Hi everyone. Let me share a peek into my daily life for Voyapon readers as part of the My Japan…
Toshiko SakuraiNovember 19, 2024
If you're looking for a way to round out an itinerary in Japan focused mainly on visiting famous landmarks, shopping…
Todd FongFebruary 22, 2024
The image of the Shinkansen, Japan's high-speed train, is iconic for travelers worldwide. Its sleek facade is instantly recognizable, and…
Todd FongFebruary 22, 2024
The Japan Rail (JR) Pass is one of the most coveted tools in the Japan traveler's toolbox, but it is…
Todd FongFebruary 6, 2024
The Innovative Spirit of Hamamatsu, from Japan’s First Shogun to Makers of Instruments & Motorcycles
From an Evangelion-themed train, a traditional cotton weaving heritage, to makers of motorcycles and grand pianos, Hamamatsu's culture of innovation…
Todd FongMarch 27, 2023
Fukushima's Tadami Line is considered one of Japan's most romantic train rides! Explore cliffside temples, private cottages and more during…
Mika CunninghamMarch 8, 2023
The beautiful coastal city of Hamamatsu is just under 1.5 hours from Tokyo on the Tokaido Shinkansen. It’s not only…
Ariel LeeMarch 1, 2023
While Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka remain high on the list of many visitors embarking on their travel to Japan, few…
Cassandra LordFebruary 2, 2023
Kanagawa is easily one of the most convenient places to stay to explore Tokyo and the Kanto region with train…
Stefania Da PontDecember 2, 2022
Experience Japan's Edo period from Tokyo to Aizu, from spectacular temples and shrines to nostalgic post-towns, in 4-days by train.
James DaviesDecember 1, 2022
For Tokyoites born during the Edo Period, all they knew was peace. The warring period of competing samurai clans had…
Don KennedyMarch 9, 2022
Aizu-Wakamatsu, in Fukushima Prefecture, was the last stronghold of the Tokugawa family after they gave up power under pressure from…
Don KennedyMarch 9, 2022
After his death in 1617, the first leader of the Tokugawa shogunate, Tokugawa Ieyasu, was enshrined in a mausoleum in…
Don KennedyMarch 9, 2022
Japan hosts many unique cultural and natural sites, spread to all 47 prefectures, on its relatively modest size land. Some…
Burcu BasarFebruary 28, 2022
This is the second part of our series introducing you to the lesser-known Japan, the New Golden Route, which is…
Burcu BasarFebruary 28, 2022
This is the third and final installment of our series focusing on experiences along the New Golden Route of Japan…
Burcu BasarFebruary 28, 2022
Whenever I think back on my first experiences of Japanese train travel, it’s never the 300 kph speeds or the…
Mika CunninghamJanuary 5, 2022
If you have seen the Studio Ghibli anime Princess Mononoke and were wondering where the inspiration for the natural environment…
Don KennedyDecember 21, 2021
There is a lot to discover in the Kanto region around Japan's capital Tokyo, and it can be hard to…
Claudia MitsuboriDecember 14, 2021
When you travel a lot by train in Japan, it can get quite expensive, especially if you want to use…
Claudia MitsuboriSeptember 3, 2021
The famous "Japanese Archipelago" periphrase speaks volumes about the country's geography. Apart from the four main islands of Hokkaido, Honshu,…
Marie BorgersAugust 20, 2021
Sponsored by Tourism Oita Scattered across the Ono River Valley in Oita Prefecture are hundreds of magaibutsu Buddhist figures carved…
Derek YamashitaApril 15, 2021
On the warm weekend nights of Japanese summers, the skies are lit up with awe-inspiring bursts of fireworks, some displays…
Todd FongApril 10, 2021
This is Part 3 of a 3 part series of articles about the New Golden Route, a part of Japan…
Toshiko SakuraiFebruary 12, 2021
This is Part 2 of a 3 part series of articles about the New Golden Route, a part of Japan…
Toshiko SakuraiFebruary 12, 2021
If 2020 has left you feeling like you've had an eight-month hangover, do your head, heart, and soul a favor…
Todd FongDecember 25, 2020
“It takes two entire years to pass a taiko apprenticeship. That means no drinking, no smoking, no social media. Do…
Lucy DaymanDecember 3, 2020
