Journal

  1. Why Take a Ferry to the Ogasawara IslandsWhy you should take a ferry to the Ogasawara Islands becomes clear before the ship even reaches the open Pacific. The journey from Tokyo takes roughly 24…
  2. Tokyo’s Quirky Nightlife And Unusual ExperiencesTokyo rewards visitors who enjoy the unexpected. Beyond the major temples, department stores and neon crossings, the capital offers robot performances, animal…
  3. A Guide to Japanese Convenience Store Foods Worth TryingJapanese convenience stores, or konbini, are far more than places to buy snacks. Shops such as 7-Eleven, Lawson and FamilyMart sell fresh rice meals, bakery…
  4. Exploring Saihoji Moss Temple in KyotoSaihoji, widely known as the Moss Temple, is one of Kyoto’s most atmospheric places to visit. Its garden is carpeted with vivid green moss, shaped by shade,…
  5. What to expect at a Japanese fireworks competitionA Japanese fireworks competition, or hanabi taikai, is much more than a display watched for a few minutes. It is an evening event with carefully arranged…
  6. Planning A Japanese Alps AdventureThe Japanese Alps offer a rewarding mix of mountain scenery, traditional villages, steaming onsen, and compact regional towns. This broad area stretches across…
  7. The Best Autumn Leaf Spots in Kyoto’s Temples and GardensKyoto in autumn feels made for slow walks. Maple trees turn vermilion, gold and russet around temple gates, stone paths, ponds and moss-covered gardens,…
  8. A Guide to Japanese Street Food: Takoyaki, Okonomiyaki, And MoreJapanese street food is closely tied to festivals, shopping streets, train stations and seasonal events. Rather than one national menu, it is a collection of…
  9. Discovering Naoshima and Teshima in the Seto Inland SeaAcross Japan’s Seto Inland Sea, small islands have become remarkable centres for contemporary art, architecture and slow travel. Naoshima and Teshima are the…
  10. Yanagibashi Rengo Market: Fukuoka’s Local Food HeartFukuoka is famous for its relaxed pace, friendly locals and serious food culture. Beyond the bright signs of Canal City and the busy stalls of Nakasu,…