Taking a Kawagoe day trip from Tokyo is usually a second (or even third) choice.
Continue ReadingJapan Destinations
These Are Japan’s Best Beaches
Japan, in spite of being a country of islands, is not known for its beaches.
Continue ReadingThe Cat Island Conundrum
If you’re a big feline fan, you might find cat island in Japan disappointing.
Continue ReadingJapan’s Paradise Beach
This Jodogahama Beach itinerary will set you on course.
Continue ReadingA Perfectly Nice Town
Is Ishinomaki worth visiting?
Continue ReadingJapan’s Treasure Trail
Sanriku might just be the most authentic, enticing region in Japan.
Continue ReadingRun With All You Have
A viper seems to be little more than a leathery bamboo shoot until the moment it sinks its fangs into you.
Continue ReadingIs Nikko Tokyo’s Best Day Trip?
Nikko is one of the easiest and most fulfilling day trips from Tokyo.
Continue ReadingKamakura Starts Here
It’s easy to rationalize Japan’s former capital as a one-and-done day trip from its current one.
Continue ReadingA Tale of Two Tourist Traps
Comparing Takayama vs Kyoto isn’t as futile as you might think.
Continue ReadingWhere to Find China in Japan
China has always been a part of Japan.
Continue ReadingHonshu’s Last Stand
Is Shimonoseki worth visiting?
Continue ReadingJapan’s Greatest Gardens
You don’t need to be a horticulturist to appreciate the best gardens in Japan.
Continue ReadingHokkaido’s Best City
Comparing Sapporo vs Hakodate might seem like a fool’s errand, but I think it can be a productive exercise.
Continue ReadingThe Truth About Lake Biwa
Lake Biwa used to be a place I mostly forgot—now, it’s one of my favorite destinations in Japan.
Continue ReadingIshigaki Starts Here
I’ve been wanting to put together an Ishigaki itinerary for a long time.
Continue ReadingWhy Kenroku-en Takes the Crown
This oasis of serenity in Kanazawa is the most impressive of Japan’s “three great gardens.”
Continue ReadingA Sakura Tunnel in Tohoku
The Kitakami cherry blossoms are a delight, no matter when in the season you happen to arrive
Continue ReadingNagasaki’s Little Secret
I didn’t have high expectations for Iki, which is strange looking back.
Continue ReadingThe Truth About Tsushima
Is Tsushima real?
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