SightseeingSponsoredTohoku Sokushinbutsu: Japan’s Self-Mummified Buddhist Monks Sokushinbutsu (即身仏) refers to the practice of self-mummification followed by a mountainous dwelling sect of Buddhist monks called Shugen-do. The…Ryann OverbayFebruary 27, 2025
EventsFeatured Best Events Japan March 2025 Welcome to the latest installment of Voyapon’s series where we share some of the best under-the-radar events happening throughout Japan.…Paul McInnesFebruary 27, 2025
Non classé Protected: Hitachi-no-kuni Long Trail: Connecting Past and Present Japan This content is password protected. To view it please enter your password below: Password:VoyaponFebruary 26, 2025
CultureEvents Hina Matsuri: A Day of Celebration For Girls During Hinamatsuri literally “doll’s celebration”) beautiful ornamental dolls are displayed in Japan's household to celebrate the good fortune of girls.Todd FongFebruary 21, 2025
FoodShoppingThings to Know Starbucks in Japan: Why They are so Popular and Why You Should Visit Starbucks has become a beloved part of Japanese culture since opening its first store in Ginza in 1996. With over…Richard MilnerFebruary 20, 2025
FeaturedFoodKanto Tokyo Vegan Guide: Best Eats, Hard Truths, and Hidden Gems Without the hard-won home-cooking skills required to rustle up, on occasion, a plate of semi-palatable food for myself, it’s doubtful…Richard Koyama-DanielsFebruary 20, 2025
ActivitiesChubuSponsored Enjoy a Cycling Tour in Rural Japan’s Hida Furukawa Nestled in the Japanese Alps, Hida Furukawa is a charming town just 40 km from Takayama, offering stunning landscapes, historic…Estelle LoiseauFebruary 19, 2025
ActivitiesChubuSponsored Hida Furukawa: Wear a Kimono in this Old Town Just 15 minutes by train from Takayama, Hida Furukawa is a hidden gem in Hida City that offers a truly…Estelle LoiseauFebruary 19, 2025
Things to Know Plastic Culture in Japan: Challenges, Selective Sorting, and New Recycling Management Solutions Japan is a consumer-driven country where shopping is everywhere — from supermarkets and department stores to 24-hour convenience stores. Excess…Marie BorgersFebruary 19, 2025
Things to Know Top Travel Apps for Japan: Essential Apps for a Smooth Trip Planning a trip to Japan? Whether you are navigating Tokyo’s complex train system, trying to interact with friendly locals, or…Maria PeñascalFebruary 14, 2025
AccommodationFeaturedHokkaidoSightseeing Exploring Eastern Hokkaido in Winter: A 4-Day Journey Through Kushiro, Akan-Mashu, and Beyond There is a certain magic to winter in Hokkaido, a quiet beauty that reveals itself in the crisp air, the…Chris MollisonFebruary 13, 2025
ChugokuCultureFeatured Drive My Car: The Real-Life Film Locations in Hiroshima Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s Drive My Car is a road trip in more ways than one. What started out as a cinematic…Cherise FongFebruary 5, 2025
CultureThings to Know Seasons in Japan: A Guide to Weather and the Best Time to Visit What is the climate like in Japan? What temperatures can you expect during your visit? And when is the best…Daniela TravagliniFebruary 4, 2025
CultureFood Ehomaki: The Sushi Roll Tradition of Setsubun Eating mamemaki during Setsubun is a well-known Japanese custom, but for those from Kansai ehoumaki is preffered to welcome the…Maria PeñascalFebruary 4, 2025
EventsHokkaidoSightseeing Sapporo’s Snow Festival: Sculptures, Ice Art, and Winter Magic The hum of the elevator grew faint as it rose higher and higher, carrying me to the top of the…Toshiko SakuraiFebruary 3, 2025
CultureEvents Best Events Japan February 2025 Welcome to the latest installment of Voyapon’s new (ish) series where we share some of the best under-the-radar events happening…Paul McInnesFebruary 3, 2025
ChubuEvents Santera Mairi Festival: Discover the Heart and Soul of Hida Furukawa I’m hurtling towards Toyama on the Hokuriku Shinkansen reaching a speed of nearly 180 km an hour. I’m on my…Paul McInnesJanuary 30, 2025
ActivitiesHokkaido Eastern Hokkaido on a Winter’s Day The hum of an engine and swirl of water followed by ice breaking surprises the morning silence. The fisherman clad…Justin RandallJanuary 28, 2025
ShoppingThings to Know Electricity in Japan: What You Need to Know Electricity in Japan differs from your own country so always be sure to check the voltage, and carry an adapter…Maria PeñascalJanuary 28, 2025
Things to Know Where and How to Travel by Camper Van in Japan? Japan is famous for its super-efficient public transport systems and myriad of pristine taxis. But have you ever considered exploring…Maria PeñascalJanuary 28, 2025
ActivitiesCultureEvents Setsubun: Japan’s Festival of Luck and Demon Banishing Many Japanese may recall their childhood memories of mamemaki. While chanting “Evil out! Luck in!” beans are scattered around the…Maria PeñascalJanuary 28, 2025
Things to Know Earthquakes in Japan: Why are They Common and What to Do When One Happens Anyone who has experienced an earthquake in Japan knows that most tremors are brief, barely noticeable and last only a…Yvonne TanakaJanuary 24, 2025
AccommodationChubuFood A Culinary Journey at Auberge Homachi Mikuniminato Travel has always been a way for me to connect with new places, but my recent trip to Fukui felt…Chris MollisonJanuary 23, 2025
CultureThings to Know Death in Japan: Spirituality and Culture Death. That mystery yet to be solved. That unanswered phenomenon that all cultures try to understand. The path to the…Maria PeñascalJanuary 23, 2025
CultureThings to Know Yokai: Discover the History of Japan’s Legendary Monsters Throughout history, humans have always sought to explain the mysterious or illogical phenomena around them. To make sense of what…Lucia TsujiguchiJanuary 21, 2025
KansaiMy Japan My Japan: A Hidden Kyoto In this month's installment of Voyapon's My Japan series, contributor Salomée Darneau shares her personal experiences of living in a…Salomée DarneauJanuary 21, 2025
FoodKanto Vegan Izakaya Nowhere: A New Vegan Restaurant Near Tokyo Skytree Over the past decade, veganism in Japan has seen significant growth in awareness and acceptance, although it’s still far from…Stephan JarvisJanuary 16, 2025
ActivitiesCultureThings to Know Can You Travel in Japan if You Have a Tattoo? Have a tattoo and want to visit Japan? Fear not! Here's a guide to visiting Japan when you have tattoos…Gaël FaulconnierJanuary 15, 2025