Many people assume that Osaka is just a smaller version of Tokyo, but the two cities have completely different personalities, especially once the sun goes down. The people here are famously friendly...
JAPAN TRAVEL
Planning a trip to Japan? These blogs are your go-to guide for all the practical stuff — the real-world tips that make travelling smoother, smarter, and way less stressful.
The Ultimate Osaka Bucket List: 31 Best Things to Do and Must-See Attractions
If you are planning a trip to Japan, you have likely heard that Osaka is the place where you go to eat. This city is loud, a bit gritty, and completely obsessed with its local food culture. While...
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...
1 Day Osaka Itinerary: The Best of Japan’s Kitchen in 24 Hours
If you only have 24 hours in Osaka, you need to move fast. This city is a loud, energetic destination that is best experienced on foot and with an empty stomach. While you could easily spend a week...
The Ultimate Osaka Area Guide: Sights, Food & Itinerary
Osaka is the rebellious younger sibling to Kyoto's traditional elder. If Kyoto is where you go to reflect and breathe, Osaka is where you go to let loose and eat. It is loud, friendly, and...
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...
Yabusame: The Complete Guide to Watching & Trying Horseback Archery
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...
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...
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...