Japan Travel Writing & Trip Planning

Culture Trip • 17th January 2025

Two Days In Hyogo's Historic Harima And Awaji Regions

In the southwest of Hyogo lies Harima, a region where traditional crafts still thrive in its inland areas. Further south across the sea is Awaji Island, which holds cultural significance as both Japan’s mythological birthplace and the historical heart of the nation’s incense industry. This two-day itinerary will take you deep into the heart of traditional Japan, where master craftsmen still practice centuries-old arts and sacred sites unveil the mythical stories of Japan’s birth. Your first...

Tripadvisor • 8th April 2024

3 days in Kyoto: The perfect itinerary

Morning: Greet the dawn at two amazing temples

Morning: Get lost in the bamboo groves of Arashiyama

Afternoon: Eat your way around Nishiki Market

There are more than 100 vendors here, each with a story and a specialty. Many offer bite-sized samples, so try a few and get more of what you like the most. (A tip: When it comes on a skewer, it’s probably fantastic.) For a sit-down lunch, check out the small restaurants serving ramen, tempura, and seasonal kaiseki menus between the stalls (just mak

Tripadvisor • 20th March 2024

3 days in Osaka: The perfect itinerary

MORNING: Step into the past at Osaka Castle

There are plenty of ways to spend your night in Dotombori. Start with a stroll along the alley of Hozenji Yokocho. Splash some water on the Buddha statue at Hozenji Temple for luck, then check out the bars, cafés, and restaurants. For a caffeine boost, I love Arabiya Coffee, which has been around since the 1950s. Sit at the long bar at this kissaten—a traditional tea and coffee shop—and chat with the father and son team that runs it.

The park has two

31st May 2023

Kiyosumi Fukagawa, Tokyo's Artist Heaven

Morning Calm Magazine (Korean Air) Spring 2023

TripSavvy • 25th August 2021

The Top 10 National Parks in Japan

As an island nation with a varied landscape and climate, Japan offers visitors an astonishing wealth of variety—from mountain ranges to coastlines to lakes and wetlands. A visit to Japan’s best national parks is what best showcases this variety. Across the country’s four main islands, here are the top ten national parks that best demonstrate the elaborate natural beauty of Japan.

A mysterious national park found a volcanic island covered in ancient cedar woodland off the southern coast of Kyush

TripSavvy • 30th June 2021

The Top 25 Things to Do in Japan

In a country as diverse as Japan, there's no end to the fascinating things to do but it's often difficult to know where to start. With over 20 UNESCO world heritage sites to visit and outstanding natural beauty right across its five main islands, visiting Japan is a treat for any kind of traveler. Luckily, being so well connected by high-speed rail, it's also one of the most easily traversable countries for travelers so get ready to enjoy the best of Japanese food, history, wellness, and culture

TripSavvy • 30th June 2021

Your Trip to Hiroshima: The Complete Guide

Hiroshima is one of the southernmost cities on Japan's main island of Honshu. While its tragic modern history has given it an unshakeable global image, Hiroshima is a city of outstanding food, warm weather, a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, and some of Japan's best museums. Here is everything you need to know for a trip to one of Japan's best modern cities.


Best Time to Visit: Hiroshima is a popular tourist destination throughout the year, with four distinct seasons and slightly higher than

TripSavvy • 30th June 2021

Nikko National Park: The Complete Guide

Full of centuries-old shrines, temples and areas of outstanding natural beauty, it’s difficult to know where to begin when it comes to Japan's majestic Nikko National Park. The Japanese town of Nikko can be found within the park, making this a particularly unique destination in terms of accommodation, shopping, and restaurant options.

While the trails here are suited to casual and intermediate hikers, the mountains themselves offer some extra challenge. Oku-Nikko, which translates to deep Nikko

Culture Trip • 8th May 2020

The Story of Kitakata's Ramen and Where To Eat It, According to an Expert

If you don’t know where to commence your Kitakata ramen journey, consider trying Genraiken because – as Hanami says – it is “said to be the ‘original Kitakata Ramen restaurant’” and is the descendent of the original street cart mentioned above. Close to the main train station, you can literally hop off the train from Tokyo and go straight to Genraiken to try some classic Kitakata ramen, and perhaps a side of homemade gyoza or rice. With a drinks menu ranging from sake to cider and classic dishes

TripSavvy • 31st January 2020

The Top 12 Day Trips From Kyoto

There’s plenty to get up to in the urban hub of Nagoya. For some history, make sure to visit Nagoya Castle and Osu Kannon Temple before taking a peaceful stroll around Tokugawa Garden. You can also visit Nagashima Resort for some of the best roller coasters in the country and a hot spring complex. One of the most popular museums to visit in the city is the Toyota Museum of Industry and Technology, housed within a preserved factory from 1912.

TripSavvy • 31st January 2020

The Complete Guide to Kyoto's Nightlife

With its teahouses, geisha, and traditional temples and shrines, Kyoto is a popular destination for travelers in search of Japan's historic beauty and traditional arts. Although not as famous as Tokyo's, the old capital does have a thriving, varied, and eccentric nightlife. Music is stitched into the fabric of Kyoto life, so a visit to one of the city's jazz bars or legendary live music venues is worth your while. Or, if you prefer something more mellow, there are a few late-night cafés and rest

TripSavvy • 31st January 2020

How to See a Maiko Show in Kyoto

Geisha (known as geiko in Kyoto) are strongly associated with Japanese traditional culture and history. While you will likely see women dressed in traditional costume walking in the Gion district of Kyoto, they are very rarely a fully-trained professional geisha. An evening with a professional geisha is hard to come by and can cost hundreds of dollars due to the amount of skill and training necessary to become a geisha.

A geisha must be trained in dance, flower arranging, musical instruments, t

Japan Objects • 31st January 2020

10 Best Places to Buy Japanese Fans in Tokyo

A traditional Japanese craft that has its roots in fashion, theatre, and etiquette; the fan is a piece of Japanese art that is so iconically Japanese that it has become fully entwined in the aesthetics and even the popular culture of Japan.

In Tokyo, there are shops that offer fans of all kinds: traditional fans, unique designs, fans for both women and men, and more besides. All in vibrant colors and breathtaking designs making each handcrafted item a piece of art in itself. These 10 Tokyo stor

Japan Objects • 5th January 2020

20 Best Japanese Gardens in Tokyo for Every Season

Tokyo’s many Japanese gardens are a must-see when you visit the capital. They are popular and relaxing public spaces where you can view the sakura blossoms, picnic, stroll, and play with friends and family and totally immerse yourself in the beauty of Japan. Japanese gardens often feature ponds, streams, flower beds, cherry trees, and shinto shrines. Some of the very best Japanese gardens can be found in Tokyo, and here are twenty of them! We have divided them by season, so no matter what time o

Culture Trip • 5th January 2020

12 Quirky Experiences in Tokyo, Japan

Pet an owl at a café in Harajuku

Due to high living costs and tiny apartments, most people in Tokyo don’t have the space to look after pets. The solution? Animal cafés. One of the most famous of these is the Harajuku Owl Café where you can get up close and personal with those fearsome yet beautiful birds. You can try holding the bird with the help of a trained expert, or you can take a selfie before relaxing in the garden with your free drink while watching these incredible creatures go about t

TripSavvy • 5th January 2020

The Top 10 Museums in Tokyo

Dedicated to the studio that has brought us animation classics like Spirited Away, My Neighbour Totoro, and Princess Mononoke, this is a whimsical visit and one of the best things you can do while in Tokyo. Set in a magical mansion, you make your way through set-pieces, never-seen-before animation, life-size statues, and more. You don’t need to be a fan of the films to appreciate the passion that has gone into this space. You have to book ahead for this one, ideally by several months (details ar

Savvy Tokyo • 13th December 2019

Asakusa: A Guide to Tokyo’s Traditional and Spiritual Downtown

The best way to explore Asakusa is on foot. Get lost, wander the side streets, and dip into some traditional culture.

A little slice of traditional Japan within Tokyo, if you want to get lost in some history and explore the old shopping streets or famous temples and shrines in the city, then a day in Asakusa is exactly what you need.

It’s a place where culture meets contemporary. From rickshaws going by to people dressed up in traditional costume to modern art statues that make you look twice,

Culture Trip • 9th August 2019

Top Things To Do in Harajuku, Tokyo

Ramen lovers will be pretty familiar with the name Ichiran . This popular Japanese chain has a constant string of eager customers awaiting their tailor-made ramen feast. From spice level to noodle density, here you can curate your own specific dish by checking the ordering sheet’s requests. Each chair at the restaurant is separated by its own flavour booth to ensure each customer pays full attention to their dish. Try it out yourself and see what the hype is all about.

Savvy Tokyo • 9th May 2019

Nakano: A Guide To Tokyo's Underground Otaku And Foodie Paradise

If you're looking for an alternative to Akihabara's busy streets or want to find some new enticing ramen spots, Nakano offers a charming escape from its busy neighbors.

Although a seemingly local and residential area, anyone heading West on the Chuo line will find much to explore in Nakano. Beloved by fans of video games, anime, and manga for offering a quieter version of Akihabara within its multi-floor department store Nakano Broadway, the neighborhood also suits anyone who loves to dig into

Culture Trip • 22nd April 2019

48 Hours in Tokyo: Ideas for a Short Weekend Getaway

From the moment you master the sprawling train network that governs this city, the vast metropolis of Tokyo starts to unfurl before you. A dream holiday destination for most, Japan’s bustling capital doesn’t disappoint. Here, the truly vintage melds seamlessly with the future and convenience is made an art form. It’s a city where you’ll find ancient shrines just moments away from drip coffee stores and boutiques.

For many tourists, the historic sites are the ones with the greatest appeal – thes

Culture Trip • 22nd April 2019

An Arts and Culture Walking Tour of Shinjuku, Tokyo

An Arts and Culture Walking Tour of Shinjuku, Tokyo

Underneath the twinkling LED screens and skyscrapers, Shinjuku’s creative minds have let their imaginations fly. Take this manageable walking tour (with a little help from the subway) to see another side of the Tokyo neighbourhood.

Delve into the literary world of Natsume Soseki

Start your day of culture by taking a 10-minute walk from Waseda station to the Natsume Soseki Memorial Museum. Soseki is of Japan’s most prolific writers and a Shin

Savvy Tokyo • 12th April 2019

Kamakura: A Guide To The Closest Ancient Capital To Tokyo

Some of the most breath-taking architecture, art, and ancient culture exists only a short train ride away from the bustling metropolis of Tokyo. What was once Japan's ancient capital has in many ways been frozen in time, waiting to be discovered.

Head south out of Tokyo on the train and you’ll find yourself in Japan’s second largest by population city, Yokohama, within minutes. Head further south again and suddenly you’ll emerge into an ancient town of Buddhist temples, bronze statues, gardens,

Seeker • 15th March 2019

5 of Japan's Most Magical Cherry Blossom Festivals (+ Where to Find Them)

Cherry blossom season, also known as the sakura or hanami flower-watching season, brings life and magic to Japan each spring. Admiring the flowers’ fleeting beauty is a practice that dates back over a thousand years. The small, delicate pink sakura and ume plum blossoms flower at different times throughout the season. The massive bloom starts in the far south, in Okinawa, and slowly works its way up to northern Japan in late May. It’s possible to follow Japan’s 2019 Cherry Blossom festivals all

Savvy Tokyo • 28th January 2019

Yokohama: A Guide To Japan's Port City That Has It All

From sightseeing to shopping to international dining to simply taking a deep breath of fresh air and standing against the ocean breeze, Yokohama is the city that appeals to all your five senses.

Just under an hour on the subway from central Tokyo, the port city Yokohama is a welcome break from the busy streets of the capital with its relaxed environment, wide open spaces, and a harbor-side where it’s almost too easy to lose your worries and stresses as you stroll or cycle along.

Whatever your

Japan Objects • 26th October 2020

6 Things You Need to Know About Kumiko Woodworking

Beginning as an artform in the 8th century CE and remaining an active form of carpentry in Japan to this day, kumiko is a uniquely Japanese style of woodwork. The process involves interconnecting carved wooden pieces together, in intricate patterns, to create a finished panel without the use of glue, nails, or any other external tools.

Kumiko panels slot together and remain in place through pressure alone, and that pressure is achieved through meticulous calculating, cutting, and arranging. The

Japan Objects • 20th July 2020

Amigurumi: All You Need to Know About Japanese Crochet

“For a beginner, I would recommend a heavier weight yarn like 8-ply and a larger hook size such as a 3.5 mm or 4 mm hook. Which size hook to use with your yarn of choice depends a lot on your stitch tension when you’re holding your yarn too. I personally love using a 2.5 mm hook with 4-ply yarn. I think this combination works for my designs as I like to incorporate a lot of shaping and details and this allows me to achieve this effect.”

If you’re in Tokyo you might want to check out these 5 Top

TripSavvy • 23rd May 2020

Ghosts, Demons, and Shapeshifters: An Introduction to Japanese Yokai Culture

Japan offers a rich tapestry of folklore, inspired by Shinto myths and traditions, and with that folklore come tales of ghosts and creatures—known in Japan as yokai—who play tricks on or help humans who cross their paths. These yokai have been around for centuries, and their stories are often told to children and frequently pop up in literature and cartoons. Even in this modern world, they're still deeply ingrained in Japanese culture.

The rise of Amabie, a mythical sea yokai which has become s

Savvy Tokyo • 24th April 2020

7 Japan Travel Books To Inspire Future Trips

Today's book selection is guaranteed to transport you right into Japan! Each of these books explores a different side of Japan—sometimes unknown—and they are mostly available in both digital and paperback versions. Make yourself cozy, grab a hot drink, and let your mind wander.

Good travel writing can transport us to places we may never see, revisit a beloved area, or even put a new destination firmly on our radar. We can learn about a country from the perspective of new eyes, not unlike our ow

Japan Objects • 23rd March 2020

Kimono Fabric: All You Need to Know About Japanese Silk

A special clutch that recreates the abstract Okiku Momi tapestry housed in Koetsuji Temple in Kyoto. Designed by Tatsumura Textile who specializes in the restoration of priceless ancient Japanese and Chinese textiles, they’re Kyoto’s esteemed leader in world-class silk brocades and this tasteful clutch is a testament to their passion.

Not just for fashion accessories, there are many ways to incorporate timeless silk products and exquisite Japanese fabrics into your everyday life.

13th March 2020

Six Master Sushi Chefs in Tokyo

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Japan Objects • 9th March 2020

Choosing the Best Zabuton Cushion: All You Need To Know

You will be surprised to learn that zabuton have more uses than you would first assume! Here are a few ways you will see zabuton being used in Japan and also how you can incorporate them in your day-to-day life.

Chairs: Although zabuton are traditionally used on the floor, they can also be used as seat cushions on uncomfortable chairs to make them more appealing or to simply brighten up the room. This can really help if you work or study from home so you’re kept comfortable for longer and can p

TripSavvy • 31st January 2020

10 Foods You Need to Try in Kyoto

Tsukemono, literally meaning "pickled things," were once a necessity in Kyoto. With fresh vegetables being brought to the capital from every prefecture, a way to preserve and enjoy them had to be devised, so pickled vegetables became a popular practice in Kyoto for hundreds of years. Turnips, parsnips, eggplant, and cucumber are amongst the most popular vegetables to be pickled and served together in a variety of ways. Often served as a side in traditional meals like kaiseki and Buddhist shojin

Japan Objects • 31st January 2020

What is a Kotatsu? Choosing the Best Japanese Heated Table

Kotatsu have existed as part of Japanese tradition and as staples of the Japanese household for hundreds of years. Originally, they were not designed by specific firms and manufacturers. But in today’s society, where everything is made by some company or other, it’s vital to know what the best designers and manufacturers of kotatsu are, what they provide, and how their particular designs and styles are unique when stood beside those designs of their contemporaries. In short, who makes the best k

Metropolis Magazine • 8th January 2020

Five Japanese Novels to Read in 2020 | Books

Last year was a fairly good year for Japanese literature in translation, with breakout books by beloved mystery writer Seishi Yokomizo (“The Honjin Murders”) and newer authors like Hiroko Oyamada (“The Factory”), in addition to translations of appraised authors Yoko Ogawa and Hiromi Kawakami. In 2020, however, we’re promised an even better year, with more books by Oyamada and Yokomizo on the way, as well as a brand new novel from award-winning “Convenience Store Woman” author, Sayaka Murata. Out

Savvy Tokyo • 23rd October 2019

The Women of Tokyo International Film Festival 2019

It’s that time of the year again! Last year’s Tokyo film festival was a huge success and 2019 is heading the same way with nine days of films from around the world being showcased from October 28 to November 5. As usual, the films will be shown at Toho Cinema Roppongi Hills, Ex Theater Roppongi, Tokyo Midtown Hibiya, and Tokyo International Forum.

This year we’ve decided to highlight the movies that have women front and center. They’ll make you laugh till you cry, question the meaning of life,

Savvy Tokyo • 28th August 2019

The Best Japanese Video Games With Strong Female Characters

The once male-dominated gamer industry is now flooding with not only female gamers, but tenacious female characters as well.

While it has never been unheard of to have strong female protagonists in anime and video games, more often than not female characters were relegated to secondary or damsel in distress type roles or were hyper-sexualized aimed at the male audience.

Nowadays, video game developers are more aware that the landscape of gaming is more diverse—50 percent of gamers are women—an

Savvy Tokyo • 24th July 2019

6 Anime With Compelling Female Protagonists to Enjoy in 2019

An unmissable list of anime with engaging stories and interesting female characters

Anime has come a long way in the past decade, with more and more shows either being aimed at women or featuring strong, compelling, and well-rounded female protagonists. In the past year, we’ve had five fantastic anime that center around major themes of loss, self-discovery, adventure, and more. And each of these five showcase beloved and inspirational protagonists and sometimes even an entire cast of complex an

Japan Today • 24th June 2019

6 Japanese books to enjoy this summer

Visions of summer holidays often include a beach, a book, and a cocktail, but even if your summer vacation is still a long way ahead, there’s always room for a great Japanese read or two. Whether you want inspiration for new things to do in Tokyo, or want to be captivated by a romance or fantasy tale, there’s something for everyone on this list of Japanese summer reads.

1. The Bells of Old Tokyo by Anna Sherman

If you love Japanese culture and are itching to discover new things, then this is t

Savvy Tokyo • 15th March 2019

Yu Miri's 'Tokyo Ueno Station' Gives Voice to the Invisible Working Class

There is another side to beauty and glory.

Author Yu Miri has had to fight for everything she has. As the daughter of Korean immigrants to Japan, she has struggled through racism and abuse throughout her career as a playwright and a novelist. This abuse has gone as far as receiving bomb threats called on her public events, leading to cancellations. None of this has stopped her from becoming a huge success in Japan, however. In fact, it has spurred her to become a strong and dedicated critic of

Savvy Tokyo • 4th February 2019

10 Of The Best Exhibitions To See In Tokyo In 2019

The spotlight is on unique Japanese art.

Tokyo’s wonderful art galleries and museums continue to offer us cultural experiences and places to absorb the greatest artworks in history. Not to be left out of your planning for the year ahead, here are ten of the years’ most significant upcoming exhibits to add to your calendar. From soul exploring immersive installations to some of the greatest names in Japanese art history and our lovable friend Winnie the Pooh – there really is something for every

Savvy Tokyo • 9th January 2019

5 Japanese Books To Read Before You Start Anything New This Year

A few inspirational titles to recharge your optimism batteries for all exciting things that are to come in 2019.

Looking for some inspirational books to get you in the mood to embrace everything the new year has coming? Resolutions are made to be broken but practicing some new habits and enjoying some fresh perspectives on life can get you going on the right note. Here are some Japanese books, from philosophy to fiction, to get you in the right frame of mind to begin the new year or anything el

Tokyo Weekender • 14th November 2018

10 Contemporary Japanese Authors You Should Know

The last few years have seen sales of Japanese translated fiction booming in the West. As a result, more of these talented writers are finally being translated for people to enjoy. Here are some of the contemporary Japanese writers people are talking about, and where you should start.

Author of the award-winning Memoirs of a Polar Bear (translated by Susan Bernofsky) tales told from three generations of polar bear, Tawada is an author that isn’t afraid of a high concept. Her recent novel, The L

Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) • 23rd March 2020

4 Summertime Outdoor Adventures | Travel Japan | JNTO

When you’re ready to step out of the cities and enjoy the great outdoors this summer then Japan has you covered with some unique outdoor adventures that will tempt anyone to venture out. With a wide variety of options, you can get the adrenaline pumping one day then choose to go on a hike through a peaceful ancient forest to immerse yourself in calming green nature. Perhaps you’d rather get your diving gear on and explore the coral reefs on a sub-tropical island in Okinawa? Japan has something f

Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) • 23rd March 2020

4 Uniquely Memorable Japan Winter Getaways | Travel Japan | JNTO

Instead of spending the winter cozied up under the blanket, why not head out and enjoy some of Japan’s spectacular winter scenery! From world-class ski resorts and steamy hot springs to frosty winter phenomenons like drift ice and Ice Monsters, there are some truly unforgettable sights waiting for you if you venture out into the cold. Head north and experience one of these spectacular winter getaways.

Zao Onsen Ski Resort and Snow Monsters in Yamagata and Miyagi

One of the largest ski resorts

Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) • 23rd March 2020

4 Tokyo “Yokocho” Where You Can Experience the 1950s | Travel Japan | JNTO

1950s Tokyo was a place abundant with small hideaway izakayas and taverns tucked into narrow alleyways behind the bustling streets. And it was in these taverns and izakayas that the people of Tokyo could fill their bellies, enjoy local food, chat with friends, and even make some new ones. Today, these may be fewer and farther between, but they are certainly not forgotten. Known as yokocho, these colorful, narrow alleys overflowing with local bars and restaurants are the perfect place to sample r

Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) • 15th March 2020

Head North for Late Cherry Blossoms! | Travel Japan | JNTO

It's late in the spring, and you have just realized that you missed seeing the cherry blossoms this year. Don’t worry because you’ll still be able to see gorgeous cherry blossom flowering in the northern parts of the country. These late blooming cherry trees are still decorated with blossoms for your hanami pleasure! Below is a short list of some famous sakura sites which you can visit as late as May.

So c'mon and hustle up north to see these end-of-season-beauties, because when these are gone,

Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) • 15th March 2020

Fire and Light: 5 Unique Summer Festivals | Travel Japan | JNTO

The summer may be hot but that doesn’t stop the abundance of exciting festivals that take place throughout Japan. Get ready to see giant lanterns, roaring flames, exciting fireworks displays and dance the night away. Visitors are often more than welcome to join in the festivities so don’t hesitate to get caught up in the mood and enjoy yourself! Years of history and culture have led to these fascinating displays, each one unique but every single one breathtaking in its own way. Enjoy the summer

Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) • 15th March 2020

5 Ramen Towns You Must Visit | Travel Japan | JNTO

One of the most exciting things about ramen is that you can really delve in and start getting to know the regional varieties that make this iconic noodle dish so special. Variations in broth, noodles, and toppings make every bowl unique. What better way to do that than visiting some of Japan’s special ramen towns? These five areas have been recognized as culinary hubs with countless ramen shops to visit and enjoy. Get ready to experience some of Japan’s best ramen.

Considered to be one of the o

Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) • 13th March 2020

Head North! 3 Discrete Hot Springs to Visit This Winter | Travel Japan | JNTO

A cornerstone of Japanese culture, bathing in hot springs (onsen) restores the body and mind and offers a relaxation experience like no other. There’s nothing better than escaping into nature and enjoying a discrete onsen experience surrounded by trees, mountains and even the ocean. From indoor sanctuaries with a snowy view to outdoor onsen that immerse you in your surroundings, the hot springs listed below are all perfect for warming up during the winter. Enjoy the snow around you and the crisp