When most people think of a samurai, they picture a warrior with a sword. Or at least I did! But after moving to Japan, I learned that for centuries, the true mark of a skilled samurai was not how...
Is the Hakone Freepass Still Worth It in 2026?
So, you’re planning a trip to Japan and looking for a quick escape from the neon lights of Tokyo. You’ve probably heard of Hakone, the hot spring town with the pirate ships, the unique black eggs,...
7 Authentic Cooking Classes in Japan: Our Hand-Picked Favourites
Japanese cuisine is famous across the globe. For many travellers, eating their way through Tokyo or Kyoto is the main reason for the trip. But we find that simply tasting the food isn't always...
Ultimate Iwate Prefecture Guide and Perfect 2-Day Itinerary
Iwate is the second-largest prefecture in Japan, but in our experience, it is still one of the quietest. It covers a massive area, stretching from the Sanriku Coast in the east to the mountains in...
Japan Travel 2026: The Ultimate Guide to New Openings
Japan is one of those places that never sits still. Just when you think you have seen the highlights, something completely new appears. While 2025 was defined by the massive World Expo in Osaka,...
Kintsugi in Japan: Why You Should Experience the Art of Golden Repair
You have probably seen photos of it before: a cracked ceramic bowl that hasn't been thrown away, but instead repaired with a striking line of gold. It looks beautiful, but we think the philosophy...
Guide to Miyama Kayabuki no Sato: Kyoto’s Best Kept Secret
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...