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...
Is Visiting Mount Shosa Ropeway and Engyo Ji Temple Worth It?
As part of a Japanese travel agency, I’ve had the pleasure of exploring Japan from top to bottom, and that includes visiting hundreds (maybe thousands) of temples. So, when it comes to Engyo Ji, the...
How to Experience Pop Culture in Japan: The Complete 101 Guide
I think it’s safe to say that pop culture in Japan isn’t like anywhere else in the world. It incorporates an incredible kaleidoscope of things and is somehow both one of Japan’s most defining...
7 Amazing Tokyo Winter Day Trips: Fuji Views, Onsen, and Ski Resorts
There are so many great reasons to want to plan a trip to Tokyo during winter: the comforting (and delicious) food, long onsen visits, the beautiful winter illuminations that light up the city…and,...
The Only Tokyo Food Guide You Need: Restaurants, Markets, and Districts
It’s no secret that Tokyo is on pretty much every foodie in the world’s travel bucket list. And for good reason. Japan just has so many incredible things to eat, and in Tokyo, you can try them all....
15 Ancient Japanese Cities That You Can Visit
I know that Japan’s amazing history and culture are huge reasons that so many people dream of visiting. If this is true for you, then you might be delighted to learn that many ancient Japanese...
Ultimate Guide to Otaku Culture in Japan
These days, being an otaku has gone global. Fans and hobbyists all over the world have proudly taken on the title, joining the online community of their particular special interest. But, what does...
The 13 Most Scenic Places in Japan for Breathtaking Natural Beauty
If you ask the average person where the most scenic places in Japan are, I’m guessing they’ll say one of the following: Kyoto, Hakone, or Mount Fuji. Now, I’m not going to dispute how beautiful...
The Ultimate Guide to Being a Vegan in Japan: Authentic Dishes and Vegan Restaurants
Japan can seem an intimidating country to visit if you're vegan. And I understand why…it’s known for its meat. It might be hard to imagine, but I’m here to tell you that it’s not only possible to...
The Complete Tokyo Bucket List: 40+ Things to Do Before You Leave
Having lived in Tokyo for a few years now, I get asked all the time by visiting friends, family, and distant friends-of-a-friend-of-a-friend what the top Tokyo bucket list must-do things are. And I...
15 Anime Places in Real Life (That You Can Visit on an Anime Tour of Japan)
Let’s be really honest, visiting Japan is probably the top bucket list icon for almost every otaku out there. Being able to make the trip to experience everything you’ve watched on screen in real...
30 Cultural Experiences in Japan for a Truly Authentic Trip
I know that getting away from all the tourists to find something truly authentic can be tricky, but trust me, finding authentic cultural experiences is possible. Japan is incredibly proud of its...
15 Best Vegan Snacks in Japan and Non-Vegan Ingredients to Avoid
Japan might not be the most vegan-friendly country in the world, but don’t get it twisted! There are absolutely some iconic, delicious, and unique plant-based snacks for you to choose from when...