Journal

  1. How to Order Food in Japanese Without Speaking the LanguageOrdering a meal in Japan can feel intimidating when you do not speak Japanese, but most restaurants are easier to navigate than first-time visitors expect.…
  2. The Best Onsen Towns Near Tokyo for a Relaxing EscapeJapan’s hot spring towns offer far more than a bath in naturally heated water. They combine mountain scenery, traditional inns, regional food, shrine visits,…
  3. A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Kyoto’s Philosopher’s Path in AutumnKyoto’s Philosopher’s Path is at its most atmospheric in autumn, when maple leaves turn red and gold beside a narrow canal. The route connects several…
  4. Why You Should Visit the Kubota Itchiku Art MuseumOn the northern shore of Lake Kawaguchi, the Kubota Itchiku Art Museum offers a remarkable way to experience Japanese art, craftsmanship, and landscape…
  5. The Most Beautiful Waterfalls in Japan: Nachi, Kegon, and FukurodaJapan’s waterfalls range from powerful single drops beside ancient pilgrimage routes to broad, tiered cascades hidden in forests. Among the country’s most…
  6. How to Find Authentic Ramen in Tokyo: A Chef’s GuideTokyo ramen is less a single dish than a map of local habits. A bowl in Ogikubo may emphasize a clean, soy-based soup, while one in Ikebukuro may be rich with…
  7. Japanese business etiquette for travelers on work tripsA work trip to Japan involves more than arriving on time for a meeting. Everyday details—how you exchange a business card, where you sit, how you pour a drink,…
  8. What to Eat in Okinawa Beyond Taco Rice and Blue SealOkinawa’s food culture is often introduced through two easy favorites: taco rice and Blue Seal ice cream. Both deserve a place on your itinerary, but they…
  9. The Best Places to Watch the Sunrise in JapanJapan rewards early risers with a completely different travel experience. Before the trains fill, temples open, and sightseeing streets become busy, the…
  10. How to dress for a Japanese festival with confidenceA Japanese festival, or matsuri, is as much a social experience as a sightseeing event. Lanterns glow above food stalls, taiko drums fill the streets, and…