I’m well-equipped to tell you where to see snow monkeys in Japan, and to inform you about the how and when of your trip as well.
Continue ReadingJapan Travel Advice
The Truth About Golden Week
Can you travel during Golden Week in Japan?
Continue ReadingEverything You Need to Know About Kimono in Kyoto
Kimono rental in Kyoto has never been easier.
Continue ReadingAre Japan’s Animal Cafes Ethical?
The short answer is no.
Continue ReadingThe Truth About Masks in Japan
A lot of people have the wrong idea about masks in Japan.
Continue ReadingWhen to Visit Japan
There’s no universal answer to the question of the best time to visit Japan.
Continue ReadingWhat to Know About Buying a SIM Card in Japan
Buying a SIM card in Japan is now not only possible, but relatively straightforward.
Continue ReadingThe Secret to Getting Yen in Japan
Without a pocket full of yen in this surprisingly cash-centric country, you simply won’t get very far.
Continue ReadingThe Tokyo Underground, De-mystified
Nearly 9 million people travel through the Tokyo underground system every day, many of whom are literal schoolchildren.
Continue ReadingThe Best Japan Road Trips
There are a million reasons to hit Japan’s open road. Thankfully, I’m only going to name five.
Continue ReadingThe Truth About Solo Travel in Japan
Think traveling in Japan alone isn’t for you? Think again.
Continue Reading24 Places to Go in Japan in 2024
2024 will be the best year—ever—to visit Japan.
Continue ReadingThe Truth About the Ghibli Museum
Seeing the work of Hayao Miyazaki and company brought to life within the magical museum was something of a conversion experience for me.
Continue ReadingJapan’s Answer to Global Entry
If you can jump through the hoops of enrolling in the Japan Trusted Traveler program, entering Japan will become a great deal less painful.
Continue ReadingIs Tokyo Expensive?
It’s a matter of yes-and-no, not yes-or-no.
Continue ReadingA 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.
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