Once you start enjoying yourself, details become less important than direction, execution less essential than emotion.
Continue ReadingMake 2023 the Year You Visit Japan
There’s no good reason not to visit Japan in 2023.
Continue ReadingThe Truth About Japan’s Castle in the Clouds
I do love a good Japanese castle, even if Takeda-jo is little more than ruins.
Continue ReadingWhy I Keep Going Back to Yamadera
Taking a Yamadera day trip is easy, no matter where your journey begins.
Continue ReadingHow to Visit Japan’s Floating Gate
Miyajima was one of the first places in Japan that took my breath away.
Continue ReadingJapan’s Most Underrated Cities
The best cities to visit in Japan aren’t always ones you read about in guide books
Continue ReadingThe Truth About Hokkaido in Summer
I hope you don’t mind if I throw some cold water (but just a bit) on you.
Continue ReadingThe Kurashiki Question
It’s a simple question, but one that can have important consequences for your trip to Japan, depending upon how you answer.
Continue ReadingThe Ultimate Tokyo Train Station Guide
Before you worry about navigating the labyrinthine Shinjuku Station, you should attend to a more fundamental task.
Continue ReadingThe Best Setouchi Base
Both of these cities, which anchor Japan’s underrated Setouchi reason, are very much worth visiting.
Continue ReadingHiroshima’s Best-Kept Secret
Many travelers to Japan miss Onomichi entirely
Continue ReadingBeyond the Bomb(s)
Obviously, the best way to resolve the Hiroshima vs Nagasaki debate is to visit both cities.
Continue ReadingHimeji Starts Here
You might say I’m an expert in crafting the perfect Himeji Castle day trip
Continue ReadingCan You See Hiroshima on a Day Trip?
Hiroshima is one of Japan’s best-known destinations, yet it often seems to be an afterthought.
Continue ReadingKnocking Out the Nakasendo
Here’s everything you need to know about Japan’s most picturesque old postal road.
Continue ReadingThe Real Danger of Visiting Fukushima
Is Fukushima worth visiting?
Continue ReadingIs Nikko or Kamakura Tokyo’s Best Day Trip?
Did I mention that I love both of these places?
Continue ReadingJapan’s Most Perfect Pilgrimage
I’m not interested in telling you what your journey should mean—I just want to make it easy for you to take!
Continue ReadingThe Truth About ANA’s “The Room”
If you’re on the fence about trying the new ANA business class, don’t be.
Continue Reading30 Pictures That Will Make You Want to Visit Japan in Autumn
A straight line is the shortest distance between two points, but it’s rarely the most exciting one.
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