I’m confident I’ve crafted the perfect Kawagoe day trip.
Continue ReadingSaitama’s September Surprise
If you happen to be in the Tokyo area around October 1, I highly recommend making a pilgrimage to see the red spider lilies.
Continue ReadingJapan’s Underrated Indigo Town
Udatsu, while easy to miss, is impossible to forget.
Continue ReadingCherry Blossoms and the Seto Inland Sea
It’s easy—well, easy enough—for you to see this amazing sakura view yourself.
Continue ReadingTatebayashi is Worth the Trek
Tatebayashi is the most hidden sort of hidden gem in Japan.
Continue ReadingKansai’s Most Underrated Railway
Over the years, I’ve relied more and more on the Kintetsu Line to explore Japan’s Kansai region.
Continue ReadingWhy You Should (Almost) Never Tip in Japan
As a general rule, there is no tipping in Japan.
Continue ReadingAnother Japanese Alpine Dilemma
Is Takayama or Matsumoto a better base for exploring the Japanese Alps?
Continue ReadingIs Higashiyama Really Kyoto’s Best Neighborhood?
Is Arashiyama or Higashiyama the best part of Kyoto?
Continue ReadingJapan’s Oldest Castle
Inuyama Castle is the oldest of Japan’s 12 original castles, and is impressive in its own right apart from that fact.
Continue ReadingPerfect Tokyo Panorama Spots
Where can you get the best view of Tokyo?
Continue ReadingJapan’s Suddenly Sought-After Temple Stays
The topic of temple stays in Japan is more nuanced than it might seem on the surface.
Continue ReadingThe Best Base for the Japanese Alps
Should you stay in Matsumoto or Nagano during your trip to the Japanese Alps?
Continue ReadingThe Truth About the Mt. Fuji Lawson
I’m here to help you get the shot you want, haters be damned.
Continue ReadingOsaka for the Short-on-Time
It’s much more common to take an Osaka day trip from Kyoto than it is to stay overnight in Osaka.
Continue Reading1,000 Years in a Day
I wouldn’t ordinarily recommend a Kyoto day trip from Osaka, but if it’s your only option, I’ll help you do it well.
Continue ReadingMatsumoto Starts Here
I hope you’ll find my Matsumoto itinerary helpful.
Continue ReadingJapan’s Most Mystical Shrine
A Kotohira Shrine day trip is an easy way to visit one of Japan’s most incredible sacred sites.
Continue ReadingThe Truth About Japan’s “Koi Drains”
I hope I can help clear up what’s true and false about koi in drains in Japan.
Continue ReadingThe Truth About ANA’s “The Room”
If you’re on the fence about trying the new ANA business class, don’t be.
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