in Japan. There are a … Read more