If you’ve never been to either city, comparing Tokyo vs Kyoto might seem futile.
Continue ReadingJapan Destinations
The Most Wonderful Time of the Year (in Osaka)
Visit Japan’s second city to see sakura of the first rate.
Continue ReadingWhere to See Sakura in Tokyo
The Tokyo cherry blossom season comes early—but often unpredictably so.
Continue ReadingKamakura Starts Here
Japan’s ancient capital is a great excursion from its current one.
Continue ReadingThe Dreamiest Day Trips from Kyoto
I’m glad you’re here—and I’m excited to help you get out of town.
Continue ReadingJapan’s Greatest Gardens
You don’t need to be a horticulturist to appreciate the best gardens in Japan.
Continue ReadingHow to Reach Hakone’s Bubbling Baths
Planning a day trip from Tokyo to Hakone?
Continue ReadingWhich Japanese Castle Will You Like Best?
Castles (and castle towns) make great touchstones for any trip to Japan, no matter where in the country you are or how many times you’ve been.
Continue ReadingThe Secret of Gujo Hachiman
Is Gujo Hachiman worth visiting?
Continue ReadingIs Kanazawa or Takayama Better for Travelers?
I’m not sure why so many people mention Kanazawa and Takayama in the same conversation.
Continue ReadingIs Kamikochi Worth Visiting?
Make sure Kamikochi ends up fitting into your travel plans perfectly.
Continue ReadingHow to See Japan’s Waterfall Pagoda
It’s one of the most spectacular places in the country—and not just in a visual sense.
Continue ReadingThe Wildest Way Through Shikoku
The first time I visited the Iya Valley, Japan took on a new dimension to me.
Continue ReadingThe Truth About Takamatsu
There’s not a lot written online about things to do in Takamatsu, at least not in English.
Continue ReadingTokushima Starts Here
Tokushima will exceed your expectations, especially given how low they probably are.
Continue ReadingMy Love Affair With Matsuyama
No matter what brings you to the largest city in Shikoku, one thing is clear.
Continue ReadingKochi Starts Here
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 Shirakawa-go
Many of my readers are surprised I feel this way.
Continue ReadingJapan’s Best Farmhouse Village
Should you visit Shirakawa-go or Gokayama, or both?
Continue ReadingIs Takayama Worth Visiting?
It took me a long time to fully understand Takayama, but the love was immediate.
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