If Kagoshima is where Japan ends, then the Satsuma Peninsula is where Kagoshima ends.
Continue ReadingThe Truth About the Language Barrier in Japan
Do people speak English in Japan?
Continue ReadingYes, You Should Learn Some Japanese Before Your Trip
If you do decide to learn a bit of Japanese, it will exponentiate the kindness and hospitality you receive from locals in Japan.
Continue ReadingJapan’s Hydrangea Haven
Time your late spring trip to Japan to the hydrangeas of Meigetsu-in temple.
Continue ReadingHow to See Hokkaido Lavender
Hokkaido’s flower fields are more than opportunities to harvest Instagram likes.
Continue ReadingJapan’s Fabulous Fireworks
You’re never far from a hanabi display—well, at least not if you visit Japan in summer.
Continue ReadingKansai Starts Here
I’ve been perfecting my Kansai itinerary for well over a decade.
Continue ReadingDo People Speak English in Japan?
Times have changed—and the Japanese people have largely changed with them, largely for the better.
Continue ReadingMusings on Matsusaka
Let Matsusaka wash over you.
Continue ReadingJapan’s Most Important Shrine
Can you visit Ise Shrine?
Continue ReadingSay to “G’Day” to Japan
No matter why you need to travel from Australia to Japan (or back the other way), I hope you’ll find this article informative and inspiring.
Continue ReadingWhy You Should Consider Kochi
Kochi is the most out-of-the-way of Shikoku’s major cities, but trust me—it’s worth the slight stress of getting here.
Continue ReadingThe Truth About Takamatsu
There’s not a lot written online about things to do in Takamatsu, at least not in English.
Continue ReadingTerrific Tokushima
Tokushima will exceed your expectations, especially given how low they probably are.
Continue ReadingMonkeying Around in Japan
I’m well-equipped to tell you how to see the Jigokudani snow monkeys, and all of the essential details therein.
Continue ReadingMy Love Affair With Matsuyama
If you’re in the process of planning out your own Matsuyama trip, I’ve got just what you need to do it.
Continue Reading5 Japan Photography Sweet Spots
In my opinion, these are the best places in Japan for photography.
Continue ReadingJapan’s Best Seasonal Spectacle
Both sakura and kōyō are worthy travel pursuits.
Continue ReadingAI Will Ruin Your Trip to Japan
LLMs have massive blind spots when it comes to planning travel.
Continue ReadingHow to Make Sense of Japan’s Weird Weather
Weather in Japan can make or break your trip.
Continue Reading
























