Japan

A practical guide to private onsens in Japan: why to choose them, the best onsen towns, and top private onsen stays.

How to go from Sapporo to Otaru. All the options for trains, buses, tours, private transfer, and rental cars. Timings, costs, and local tips.

How to take a day trip to Cape Soya from Sapporo. Train times, bus times, and what not to miss on a Cape Soya day trip.

How to go from Sapporo to Wakkanai. Compare train vs flight, timings, costs, and tips to reach Japan’s far north smoothly.

The complete guide to the international driver's permit for Japan - This guide to IDPs covers translated licences too.

Here’s our full guide to renting a car in Japan – what you’ll need, how to book, and what to expect on the road.

There’s no better way to explore the unique in Japan than by taking a factory tour. Here are Japan’s best factory tours.

All the basics of Japanese Onsen etiquette. Understand how to use onsens, what’s expected + onsen rules to abide by

Maximise your time in Japan by using a private driver in Japan to go from A to B with sightseeing stops along the way.

How to visit the magical Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park near Shibu Onsen – transport, tickets, accommodation and tours.

There are a host of ryokans in Shibu Onsen town – here’s my pick of the Shibu Onsen best ryokans [private onsens, great food, all budgets.]

Our Shibu Onsen Guide covers how to get here, what to see, and what to do in one of Nagano’s most photogenic onsens towns.

What to expect on the Snow Monkey Express train from Nagano to Jigokudani Monkey Park – where to buy tickets + alternative transport options.

Japanese Cherry Blossom season is symbolic of Japan’s cultural beliefs. This guide to Japan’s Cherry Blossom is updated with top Sakura spots

Why you should get a SIM card for Japan – how to get a Japanese SIM – or a Japanese eSIM and what the best mobile data options are for Japan

At the heart of Samurai country, at the end of the Tadami Line Train. Here are the best things to do in Aizu Wakamatsu.

Come aboard the Tadami Line train – the gloriously scenic 135 kilometer route from Fukushima Prefecture to Niigata Prefecture.

What to know about buying a JR Pass and using it. This JR Pass guide tells you what you need to know about travelling on Japanese trains.

This unique ocean-side hot spring is glorious. Stay at the Furofushi Onsen Hotel, as a day visitor or overnight for a super onsen experience.

The Resort Shirakami train is one of Japan’s Joyful Trains and is a glorious way to travel from Akita to Aomori with spectacular views.

The glorious natural area of Juniko Lakes is a great place to hike, while using the Resort Shirakami train. Here’s how to get there + hike

The best way to go from Kyoto to Fukuoka shinkansen, buses, slower trains and flights + the cheapest route to Fukuoka from Kyoto.

How to experience the Miyako Odori in Kyoto – this stunning geisha and maiko performance in Kyoto is an annual event in April.

What's the electric socket situation in Japan? Here's what to know about Japan travel adapters and the best power adapter for Japan

All you need to know about sake tasting in Japan – explore the Saijo Sake Town independently, with a tour or just taste sake in Japan's sake brewery town

7 of the most stunning Japanese Castles to visit - learn about their history, archecture and how to visit the most awesome castles in Japan.

All you need to know about Maid Cafes in Akihabara in Tokyo. What to Expect and our Maid Cafe Akihabara Review and Experiences

All the basics of Japanese ryokan etiquette. Understand the customs of Japan's tradtitional inns - onsen bathing, kaisekoi ryori + yukata

Check out a bucket list item in Japan - Our Kinosaki Onsen Ryokan Experience – stay in a ryokan, head to the onsens, eat Kaiseki Ryori

Everything you need to know about taking a free Toyota Factory tour in Japan - how to book your Toyota tour, where to go, what else to do and what to expect

How to visit the glorious Kyu Asakura House Tokyo – a historic and traditional house and garden in the heart of Shibuya.

All you need to know about watching sumo practice in Tokyo. How to see sumo practice for free, and how to get up close to sumo wrestlers

Take a day trip to Otaru Hokkaido and find all the things to do in Otaru – including understanding Otaru’s financial, herring and glassware heritage.

Here’s all you need to know about capsule hotels in Japan and my Nine Hours Capsule Hotel review too - what to expect!

Take the perfect Mount Takao day trip from Tokyo – what to see at Mount Takao, how to get to Takao from Tokyo

Get to see Firefly Squid Japan’s Hotaruika in Toyama – take a firefly squid boat trip, or visit the Hotaruika Museum in Namerikawa

These 13 totally free things to do in Tokyo are not only fun but also educational and a great way to experience Tokyo on the cheap.

The Ultimate Guide to Hiking the Nakasendo Trail's most popular day hike from Magome - Tsumago. Get full hiking details

With 7 public baths, Kinosaki is the perfect place to go onsen hopping. Here are all the onsens in Kinosaki + how to visit Kinosaki onsens.

There are 74 ryokans in Kinosaki onsen town – here’s my pick of the Kinosaki onsen best ryokans [private onsens, great food, all budgets.]

Visit the onsen town of Kinosaki – explore onsens, temples, mountanis and more – here’s what to eat, drink and what to do in Kinosaki

When you want a break from Japan's capital city - these are the best day trips from Tokyo by train, bus and private transfer.

Get the taste of Japan from your home. These savoury and sweet snacks from Japan are the best Japanese snacks you can buy online.

Learn how to cook Japanese food and explore Japanese culture by taking a Japanese cooking class in Japan ++ Now includes ONLINE Lessons in your own home!

Take a day trip to Nikko – the UNESCO World Heritage town of shrines, temples + National Parks includes the best things to do in Nikko

Visit Nagasaki with the best things to do in Nagasaki – places to visit, activities, and a great section on what to eat in Nagasaki, Japan

Everything you need to know about Japan ATM fees – from how to use a Japanese ATM, to how to pay in Japan, currency exchange and what fees to expect.

A visit to Miyajima should be high on your list of things to do in Hiroshima prefecture – here’s what to do in Miyajima one of Japan’s most scenic locations.

All the best things to do in Hiroshima Japan - the essential activities and places to see in Hiroshima – museums, parks, food.