Have you heard about Hoshinoya Nara Prison? It’s Japan’s first (and probably going to be the only) luxury hotel built inside a real-life prison. With the grand opening coming later in 2026, it’s...
Our Nijigen No Mori Guide for Visiting Awaji Island Anime Park
Nijigen no Mori is easily one of the most underrated otaku experiences in Japan. The anime- and video game-themed adventure park is located on its own island (hence being also known as Awaji Island...
Complete Okinawa Guide: Planning a Trip to the Ryukyu Archipelago
There’s a reason so many Japanese people dream of visiting Okinawa one day. The island prefecture is a paradise of tropical beaches, untouched nature, historic sites, and incredible food. It has...
A Foodie’s Ultimate Dotonbori Guide: What to Eat and Where
For many, Dotonbori is the heart and soul of Osaka, and really is the place to experience the city’s slogan of kuidaore or “eat till you drop”. There are hundreds of places to eat, drink, snack, and...
Visiting Takayama Jinya: A Guide to the Last Building of Its Kind
If you’re visiting Takayama’s historic old town, then Takayama Jinya is one of the most important sites to see. The building is the only complete jinya left in Japan, with centuries of history...
Where to Spend Valentine’s Day in Tokyo: 25+ Romantic Date Night Spots
It’s that time of year again, when couples start getting excited for a romantic day or evening together. If you’re spending Valentine’s Day in Tokyo, then you’re in luck! The city is overflowing...
The Ultimate Nagasaki Area Guide and 1-Day Itinerary
If you’re looking for a destination in Southern Japan that has a little bit of everything, then you really need to consider Nagasaki. There, you’ll find a beautiful port city on the coast of Kyushu,...
Sapporo Snow Festival First-Timer’s Guide: 10 Tips to Know Before You Go
Planning your first-ever visit to the Sapporo Snow Festival? Well, firstly, that’s amazing! You’re going to have an incredible time! But, that being said, it is a big event that can seem a little...
Nagamachi Samurai District Guide and 5 Must-Visit Spots
Ever wanted to walk the streets of Japan as the samurai did centuries ago? Well, I have good news for you. In Kanazawa, you can. Specifically, in the Nagamachi Samurai District, an area famous for...
PokéPark Kanto: Everything You Need to Know to Get Tickets and Visit
PokéPark Kanto is easily one of the most anticipated openings of the year in Tokyo, with people planning entire trips around the experience. But what does a visit to PokéPark Kanto actually look...
Visiting Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine and the Takayama Festival Floats Exhibition Hall
Takayama is famous for many things: its scenic beauty, the amazing preserved historic buildings, and the nationally renowned Takayama Festival. Well, did you know these three things have something...
6 Unmissable Japanese Snow Festivals to See Amazing Snow Sculptures in 2026
Did you know that Sapporo isn’t your only option when it comes to Japanese snow festivals? Believe it or not, but between December and March, there are places in Japan that get some of the deepest...
New Year’s Fireworks in Tokyo: Where to Welcome in 2026
Are you looking for New Year’s fireworks in Tokyo and…struggling? Don’t worry, it’s a rite of passage for Westerners spending the holidays in Japan to discover that things are done a little...
The Ultimate Omicho Market Food Guide: 6 Must-Visit Stalls
Tsukiji and Nishiki are cool, but have you heard of Omicho Market in Kanazawa? It’s been around ever since the Edo Period, has close to 200 food stalls, and gives you the chance to try the very best...
Exploring the Higashi Chaya District, Kanazawa
As a historic castle town in Japan, Kanazawa is filled with history from top to bottom, and this includes the chaya districts. These are areas filled with geisha houses (the chaya), where...