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

Living Japan: Mia Mia’s Vaughan Allison on Creating Communities

Living Japan: Mia Mia’s Vaughan Allison on Creating Communities

Vaughan (as he is known throughout Tokyo by his mononymous label) exudes positivity in such a way that you will be taking some of it away with you after chatting…

by Paul James Leahy

Searching High and Low for Tokyo’s Unique Urban Shrines

Searching High and Low for Tokyo’s Unique Urban Shrines

Shrines are important to their communities, serving as places where people can make offerings to their local deities and pray for protection and good fortune.

by Shane Healy

Hongofujiyama Park’s Bamboo Grove: Yokohama’s Arashiyama

Hongofujiyama Park’s Bamboo Grove: Yokohama’s Arashiyama

Discover this hidden bamboo grove in southern Yokohama, near Tokyo.

by Cezary Jan Strusiewicz

Awaji: Discovering Japan’s First Island

Awaji: Discovering Japan’s First Island

This is my first time visiting Awaji, an island that occupies a singular place in Japan’s cultural imagination.

by Sebastien Raineri

Best Events Japan February 2026

Best Events Japan February 2026

Voyapon selects the best events happening in February 2026 around Japan including jazz nights, art exhibitions and unique festivals.

by Paul McInnes

Latest on Voyapon

Living Japan: Mia Mia’s Vaughan Allison on Creating Communities

Living Japan: Mia Mia’s Vaughan Allison on Creating Communities

Searching High and Low for Tokyo’s Unique Urban Shrines

Searching High and Low for Tokyo’s Unique Urban Shrines

Most Popular Destinations

Hongofujiyama Park’s Bamboo Grove: Yokohama’s Arashiyama

Hongofujiyama Park’s Bamboo Grove: Yokohama’s Arashiyama

Gardens & Parks

Sakura in Osaka: Where are the Best Places to Enjoy Cherry Blossoms in 2026?

Sakura in Osaka: Where are the Best Places to Enjoy Cherry Blossoms in 2026?

Complete Hanami Guide: Enjoy Cherry Blossom Viewing in Japan

Complete Hanami Guide: Enjoy Cherry Blossom Viewing in Japan

Cherry Blossoms

Sakura in Nara: Cherry Blossoms Surrounded by Tradition and Deer

Sakura in Nara: Cherry Blossoms Surrounded by Tradition and Deer

Cherry Blossoms

Ishiwari Zakura: The Rock-Splitting Cherry Tree Of Morioka

Ishiwari Zakura: The Rock-Splitting Cherry Tree Of Morioka

Cherry Blossoms

Hokuriku New Golden Route: A Tokyo–Osaka Gastronomic Journey by Rail

Hokuriku New Golden Route: A Tokyo–Osaka Gastronomic Journey by Rail

Awaji: Discovering Japan’s First Island

Awaji: Discovering Japan’s First Island

Best Events Japan February 2026

Best Events Japan February 2026

Best Events Japan

My Japan: A Week of Drag Queens, Ballroom, and Queer Joy

My Japan: A Week of Drag Queens, Ballroom, and Queer Joy

View All Articles

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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Voyapon + is a new and convenient feature that allows you to save your favorite spots and articles, making it easier to plan your trip and keep track of all the places you want to visit.

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Editor's Picks

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

Sakura in Osaka: Where are the Best Places to Enjoy Cherry Blossoms in 2026?

Complete Hanami Guide: Enjoy Cherry Blossom Viewing in Japan

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...

Niseko

Niseko, nestled in the heart of Hokkaido, is a premier destination renowned for its world-class...

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

Festivals

Discover Japan’s festivals throughout the year — from spring sakura and summer fireworks to autumn...

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...

302 articles Learn More →

Before You Go

Before You Go

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

211 articles Learn More →

Itineraries

Itineraries

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

715 articles Learn More →

Learn

Learn

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

718 articles Learn More →

Transportation

Transportation

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

498 articles Learn More →

Latest Spots Entries

Shin-Matsuda Station

train station

★ 3.6

Matsudasoryo, Matsuda, Ashigarakami District, Kanagawa 258-0003, Japan

Matsuda Cherry Blossoms Walking Path

point of interest

★ 4.1

2969-5 Matsudasoryo, Matsuda, Ashigarakami District, Kanagawa 258-0003, Japan

Nishihirabatake Park

park

★ 4.1

2951 Matsudasoryo, Matsuda, Ashigarakami District, Kanagawa 258-0003, Japan

MIA MIA Kuramae

cafe

★ 4.8

2 Chome-3-2 Kojima, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0056, Japan

Ginkgo Tree of Arita

tourist attraction

★ 4.3

1 Chome-524-2 Izumiyama, Arita, Nishimatsuura District, Saga 844-0001, Japan

Arita Annual Pottery Festival

point of interest

★ 4.3

1 Chome Kobira, Arita, Nishimatsuura District, Saga 844-0005, Japan

Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum

tourist attraction

★ 4.3

3077-20 Kawaguchi, Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi 401-0304, Japan

NISHINOKUBO

lodging

★ 5.0

7586 Kujumachi Oaza Kuju, Taketa, Oita 878-0201, Japan

Imanaka

meal takeaway

★ 4.1

26-5 Misakicho, Akashi, Hyogo 673-0895, Japan

Aokigahara Forest

tourist attraction

★ 4.4

Narusawa, Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi 401-0300, Japan

河合酒造株式会社

liquor store

★ 4.0

1 Chome-7-8 Imaicho, Kashihara, Nara 634-0812, Japan

Nipponia Tawaramoto Maruto Shoyu

lodging

★ 4.6

170 Iyodo, Tawaramoto, Shiki District, Nara 636-0243, Japan

Our Writers

Todd Fong

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

Toshiko Sakurai

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

Maria Peñascal

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

Voyapon

Marion Pont

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

Paul McInnes

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

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...

Lucia Tsujiguchi

I arrived from Madrid to Tokyo in 2017, with two...