It’s a matter of yes-and-no, not yes-or-no.
Continue ReadingJapan Travel Advice
A Trick for Booking Japan’s Best Restaurants
If you do need to make restaurant reservations in Japan, it doesn’t have to be daunting.
Continue ReadingTohoku’s Marvelous Matsuri
Should you visit the Akita Festival or Aomori Festival—or both?
Continue ReadingStaying Connected in Japan is Easier Than Ever
When I first visited Japan in 2014, it wasn’t even possible for travelers to buy SIM cards.
Continue ReadingThe Fastest Way Between Kyoto and Osaka
The Shinkansen, in almost all cases, is neither the best nor even the fastest way to travel from Kyoto to Osaka.
Continue ReadingPromise of the Petals
They weren’t pulverized—they had vaporized.
Continue ReadingJapan for Newbies
My first lesson about planning your first trip to Japan: Don’t count on it being the last.
Continue ReadingCherry Blossoms Aren’t the Only Japanese Flowers
You can enjoy seasonal flowers in Japan, even if you don’t visit during sakura season.
Continue ReadingThe Low-Key Best Month to Visit Japan
There are almost no downsides to visiting Japan in May.
Continue ReadingDoes Tokyo Have Snow?
The weather in Tokyo isn’t what you probably think it is.
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 ReadingMake 2023 the Year You Visit Japan
There’s no good reason not to visit Japan in 2023.
Continue ReadingWhere Should You Stay in Tokyo?
If you’re asking the question “where should I stay in Tokyo?”, you’re not alone.
Continue ReadingThe Secret to Traveling With Luggage in Japan
The question of how to travel with luggage in Japan really stresses people out.
Continue ReadingUsing Miles and Points for Flights to Japan
Are tickets to Japan cheap or expensive?
Continue ReadingWhere Should I Stay in Kyoto?
Here’s what to know before you book your Kyoto hotel.
Continue ReadingIs Japan a Racist Country?
The answer is as complicated as the question is simple.
Continue ReadingThe Secret to Getting Around Tokyo
There is a method to the madness of Tokyo’s transport networks.
Continue ReadingHow Long Should You Spend in Japan?
Regardless of how many days in Japan you’re able to spend, you probably need more than you’re expecting.
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