Guideガイド 
Don’t let Takayama’s size fool you. This mountain town in Gifu Prefecture may be small, but it’s one of the most captivating destinations you’ll visit in the Chubu region. The first time I went to Takayama, I used it as a base to visit Shirakawa-go, but it didn’t take me long to realize that Takayama … Read more
Osaka is an easy destination to plan for. Nagoya is also easy. Fukuoka and Hiroshima are pretty easy as well. Kyoto is a little more difficult but compared to Tokyo, it’s still relatively easy. Planning a trip to Tokyo can be daunting, and a lot of that has to do with its size. It isn’t … Read more
Tokyo is ideal for longer stays. Not only is it a massive metropolis that offers a seemingly endless array of cool things to do and interesting neighborhoods to explore, it also serves as a great base for day trips. There are a few rail passes you can use to explore the Kanto region and nearby … Read more
I was watching a candlemaker at work when my guide told me that I was standing in Japan’s oldest candle shop. The man quietly shaping a candle by hand was the 7th-generation owner of Mishima, a candle shop in Hida Furakawa that’s been in business for over 240 years. The set of candles I bought … Read more
If you’re visiting Tokyo for the first time, then you’ll probably want to see the usual tourist attractions like Senso-ji, Meiji Shrine, Tsukiji Market, and teamLab Borderless. But what about on your second and third trips to Tokyo? Thankfully, Tokyo is massive, and offers lots to do even for people who’ve been to Japan’s capital … Read more
When visiting any new destination for the first time, going to a city’s top tourist attractions is a given. It’s something most people need to do. But do you know what I enjoy more than snapping a few photos at overcrowded temples and shrines in Japan? Visiting its neighborhoods. Exploring a cool neighborhood and wondering … Read more
“Sagano Romantic Train” is a bit of a misnomer. Tourists fight to get tickets to this “romantic” train only to find that it’s anything but. The train is overcrowded, the wooden seats are uncomfortable, the conductor is loud, the ride is bumpy, and the views don’t often live up to expectations. One Reddit user likened … Read more
Picture this. It’s December. Your wedding anniversary is coming up so you and your partner decide to celebrate in Tokyo. You usually fly economy and stay at Airbnbs but you want to make this trip a little more special. You upgrade to premium economy, maybe even business class, and book a room at a four-star … Read more
Miyajima Island is famous for Itsukushima Shrine and its “floating” torii gate, one of the three most celebrated views in Japan. I took a day trip from Hiroshima to visit the shrine only to find the torii gate completely covered in scaffolding. Little did I know, the famed floating gate had been undergoing a major … Read more
Kyoto is one of the most fascinating destinations in Japan. It’s almost impossible to get bored in this ancient city of geishas, landscaped gardens, and over two thousand Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines. I’ve been to Kyoto several times over the years and I always find something new and interesting to do, no matter how … Read more