Is Asahikawa worth visiting?
Continue ReadingSapporo’s Greatest Escapes
Sapporo is literally the hub of Hokkaido.
Continue ReadingHokkaido’s Wild East
Hokkaido is an absolutely massive island, but most travelers never make it far from Sapporo.
Continue ReadingHow to Soak in Japan’s Best Onsen
This is one of my favorite places I’ve ever stayed in Japan.
Continue ReadingThe Truth About Koyasan Temple Stays
Let’s just say that the monk who mans the check-in counter at Hongaku-in temple was not pleased when Suguru and I arrived after sunset.
Continue ReadingSapporo’s Snowiest Spectacle
It’s more than just sculptures!
Continue ReadingThe Truth About Otaru
Is Otaru worth visiting?
Continue ReadingYour Hokkaido Winter Adventure Starts Here
Plan your own trip to Japan’s great, white north.
Continue ReadingThe Snow Country Singularity
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 Reading