Journal

  1. How to use a bicycle in Japan: rentals, parking, and road rulesThere's something quietly thrilling about pedalling through a Japanese neighbourhood at dusk, catching the glow of konbini signs and the whir of cicadas in the…
  2. Discovering Obuse: Chestnuts, Hokusai, and Small-Town CharmTucked into the northern reaches of Nagano Prefecture, Obuse is a town that rewards slow exploration. Most travellers speed past on the Hokuriku Shinkansen,…
  3. Why You Should Try Onsen Tamago, Japan’s Silky EggOnsen tamago is one of Japan’s simplest and most satisfying foods: an egg cooked gently until the white is delicate and softly set while the yolk stays thick,…
  4. A Guide to Japanese Picnics: Hanami and Outdoor Dining EssentialsA Japanese picnic can be as simple as sharing snacks beneath a flowering tree, yet the experience carries a strong sense of place. From hanami gatherings under…
  5. Birdwatching in Japan: Cranes, Eagles and Wild PlacesJapan offers remarkable birdwatching within a surprisingly compact range of habitats. Snowy northern wetlands, volcanic lakes, subtropical forests and coastal…
  6. How to Say Thank You in Japanese in Every SituationLearning how to say thank you in Japanese makes everyday interactions in Japan feel warmer and more natural. The most familiar expression is arigatou, but…
  7. Aokigahara Forest: Beautiful Trails and Careful TravelExploring the creepy and beautiful Aokigahara Forest means entering one of Japan’s most unusual natural landscapes. Also called the Sea of Trees, this dense…
  8. Using a Japanese Laundromat Without StressFor travellers from Australia, a Japanese laundromat can be the easiest way to manage clothes during a longer trip. Business hotels, hostels, and small holiday…
  9. A guide to Japan’s night buses: comfort, costs, and booking tipsJapan’s night buses are a practical way to travel between major cities without paying for a hotel or losing a full day to transit. They connect places such as…
  10. The Best Breweries Of Japanese Sake: Nada And Fushimi Tasting ToursJapan’s sake story is best understood in the places where rice, water and time come together. Nada in Kobe and Fushimi in Kyoto are two of the country’s most…