What is the difference between a ryokan and an onsen?
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Is Fukushima Safe?
Unless you break into the site of the Fukushima Daiichi plant and spend the night there, you have nothing to worry about.
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How (and Where) to Hit Japan’s Open Road
Each Japan road trip itinerary I’m about to share focuses on a specific destination or region.
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Tokyo’s Cherry Blossom Dystopia
Tokyo’s Meguro River has become a dystopian battlefield in Japan’s quixotic fight against “overtourism.”
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Japan’s Other Pink Flowers
If you’re as interested in ume as I am, I hope you’ll continue reading.
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What Everyone Gets Wrong About Climbing Fuji
The good news? Climbing Mt. Fuji is really more of a hike.
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Yes, You Can See Cherry Blossoms in Winter
Try targeting some of the early cherry blossoms in Japan.
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Why Tokyo Can Seem Tiresome
It’s worth examining the expectations that many travelers set for Tokyo, and how they do and don’t line up with reality.
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The Truth About Renting a Car in Japan
Dozens of places in Japan are all but inaccessible if you don’t have your own set of wheels.
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Mt. Fuji’s Not-So-Famous Tea Fields
On one hand, the tea fields near Mt. Fuji definitely live up to the hype.
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Tokyo is Japan’s Best Base for Day Trips
Not all of the best day trips from Tokyo are the most obvious ones.
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Want to Visit an Onsen in Japan? Start Here
These incredible Japanese hot springs will make you want to take your clothes off in front of strangers.
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Kyoto’s Timeless New Year’s Eve
Celebrating the New Year in Kyoto is not as strange as it might seem as first glance.
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All the Ways to Haneda and Back
Traveling from Haneda Airport to Tokyo is a quick journey, but like most things in Japan isn’t necessarily simple.
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Should You Visit Okinawa in Winter?
You should only visit Okinawa in winter if you’re comfortable with the possibility of the worst-case scenario.
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How (and When) to Use Japan’s Keihan Line
This Keihan Line travel guide unlocks the Kansai region’s convenient Keihan Electric Railway.
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The Truth About the Green Car
If you’re expecting a luxurious or even exclusive experience, I think the green car is going to disappoint you.
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Japan’s Fabulous Fireworks
You’re never far from a hanabi display—well, at least not if you visit Japan in summer.
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Japan’s Best Convenience Store
Lawson vs 7-Eleven vs FamilyMart—which of Japan’s “Big 3” convenience stores is the best?
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The Truth About Tea Ceremonies
Follow my practical advice—and disregard any shade I may throw while giving it.
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