Everything changed when I decided to stay overnight in Nara.
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Off Okinawa’s Beaten Path
Miyako presents a conundrum.
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Tohoku’s Tamest Summer Festival
The Sendai Tanabata Matsuri is probably not what you’re expecting.
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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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Kanagawa’s Top Tokyo Day Trip
Is Yokohama or Kamakura a better excursion from Tokyo?
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How Japan’s Hawaii Compares to the Original
The topic of Okinawa vs Hawaii is somewhat loaded—and not just for reasons of national pride.
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Summer at Point Nemo
So green were the aforementioned leaves, even more than halfway through summer, that it was credible to posit autumn might not ever come again.
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Which Japanese Castle Will You Like Best?
Castles (and castle towns) make great touchstones for any trip to Japan, no matter where in the country you are or how many times you’ve been.
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Maruoka Castle is Worth the Hassle
Maruoka Castle can be a pain to reach, but trust me: It’s worth it.
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Japan’s Best Islands (Besides the Big 4)
When the topic of Japan’s best islands comes up, it requires a bit of parsing.
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Kyoto’s Low-Stress Sacred Spaces
Fabulous spots like Kifune and Kurama, a shrine-and-temple pair in far northwestern Kyoto, are just waiting for you to discover them.
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Edo for the Afternoon
Taking a Kawagoe day trip from Tokyo is usually a second (or even third) choice.
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These Are Japan’s Best Beaches
Japan, in spite of being a country of islands, is not known for its beaches.
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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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How to See a Geisha in Kyoto
Have a successful Geisha encounter on the first try.
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The Best Way to Stay Connected in Japan
When it comes to SIM card for foreigners in Japan, this is the best course of action.
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The Cat Island Conundrum
If you’re a big feline fan, you might find cat island in Japan disappointing.
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Japan’s Paradise Beach
This Jodogahama Beach itinerary will set you on course.
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A Perfectly Nice Town
Is Ishinomaki worth visiting?
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