Buying a SIM card in Japan is now not only possible, but relatively straightforward.
Continue ReadingJapan Travel Advice
The 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 Reading
The Tokyo Underground, De-mystified
Nearly 9 million people travel through the Tokyo underground system every day, many of whom are literal schoolchildren.
Continue Reading
The Truth About Solo Travel in Japan
Think traveling in Japan alone isn’t for you? Think again.
Continue Reading
24 Places to Go in Japan in 2024
2024 will be the best year—ever—to visit Japan.
Continue Reading
The 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 Reading
Japan’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 Reading
Is Tokyo Expensive?
It’s a matter of yes-and-no, not yes-or-no.
Continue Reading
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 Reading
Tohoku’s Marvelous Matsuri
Should you visit the Akita Festival or Aomori Festival—or both?
Continue Reading
Japan’s Fabulous Summer Festivals
Which of the summer festivals in Japan are you most excited to attend?
Continue Reading
Staying 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 Reading
The 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 Reading
Promise of the Petals
They weren’t pulverized—they had vaporized.
Continue Reading
Japan for Newbies
My first lesson about planning your first trip to Japan: Don’t count on it being the last.
Continue Reading
Cherry Blossoms Aren’t the Only Japanese Flowers
You can enjoy seasonal flowers in Japan, even if you don’t visit during sakura season.
Continue Reading
The Low-Key Best Month to Visit Japan
There are almost no downsides to visiting Japan in May.
Continue Reading
The 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 Reading
Sapporo’s Snowiest Spectacle
It’s more than just sculptures!
Continue Reading
Make 2023 the Year You Visit Japan
There’s no good reason not to visit Japan in 2023.
Continue Reading
