Journal

  1. Japan’s best stargazing: Bisei, Aogashima, and IriomoteJapan’s night sky changes dramatically from one region to another. In major cities, tall buildings and bright signs hide most stars, but rural observatories,…
  2. How to Use a Japanese Kōban for Directions and Lost ItemsKnowing how to use a Japanese kōban (police box) for directions and lost items can make travel in Japan much less stressful. These small neighborhood police…
  3. Japan’s most unusual shrines and sacred sitesJapan’s sacred places range from grand Shinto complexes beneath vermilion torii to tiny neighborhood sanctuaries with remarkably specific purposes. Some are…
  4. What to eat in Kobe beyond Kobe beefKobe is famous worldwide for its finely marbled beef, yet the city’s food culture is far broader. Its port history, international connections, nearby farms,…
  5. A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Tokyo’s Ginza DistrictGinza is one of Tokyo’s most polished neighborhoods, known for luxury department stores, independent boutiques, art galleries, historic cafés, and striking…
  6. Why Sado Island Belongs on Your Japan ItinerarySado Island sits off the coast of Niigata Prefecture in the Sea of Japan, yet it feels far removed from the pace of Japan’s major cities. Ferries cross to a…
  7. The Best Books About Japan for Travelers: Local PicksA good book can change the way you move through Japan. Instead of treating a shrine, market, train station, or neighborhood as a photo stop, you begin to…
  8. How To Attend A Tea Ceremony In Tokyo As A BeginnerA Japanese tea ceremony offers a quieter way to experience Tokyo. Instead of simply tasting matcha, you enter a carefully arranged space where the host,…
  9. A Guide to Japanese Onsen Types and Mineral-Rich SpringsJapan’s hot springs, or onsen, are shaped by volcanic activity, deep groundwater, and the minerals carried through rock. The water can be clear, cloudy,…
  10. Exploring Nanzoin Temple and Fukuoka’s Reclining BuddhaNanzoin Temple is one of the most memorable places to visit near Fukuoka. Set in the forested town of Sasaguri, the temple is best known for its enormous…