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...
Is a Koyasan Temple Stay Worth It? An Honest First-Hand Review & Guide
Our first-hand guide to a Koyasan temple stay. We share what to expect, how to book, and if it’s really worth it.
JR West Pass Comparison: Which Is Best for Your Trip?
As a Japan-based travel agency, we see the same problem all the time. You’re excited to plan your trip to Western Japan, but you hit a wall: the train passes. You’re staring at five different...
The 8 Most Unique (& Weird) Museums in Japan
Your dream trip to Japan probably includes stunning temples, neon-lit cityscapes, and incredible food. But what about a museum dedicated entirely to poop? Or one showcasing a nine-metre-long...
3 Ways to Experience Sumo in Japan: Tournament, Morning Practice & Interactive Lunch
When travellers ask us for a truly Japanese cultural experience, watching sumo is always high on our list. It’s an incredible mix of power, history, and tradition. Seeing it live is a real highlight...
JR EAST PASS (Tohoku): Is It Actually Worth ¥30,000 in 2025?
So, you're planning a trip to Japan and Tokyo is the main event. But have you thought about exploring the areas north of it? For example, have you heard of Nikko, with its incredible temples...
Kyoto Sake Tasting: A Guide to the Best Breweries of Fushimi & Beyond
When you think of Kyoto, what comes to mind? Probably temples, shrines, and maybe some beautiful old streets, right? While all that is true, there's another amazing thing to do in Kyoto that you...
Tokyo Wide Pass Guide: Explore Mt. Fuji, Nikko & Top Day Trips in 3 Days
Want to see more than just Tokyo during your Japan trip? You might be thinking about visiting Mount Fuji, the famous shrines in Nikko, or the snow in GALA Yuzawa. But when you check the prices, you...