For Tokyoites born during the Edo Period, all they knew was peace. The warring period of competing samurai clans had…
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 SendaJanuary 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…
ClaudiaDecember 14, 2021
When you travel a lot by train in Japan, it can get quite expensive, especially if you want to use…
ClaudiaSeptember 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
UPDATED INFORMATION FOR 2021 FESTIVAL: Although the festival is officially canceled this year, the "Shibazakura no Oka" hillside planted with…
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
The Japan Rail (JR) Pass is one of the most coveted tools in the Japan traveler's toolbox, but it is…
Todd FongAugust 31, 2020
With Japan's famously efficient public transportation systems and its down-to-the-minute punctuality, it's no wonder why it's the number one way…
Mika SendaJuly 10, 2020
A 3 Day Journey on The Hokkaido Shinkansen Have you ever taken a trip on the Shinkansen in Japan? It…
Mark WebsterMarch 19, 2020
How to save money and make travel to destinations around Hiroshima easy and convenient using the Hiroshima Bus Terminal.
Todd FongJanuary 14, 2020
sponsored by Northern Kumamoto Administrative Headquarters In the heart of Kyushu, Kumamoto Prefecture is a natural paradise best known as…
VoyaponDecember 14, 2019
Sponsored by Northern Kumamoto Administrative Headquarters When I set off on my drive to Takamori (高森町) in Kumamoto prefecture, a…
Mika SendaNovember 8, 2019
Sponsored by Hokkaido Government A Four Day Journey Along the Hokkaido Shinkansen As you may know, the Rugby World Cup…
Derek YamashitaSeptember 25, 2019
Sponsored by Hokkaido Government A Four Day Journey Along the Hokkaido Shinkansen As you may know, the Rugby World Cup…
Derek YamashitaSeptember 25, 2019
In southern Hyogo Prefecture, between Kobe and Osaka, the old JR Fukuchiyama Line has emerged as a popular hiking trail for adventurous…
EimiJune 15, 2019
Sponsored by ODAKYU ELECTRIC RAILWAY Japan prides itself on excellent service and hospitality, so even when you take a Japanese…
Cyrielle Ugnon-CoussiozMarch 18, 2019
Sponsored by ODAKYU ELECTRIC RAILWAY I remember my first visit to Enoshima, relaxing on its expansive beaches while taking in…
Cyrielle Ugnon-CoussiozMarch 17, 2019
