I’m confident I’ve crafted the perfect Kawagoe day trip.
Continue ReadingJapan Destinations
Saitama’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 ReadingAnother Japanese Alpine Dilemma
Is Takayama or Matsumoto a better base for exploring the Japanese Alps?
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 ReadingThe Best Base for the Japanese Alps
Should you stay in Matsumoto or Nagano during your trip to the Japanese Alps?
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 ReadingJapan’s Mysterious Whirlpools
They’re just as fascinating as they sound.
Continue ReadingWhy Kenroku-en Takes the Crown
This oasis of serenity in Kanazawa is the most impressive of Japan’s “three great gardens.”
Continue ReadingOff the Beaten Path of Japan’s Beaten Path
When you’re so far off the beaten path, a traditional “sightseeing” approach can be superfluous.
Continue ReadingIf Mt. Fuji Was An Island
Having a list of things to do in Rishiri is helpful, even if it’s not as necessary as one might be elsewhere in Japan.
Continue ReadingComparing Japan’s Most Remote Islands
Comparing Rishiri vs Rebun isn’t necessary—you will probably go to both islands if you go to one—but it can be helpful.
Continue ReadingWhere Japan Begins
Wakkanai isn’t Tokyo or even Sapporo, but it’s much larger and more sprawling than you might expect for someplace so remote.
Continue ReadingSado Starts Here
If anything, Sado is exemplary of undertourism!
Continue ReadingWhy Shimoda Should Be On Your List
I discovered Shimoda by accident many years ago.
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