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
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 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
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
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
As you climb the steps to the Taiyuin Mausoleum, birds replace the sound of traffic. Only a few people walk by. You linger over the delicate carvings gracing the walls of the mountain temple. You feel removed from everything. It’s impossible to believe you’re only a two-hour train ride from Tokyo. Nikko is a popular … Read more
Watching sumo in Tokyo (or anywhere) live is a highlight of any trip to Japan — even if you’re not a sumo fan. Sumo is Japan’s national sport. The number of foreign wrestlers increases each year, yet Japan remains the only country where professional sumo wrestlers compete. Sumo has a deep connection to the Shinto … Read more
By all means, travel to the cities like Tokyo and Kyoto– they’re all spectacular in their own right and for their own reasons. But I hope to offer you a list that might entice you to consider making the trek up to Japan’s northernmost island. And if you’re not much of a winter person or … Read more
Rather than recreating previous Universal theme parks in Orlando and Hollywood, Universal Studios Japan has developed and expanded new and existing rides, incorporates Japanese entertainment franchises and has a more “Japanese” feel to it than the Tokyo Disney parks. It also has a universal appeal that any international visitor would love as well. The official … Read more
Koyasan: Monks, Monasteries, and Mausoleums Koyasan is the closest the modern tourist will come to experiencing the true Japan… or at least, the true Japan as it relates to Buddhism. Koyasan is the home of Shingon Buddhism. Founded by the monk Kukai, Shingon has shaped Japanese thought for well over a millennium. Although Koyasan means … Read more
No matter how old you get, there is always something a little magical at the idea of taking a trip to a theme park. Who says you can’t excel at being a human adult while also shrieking at the idea of drinking Butterbeer at Hogsmeade? If you’re going to indulge in your child-like delights, Universal … Read more
5 Reasons Why You’ll Love Staying at a Ryokan So you’re going to Japan or you’re thinking about going. Congratulations! You’re one step closer to getting yourself to one of the most wonderful, wackiest, unforgettable countries on the planet. Now, in terms of rooming options, you could go the way of the Airbnb or stay … Read more
Tokyo’s intense crowds, underground subway passages, and blaring neon lights can make you claustrophobic. The Imperial Palace Gardens offers a break with some of the loveliest scenery in Tokyo. Escape the busy crush of commuting workers. Slow down, relax, and enjoy the beauty of the garden. It’s just a 10-minute walk from Tokyo Station. What … Read more
Matsuyama: A Literary Adventure Matsuyama — and its historic bathhouse, Dogo Onsen — are immortalized in Natsume Soseki’s famous novel, Botchan. The city celebrates its literary past with enthusiasm. The author’s influence can be seen in the most unlikely places. Enjoy some Botchan dango, a snack sold everywhere in Matsuyama. This dessert is made up … Read more
Shikoku, the smallest of the four main islands in Japan, is home to the longest pilgrimage in Japan. The 88 temple pilgrimage trail circles around the outskirts of the entire island. The temples were all visited or founded by the first pilgrim, Kukai. Kukai is also known as Kobo-Daishi, and he founded Shingon Buddhism. He … Read more
You won’t want to rush Kyoto. Japan’s cultural capital deserves all the time you can give it. But how to keep your accommodation bills down as you take in Kyoto’s sights? These ten hostels offer cheap accommodation right in the heart of Kyoto. All are clean, safe and secure—Japan’s hostels are a rightly ranked among … Read more
Kyoto is certainly one of Japan’s most-known tourism spots, even if it quite a bit smaller than cities like Tokyo and Osaka. But with a population of nearly 1.5 million people, Kyoto, known for its relaxing rock gardens and temples, is certainly big enough attract some of world’s best hotels. If you’re looking for luxury … Read more
Whether you visit Japan for a short stay or a long vacation, this complete Japan travel guide will help you to prepare. Japan’s customs, culture, and weather is probably completely different from your home country. In fact, it’s probably different from any other country in the world. Don’t be put off – it may take … Read more
Japan is well known for putting its own unique spin on things. Their museums are no different. You’ll find hundreds of museums in Japan. They cover everything from anime characters to buttons to parasites. Forget the National Science Museum or the Museum of Modern Art. Make tracks for our top ten quirky Japanese museums you … Read more
Sensoji isn’t the just oldest temple in Tokyo. It’s actually much older than Tokyo itself. The temple drew crowds when Tokyo was a sleepy fishing village. It’s still popular today, despite the many attractions Tokyo offers. The skyscrapers in the area dwarf the main hall, distinctive gates, and five-story pagoda. Don’t be put off by … Read more
Would you like to view Tokyo from the world’s tallest tower? Then Tokyo Skytree is just what you’re looking for. Or how about seeing 350,000-liter penguin and seal tank? You can if you go to Solamachi. In addition to the aquarium, Solamachi is home to 300 stores, many of them quite quirky, with some of … Read more
Are you an architectural aficionado? Or maybe you would prefer to be surrounded by amazing stores and shop for hours on end? If neither strikes your fancy, how about trying some ramen that will leave your taste buds asking for more? Tokyo Station has architectural domes that rival the cathedrals of Europe, an incredible indoor … Read more
Japan doesn’t lack theme parks. Serious Disney fans make the pilgrimage to Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea. In Osaka, Universal Studios Japan draws countless crowds of domestic and international visitors. Japan’s unique theme parks are less well known. The weirder theme parks – like the New Zealand farm themed attraction — didn’t survive the bursting … Read more
Japan has thousands of festivals each year. The cherry blossom festival and summer-time firework displays take place all over Japan. Each city and town also have their own celebrations showcasing the local flavor unique to that part of the country. Attending a local festival is a great way to see another side of Japan and … Read more
Ikebukuro: Japan’s Female Otaku Scene Ikebukuro is filled with so many things to do. You can enjoy aquariums, arcades, amazing city views from sky-high buildings, and a Pokemon Center that has a huge selection of items to choose from. For the ladies, you could even rent your own private butler for a few hours. Without … Read more
What to Do in Shibuya During the Day Move over Ginza! Shibuya is rapidly replacing the glamorous department store district as the new center of Tokyo’s fashion scene. Shibuya’s Harajuku district has already reached international fame. But this area is only the start. Shibuya’s Omotesando shopping street is known as the “Champs-Élysées” of Tokyo – … Read more
Shibuya is a shopper’s paradise by day. After dark, the district becomes THE nightlife hotspot in Tokyo. You can get your groove on in trendy nightclubs, dine on amazing cuisine, or even experience theater that rivals Broadway and London. Shibuya is the place to be when the sun goes down. What You Can Do in … Read more
Can you picture one thousand cherry trees in full blossom? Do you crave ancient temples with beautiful architecture? Would you like to view the largest collection of Japanese art in the world? Do your kids like engaging, hands-on science museums? Do they like the zoo? Do you (nothing wrong with admitting it!)? If so, you’ll … Read more
Do you enjoy interactive museums, arcades, shopping, or architectural feats of genius? How about cars, cosplay, beaches, or onsens? Odaiba has all this, and more. Odaiba showcases the best of modern Japan. You’re going to love the high tech island haven of Odaiba. Odaiba’s Origins Odaiba was once the declining Shogun’s defense against the outer … Read more
Chic shopping, world-class cuisine, and awe-inspiring architecture await you. Ginza is THE place to window shop in Tokyo. Opulent brands and cutting-edge trends abound. Japan’s prominent retailers have flagship stores in Ginza. They go way over the top to get your business. You’ve never had a department store experience like this. After browsing the overpriced … Read more