My first attempt at one of the craft workshops in Japan left me with a slightly wonky finished object, but an odd sense of pride I hadn't expected from an hour in a small shop. Nobody warns you...
Japan Culuture & Language
Dive into the heart of Japanese culture. These blogs cover everything from ancient traditions to pop culture and language learning.
Types of Performances in Japan: A Guide on What They Are and How to Book
When most travellers think of Japanese performing arts, they picture a silent, dimly lit theater in Kyoto watching a Noh play they barely understand, or a ticket to a high-speed Kabuki show in...
The Best Special Dining Experiences in Japan: Which One Fits You?
Omakase, wagyu, kaiseki, or temple cuisine? This guide rates special dining experiences in Japan by seasonality, cost, and flexibility.
Sake Experiences You Should Try to Taste and Understand Japan’s National Drink
For years, sake for me was just the stuff arriving in a small ceramic flask at the end of an izakaya dinner. It was something I drank because it was there rather than because I understood it. Living...
The Complete Gion Matsuri Guide for First-Timers
Summer in Japan means two things: hot weather and festivals! And as the country’s biggest summer festival, Gion Matsuri is worth suffering all the heat and humidity just to experience it. The...
Unlocking All the Authentic Maiko & Geisha Experiences Japan Has to Offer
When you picture Japan, the geisha is probably one of the first things that come to mind. If the embarrassing videos of oblivious tourists hounding them along the streets of Kyoto are anything to go...
I Booked a Sumo Dining Experience, and You Should Too
Living in Japan for a decade now, I would love to tell you that sumo is completely mundane to me already. I would love to say I attend tournaments every other weekend, and act as though bumping into...
Before You Watch Sanno Matsuri, Read This Essential Guide!
Sanno Matsuri is one of Tokyo's three great festivals, yet a lot of visitors end up watching it from the wrong street, at the wrong hour, with no idea what they're actually witnessing. Held every...
Want the Best Matcha in Kyoto? Read This Expert Guide
Kyoto is the historical centre of Japanese green tea, and if you care about matcha at all, this is THE city to visit. In fact, with too many to choose from, it is almost a challenge to find the best...
Travelling to Japan During Golden Week: Best Places to Visit to Avoid the Crowds
Travelling to Japan during Golden Week gets bad press. Yes, the crowds are real, the sold-out trains are real, and the queues snaking outside Kyoto's most popular temples are very real. But the...
What to Expect from Golden Week in Japan: The Complete 2026 Traveller’s Guide
Every year, for roughly ten days between late April and early May, Japan collectively exhales and goes on holiday. All at once. Around 40 million people take to the roads, railways, airports, and...
The Best Ryokan in Kyoto: A Complete Guide for Every Budget
If you are finally going on that dream Kyoto trip, you will probably spend your days walking miles to see those famous shrines and temples. By the time the sun goes down, your feet will be tired,...
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...
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...
My Sushi Making Experience: Don’t Just Eat Japan’s Most Iconic Dish, Make It!
If there is one thing I’ve learned from consuming a frankly concerning amount of raw fish, whether off a plastic conveyor belt at a place like Sushiro or the occasional wallet-draining omakase...