When you’re planning a trip to Japan, your list probably fills up fast with the bright lights of Tokyo and the historic streets of Kyoto. Then you look at a map and see Nagoya, a huge city right in...
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.
Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass: The Ultimate 2025 Guide
When you look at a map to plan your trip to Japan’s Kansai Region, you’ll probably circle Osaka and Kyoto first. But then your eyes will likely drift west to another famous name: Hiroshima....
1-Day Kyoto Itinerary for First-Timers & Beyond
Trying to decide how to spend just one day in Kyoto can seem like a challenge. With its countless temples, gardens, and historic districts, it’s easy to wonder if you can truly get a feel for the...
Kansai Area Pass: Worth It for Your Japan Trip?
So, you’ve set your sights on Japan’s incredible Kansai region? Excellent choice. You're picturing the iconic red gates in Kyoto, grabbing street food under the neon glow of Osaka, and maybe even...
The Ultimate Kyoto Area Guide: Sights, Stays & Itineraries
Kyoto is a must-see for nearly everyone visiting Japan, from first-timers to those who have been several times, and for good reason. It’s the city people imagine when they think of classic Japan—a...
Kansai Wide Area Pass: Is It Actually Worth ¥12,000 in 2025?
It’s no wonder why you’re planning a trip to Japan’s Kansai region! You’re probably dreaming of exploring Kyoto’s beautiful temples and eating ‘till you drop on Osaka’s lively streets. But what...
8 Amazing Small Cities in Japan for Off the Grid Japan Travel
Too few people know how much more there is to see in Japan than just Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. In our expert opinion, it's the small cities in Japan that create the most special, unique, and off the...
Ultimate Takayama Guide and Perfect 1.5-Day Itinerary
Let’s be honest, you probably heard about Takayama because of the super popular Hida beef. And yes, you should absolutely come for the food; it’s incredible! But while you’re slipping into a happy...
Shimogamo Shrine: A Kyoto Insider’s Guide to a Hidden Gem
Everyone comes to Kyoto hoping for peaceful temples and a feeling of old Japan. But the reality is often big crowds. That’s why, when people ask me for a special place that’s both beautiful and...
How to Get Around Japan: The Complete Transportation Crash Course
Figuring out how to get around Japan can be confusing, overwhelming, and simply way too complicated…but it doesn’t have to be! The good news is that Japan has so many public transport options both...
Crafts Galore at The Kyoto Museum of Crafts and Design
Meta: Travel off the beaten path of Kyoto with an entertaining and educational visit to the Museum of Crafts and Design. Kyoto has long been the cultural heart of Japan. After a thousand years as...
Witnessing Kinkakuji’s Golden Pavilion & Unique Architecture
Kyoto has many beautiful temples, but Kinkaku-ji (or the Golden Pavilion) has a way of stealing the spotlight the moment you set eyes on it. It’s one of the most visited and recommended spots in...
Osaka vs Tokyo vs Kyoto: How to Choose the Best City to Visit in Japan
Welcome to one of the biggest questions you’ll face when planning a trip to Japan: Osaka vs Tokyo vs Kyoto. These three cities have quickly become known as the ‘Golden Route’, with tourists planning...
Otagi Nenbutsu-ji: A Hidden Gem in Kyoto’s Arashiyama
If you’re planning on visiting Arashiyama to get a look at the gorgeous bamboo grove that Kyoto is so famous for, then you need to start your day with Otagi Nenbutsu-ji. Want a full guide on how to...
Ultimate Nara Area Guide and 1-Day Itinerary: Deer, Onsen, and Temples
Of course, a Nara area guide has to be all about the famous, majestic, and slightly cheeky Nara deer…but did you know how much more there is to Nara? From the thousand-year-old national treasure...