If you’re expecting a luxurious or even exclusive experience, I think the green car is going to disappoint you.
Continue ReadingJapan Travel Advice
Japan’s Best Convenience Store
Lawson vs 7-Eleven vs FamilyMart—which of Japan’s “Big 3” convenience stores is the best?
Continue ReadingThe Truth About Tea Ceremonies
Follow my practical advice—and disregard any shade I may throw while giving it.
Continue ReadingHow to See a Geisha in Kyoto
Have a successful Geisha encounter on the first try.
Continue ReadingThe Best Way to Stay Connected in Japan
When it comes to SIM card for foreigners in Japan, this is the best course of action.
Continue ReadingThe Truth About Kintsugi
Want to learn kintsugi in Japan?
Continue ReadingWhy I Go So Hard for Japan’s Hydrangeas
Ajisai are every bit as Japanese as sakura.
Continue ReadingHow to Fix Japan’s “Overtourism” Problem
Is overtourism in Japan really a problem—and, if so, how do we fix it?
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 ReadingHow to Travel Between Japan and New Zealand
There are as many ways to travel from New Zealand to Japan as there are reasons for wanting to go there.
Continue ReadingHow Kyoto Lets Its Hair Down
Kyoto Gion Matsuri flies in the face of Kyoto’s conservative reputation when it takes over the city every July.
Continue ReadingOsaka’s Most Festive Few Days
Osaka Tenjin Matsuri is absolutely worth the hassle.
Continue ReadingThe Easiest Japanese Festival to Attend
The Takayama Festival is one of my favorite matsuri I’ve attended in Japan—and not just because I was able to go without passing out from heat stroke.
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 ReadingThe Best Time 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 Tokyo Underground, De-mystified
Nearly 9 million people travel through the Tokyo underground system every day, many of whom are literal schoolchildren.
Continue ReadingThe Truth About Solo Travel in Japan
Think traveling in Japan alone isn’t for you? Think again.
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