Journal

  1. The best cherry blossom viewing spots in Tokyo that locals loveTokyo’s cherry blossom season is famous for packed riversides, illuminated avenues, and picnic blankets beneath pale pink trees. Yet the city offers far more…
  2. A Practical Guide to Buying a JR Pass and Maximizing Its ValueJapan’s railway network makes it possible to travel between major cities, mountain towns, historic districts, and regional airports with impressive speed. For…
  3. Why Okinawa’s Beaches Are Different from the Rest of JapanOkinawa’s beaches feel unlike many coastal areas on Japan’s main islands. The water is often brighter, the sand can be unusually pale, and coral reefs shape…
  4. Japan’s Most Scenic Train Journeys From Coast to MountainsJapan’s railway network is famous for punctuality and efficiency, but its greatest pleasure often comes from slowing down. Beyond the major Shinkansen routes,…
  5. A food lover’s guide to Osaka’s Dotonbori districtDotonbori is Osaka’s most famous dining quarter, where bright signs, crowded arcades, canal views, and sizzling food create an energetic introduction to the…
  6. How to Use a Japanese Public Bath for the First TimeA Japanese public bath, or sento, is a simple and affordable way to experience everyday life in Japan. Unlike many tourist attractions, a sento is part of the…
  7. The Hidden Waterfalls of Yakushima Island: a hiking guideYakushima is famous for ancient cedar forests, but its waterfalls reveal another side of the island. Rain falls on the mountains throughout the year, gathering…
  8. Exploring the narrow streets of Gion: geisha culture in KyotoGion is one of Kyoto’s most atmospheric districts, where wooden townhouses, stone lanes, lantern-lit restaurants, and centuries-old performing arts create a…
  9. What to Know Before Attending a Sumo Wrestling TournamentA professional sumo tournament is one of the most distinctive sporting experiences in Japan. It combines athletic competition with centuries-old rituals,…
  10. A beginner’s guide to ordering sushi at a counter in JapanSitting at a sushi counter in Japan can feel intimidating at first. The chef works close by, the menu may be brief, and other guests often order with quiet…