When people are looking for that classic storybook image of Japan, they are probably picturing a thatched-roof village. Shirakawa-go in the Japanese Alps is usually the first name that comes up, and...
Mochitsuki: Trying an Authentic Mochi Pounding Experience in Japan
We always tell our clients: getting mochi from a shop is great, but making it yourself is a completely different experience. To get that perfect texture (warm, soft, and incredibly stretchy!), you...
2025 Tokyo Christmas Market Guide: Where to Find the Best Festive Vibes
If you are visiting Japan in December, you might be surprised by just how seriously Tokyo takes Christmas. But it’s important to know that things work a bit differently here. In Japan, Christmas...
Tokyo Tower: An Insider’s Guide & Perfect Walking Tour
When clients are planning a Tokyo trip, we often get asked if Tokyo Tower is still worth visiting now that there are newer, taller buildings. For us, the answer is always yes. While it might not be...
Japan’s teamLab Comparison: Which One Should You Visit?
If you have spent even five minutes scrolling through Japan travel hashtags, you have seen teamLab. The digital art collective has taken over the internet, and honestly, the hype is justified. But...
Sensoji and Asakusa: An Insider’s Guide & Walking Tour
Working in the Japan travel industry, we often get asked what the one perfect place is to see ‘old’ Tokyo. For us, that place is always Asakusa. Yes, it is home to the famous Sensoji Temple, which...
What is Omakase Sushi? Guide to Japan’s Ultimate Food Experience
We know the feeling well. You duck under the noren curtains, slide open the wooden door, and step into a hushed room. The chef looks up from the counter, and suddenly, you feel a bit out of your...
How to Plan the Perfect Kawagoe Day Trip from Tokyo
Most people think you have to go all the way to Kyoto to see traditional Japan. But we always tell our clients that there is a time machine sitting just 30 minutes outside of Tokyo. It’s called...
Insider’s Guide to Running in Japan: Favourite Tips & Routes
So, you’re a runner and you're planning a trip to Japan? Great. Running is honestly one of our favourite ways to get a feel for a neighbourhood. But let's be real, you're probably looking at a map...
The 5 Best Ways to Visit Mt Fuji for Every Type of Traveller
Seeing Mount Fuji with your own eyes is one of the most quintessential "Japan" experiences you can have. It’s no wonder that almost everyone visiting Japan wants to fit it into their itinerary. But...
How to Get from Tokyo to Osaka: The Ultimate Travel Guide (From Budget to Luxury)
Let's talk about the big one: how to get from Tokyo to Osaka. It’s the backbone of almost every great Japan itinerary, but let’s be honest, figuring out the 'best' way to do it can be a real...
Shojin Ryori: A Traveller’s Guide to Japan’s Vegan Cuisine
Let’s get one thing straight: shojin ryori is not just 'Japanese vegan food'. It’s easy to see why people make that mistake; it’s plant-based, it’s healthy, and it’s served in temples. But lumping...
How to Plan an Unforgettable Japan Hiking Tour
When most people picture a trip to Japan, they think of the scramble crossing in Tokyo or the temples in Kyoto. We love those places, but after years of guiding and exploring, we can tell you that...
Autumn in Tokyo: Weather, Festivals, and Best Fall Leaves Spots
Autumn is one of the most popular times to visit Tokyo, and honestly, it’s no wonder why. It’s right up there with the cherry blossom season. One good reason is that the awful summer humidity is...
Nikko Pass All Area vs. World Heritage: Which One Should You Buy?
You've almost certainly seen the photos. That stunning, gold-leaf Toshogu Shrine under a forest of giant cedar trees, or the breathtaking 97-metre drop of Kegon Falls. Nikko is, without a doubt, one...