VOYAPON - Ultimate Guide For Your Off-The-Beaten-Path Trip to Japan

From Hanafuda to Video Games: Nintendo’s Living Legacy in Kyoto

From Hanafuda to Video Games: Nintendo’s Living Legacy in Kyoto

For a Nintendo fan, Kyoto feels almost like a pilgrimage site. The company is intimately connected to the urban fabric, former headquarters have become refined hospitality spaces, and contemporary retail…

by Sebastien Raineri

An Inside Look into a Pet-Friendly Ryokan in Izu

An Inside Look into a Pet-Friendly Ryokan in Izu

What does a stay at a traditional Japanese inn look like when your travel companion has four legs and a tail? We give you an inside look at our relaxing…

by Tamaki Hoshi

Why Omiya Deserves a Spot on Your Itinerary

Why Omiya Deserves a Spot on Your Itinerary

Just north of Tokyo, Omiya blends railway heritage at The Railway Museum with parks, shrines, and bonsai culture—an easy and rewarding day trip.

by Patrick Kelly

Best Events Japan April 2026

Best Events Japan April 2026

Find out the best events in Japan this month — from sake festivals and exhibitions to spring-themed campaigns.

by Paul McInnes

Two Days of Art and Literature in Creative Tokyo

Two Days of Art and Literature in Creative Tokyo

A creative Tokyo journey of books, art, and culture centered around Shiba Park Hotel and Park Hotel Tokyo.

by Todd Fong

Latest on Voyapon

From Hanafuda to Video Games: Nintendo’s Living Legacy in Kyoto

From Hanafuda to Video Games: Nintendo’s Living Legacy in Kyoto

An Inside Look into a Pet-Friendly Ryokan in Izu

An Inside Look into a Pet-Friendly Ryokan in Izu

Former Prince Higashifushimi’s Hayama Villa

Former Prince Higashifushimi’s Hayama Villa

Why Omiya Deserves a Spot on Your Itinerary

Why Omiya Deserves a Spot on Your Itinerary

Viewing Cherry Blossoms Throughout Tokyo

Viewing Cherry Blossoms Throughout Tokyo

Cherry Blossoms

Stay at Tanekura Inn in the Heart of the Japanese Alps

Stay at Tanekura Inn in the Heart of the Japanese Alps

Best Events Japan April 2026

Best Events Japan April 2026

Best Events Japan

The 2026 Mobile Suica Guide: How to Navigate Japan Without Cash

The 2026 Mobile Suica Guide: How to Navigate Japan Without Cash

Seasons of Light and Color in Fujisawa City and Enoshima

Seasons of Light and Color in Fujisawa City and Enoshima

Two Days of Art and Literature in Creative Tokyo

Two Days of Art and Literature in Creative Tokyo

Step Aboard the Soya: Tokyo’s Antarctic Icebreaker

Step Aboard the Soya: Tokyo’s Antarctic Icebreaker

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News

Since 2016, Voyapon has prided itself on giving our readership the lowdown on the more under-the-radar locations in Japan. Voyapon has also recently expanded to give travelers and residents our recommendations about culture and lifestyle topics in Japan.

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Editor's Picks

Every week, our editor in chief chooses the best articles from the Voyapon archive.

Awaji: Discovering Japan’s First Island

Himatsuri: The Fire of the Gods

Popular Destinations

Fukuoka

Fukuoka, a vibrant city on Japan's Kyushu Island, is a captivating blend of modernity and...

Hakone

Hakone, nestled in the heart of Japan's Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, is a must-visit destination for...

Hiroshima

Hiroshima, a city of resilience and renewal, offers a profound journey through history and culture....

Kamakura

Kamakura, a coastal town just south of Tokyo, is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking...

Kanazawa

Kanazawa, a gem on Japan's west coast, is a city where tradition and modernity harmoniously...

Kobe

Kobe, the capital of Hyogo Prefecture, is a vibrant port city situated between the Rokko...

Kyoto

Kyoto, a city where tradition meets tranquility, is one of Japan's most cherished destinations. Known...

Mount Fuji

Mount Fuji, Japan's iconic peak, is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking breathtaking natural beauty...

Nagano

Nagano, a landlocked prefecture in central Japan, is often called the “Roof of Japan” for...

Nagoya

Nagoya, a vibrant city in Japan's Aichi Prefecture, is a captivating blend of tradition and...

Nara

Nara, a captivating city in Japan, is renowned for its rich history and cultural heritage....

Nikko

Nikko, a jewel nestled in the mountains of Tochigi Prefecture, is a must-visit destination for...

Okinawa

Okinawa, a tropical paradise in Japan, is renowned for its stunning beaches, vibrant coral reefs,...

Osaka

Osaka, a vibrant metropolis in Japan, is renowned for its modern architecture, bustling nightlife, and...

Sapporo

Sapporo, the vibrant capital of Hokkaido, is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a blend...

Takayama

Takayama, nestled in the mountainous Hida region of Gifu Prefecture, is a captivating destination renowned...

Tokyo

Tokyo, the vibrant heart of Japan, is a city where tradition meets innovation. As one...

Yokohama

Yokohama, a vibrant port city just south of Tokyo, is a must-visit destination for travelers...

Interests

By Season

Cultural Sites

Explore Japan’s rich cultural heritage through its most iconic cultural sites. From ancient temples and...

Food & Drink

Nature & Outdoors

Explore Japan’s great outdoors — from tranquil hot springs and quiet islands to forests, mountains,...

Shopping & Entertainment

Explore Japan by Prefecture

Prefectures

Aichi

Aichi Prefecture, located in the heart of Japan, is a captivating blend of tradition and...

Akita

Akita Prefecture, nestled in the Tohoku region of Japan, is a captivating blend of natural...

Aomori

Aomori, located in the northernmost part of Japan's Honshu Island, is a captivating blend of...

Chiba

Chiba Prefecture, located just east of Tokyo, offers a diverse blend of natural beauty, cultural...

Ehime

Ehime Prefecture, nestled on the tranquil island of Shikoku, offers a captivating blend of history,...

Fukui

Fukui Prefecture, nestled along the Sea of Japan, offers a captivating blend of natural beauty,...

Fukuoka

Fukuoka, a vibrant prefecture on Japan's Kyushu Island, is a captivating blend of modernity and...

Fukushima

Fukushima, a captivating prefecture in Japan's Tohoku region, offers a blend of natural beauty, rich...

Gifu

Gifu Prefecture, nestled in the heart of Japan, offers a captivating blend of natural beauty,...

Gunma

Gunma Prefecture, nestled in the heart of Japan's Kanto region, offers a captivating blend of...

Hiroshima

Hiroshima, a vibrant prefecture in Japan, is renowned for its rich history, cultural landmarks, and...

Hokkaido

Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost island, is a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Known for...

Hyogo

Hyogo Prefecture, located in the Kansai region of Japan, offers a diverse array of attractions...

Ibaraki

Ibaraki Prefecture, nestled in the Kanto region of Japan, offers a harmonious blend of natural...

Ishikawa

Ishikawa Prefecture, nestled on the western coast of Japan's Honshu Island, offers a captivating blend...

Iwate

Iwate Prefecture, nestled in the Tohoku region of Japan, offers a captivating blend of natural...

Kagawa

Kagawa, Japan's smallest prefecture, is a hidden gem on the island of Shikoku, offering a...

Kagoshima

Kagoshima, located at the southern tip of Kyushu, is a captivating destination known for its...

Kanagawa

Kanagawa Prefecture, located just south of Tokyo, is a vibrant blend of urban excitement and...

Kochi

Kochi Prefecture, located on the southern coast of Japan's Shikoku Island, is a captivating destination...

Kumamoto

Kumamoto, located on the island of Kyushu, is a captivating destination known for its rich...

Kyoto

Kyoto, the heart of Japan's cultural heritage, offers a mesmerizing blend of ancient traditions and...

Mie

Mie Prefecture, nestled in the Kansai region of Japan, offers a captivating blend of natural...

Miyagi

Miyagi Prefecture, located in the Tohoku region of Japan, offers a captivating blend of natural...

Miyazaki

Miyazaki Prefecture, located on the southeastern coast of Kyushu, is a captivating destination known for...

Nagano

Nestled in the heart of Japan's mountainous region, Nagano Prefecture is a captivating destination known...

Nagasaki

Nagasaki, a captivating blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, is a must-visit destination in...

Nara

Nara, a captivating destination in Japan, is renowned for its rich history and cultural heritage....

Niigata

Niigata, a picturesque prefecture on Japan's west coast, is renowned for its stunning landscapes, rich...

Oita

Oita Prefecture, located on Japan's Kyushu Island, is a captivating destination known for its natural...

Okayama

Okayama, a hidden gem in Japan's Chugoku region, offers a blend of rich history, stunning...

Okinawa

Okinawa, a tropical paradise in Japan, is renowned for its stunning beaches, vibrant coral reefs,...

Osaka

Osaka, a vibrant metropolis in Japan's Kansai region, is a dynamic blend of modernity and...

Saga

Saga Prefecture, nestled in the Kyushu region of Japan, offers a blend of rich history,...

Saitama

Saitama, a vibrant prefecture just north of Tokyo, offers a delightful blend of urban excitement...

Shiga

Shiga Prefecture, nestled in the heart of Japan, is a captivating destination known for its...

Shimane

Shimane, a hidden gem in Japan's Chugoku region, offers a blend of rich history, stunning...

Shizuoka

Shizuoka, nestled between the iconic Mount Fuji and the Pacific Ocean, offers a captivating blend...

Tochigi

Tochigi Prefecture, nestled in the heart of Japan, offers a captivating blend of natural beauty,...

Tokushima

Discover the enchanting allure of Tokushima, a captivating prefecture on Japan's Shikoku Island. Known for...

Tokyo

Tokyo, the vibrant heart of Japan, is a dynamic metropolis where tradition meets innovation. As...

Tottori

Tottori Prefecture, nestled along Japan's western coast, is a hidden gem offering a blend of...

Toyama

Toyama, nestled along the Sea of Japan, is a captivating blend of natural beauty and...

Wakayama

Wakayama Prefecture, nestled in the Kansai region of Japan, is a captivating destination that offers...

Yamagata

Yamagata Prefecture, nestled in the Tohoku region of Japan, is a hidden gem offering a...

Yamaguchi

Yamaguchi Prefecture, located at the western tip of Japan's Honshu Island, is a captivating blend...

Yamanashi

Yamanashi Prefecture, nestled in the heart of Japan, is a captivating destination renowned for its...

Plan a Trip

Accommodation

Accommodation

Discover the perfect place to rest and recharge during your Japan adventure with our comprehensive...

306 articles Learn More →

Before You Go

Before You Go

"Before You Go" is your essential guide to preparing for an unforgettable journey to Japan....

210 articles Learn More →

Itineraries

Itineraries

Discover the perfect itinerary for your Japan adventure with our expertly curated travel plans. Our...

241 articles Learn More →

Learn

Learn

Discover the essential insights for planning your dream trip to Japan with our "Learn" category....

727 articles Learn More →

Transportation

Transportation

Discover the diverse and efficient transportation options available in Japan, ensuring a seamless travel experience....

497 articles Learn More →

Latest Spots Entries

Ace Hotel Kyoto

Ace Hotel Kyoto

ESTABLISHMENT

Nested in the heart of Kyoto, Ace Hotel Kyoto offers a sublime blend of style, comfort, and convenience. Travelers praise...

Fukuchiyama City Science Museum for Children

Fukuchiyama City Science Museum for Children

ESTABLISHMENT

Nestled within Sandanike Park, Fukuchiyama City Science Museum for Children offers a delightful blend of educational exploration and family fun....

Fukuchiyama City Zoo

Fukuchiyama City Zoo

ESTABLISHMENT

Discover the charm of Fukuchiyama City Zoo - a quaint local gem with a heartwarming touch. Despite its small size,...

Sandanike Park

ESTABLISHMENT

Sandanike Park is a sprawling haven offering something special for every traveler. Whether you're exploring the science museum, admiring exotic...

Fukuchiyama Railway Museum FukuRail

Fukuchiyama Railway Museum FukuRail

ESTABLISHMENT

Discover the charming Fukuchiyama Railway Museum nestled beside the picturesque Fukuchiyama Castle. Despite its modest size, this well-maintained museum intrigues...

Fukuchiyama Castle Park

Fukuchiyama Castle Park

ESTABLISHMENT

Nestled in Fukuchiyama, Kyoto, Fukuchiyama Castle Park offers a serene escape to Japan's history. Explore ancient samurai armor and weapons...

Our Writers

Todd Fong

Freelance writer, photographer, and mentor. Japan-based, Oaktown (Oakland, California) born....

Voyapon

Toshiko Sakurai

I shoot (with my camera!), therefore I am. I paint...

Maria Peñascal

When I was young, I kept dreaming of the Land...

Paul McInnes

I'm currently the editor-in-chief of Voyapon. In the last few...

Marion Pont

If my origins are rooted in France, my mind is...

Clémentine Cintré

En septembre 2017, je quittai la France et mon travail...

Joachim Ducos

Passionné par le cinéma japonais, j'ai voulu découvrir la vie...

Mika Cunningham

Mika is a writer for Voyapon.com, and has been exploring...

Estelle Loiseau

Je m'appelle Estelle, je suis française et je vis au...