Spring in Japan brings an annual spectacle that fills social media feeds worldwide: cherry blossoms. Yet spring offers so much more for visitors to Japan than just sakura (though those Japanese cherry blossoms sure are nice). In this edition of the Japan Travel Pros blog, we sort through the buzz and talk about what spring in Japan actually means for travelers.

Happy new year from all of us here at Japan Travel Pros! We hope that 2024 has been a year of joy and success for you, and we wish you and yours all the best of health, happiness, prosperity and great travels ahead in 2025!!!

Just a few thoughts in this edition of the blog, if you’ll indulge us, on the year that was 2024.

Each region of Japan proudly maintains its own culinary heritage, specialties and food culture. Japan's food culture runs impossibly deep, with centuries-old recipes and techniques passed down through generations, each area fiercely protecting its local culinary prowess and proud heritage.

What’s the latest on the Japan travel scene? Why should you double down on those Japan travel plans for 2025? And what’s the magic sauce that’s going to make this all happen? There’s no ‘right’ way or ‘wrong’ way, but arming yourself with the best information and making the best plan will help elevate your 2025 Japan trip from ‘how?’ to “Wow!”

If you're planning a trip to Japan from Europe, Africa, the Middle East or the Americas, you'll be crossing a whole bunch of time zones, and your body clockwill notice. While jet lag isn't exactly the most exciting topic when planning your Japan adventure, understanding how to handle it can make a significant difference in your travel experience.

Planning to visit Osaka or Kyoto during 2025? So are millions of others — the World Expo is coming to town! We can expect some additional effect on a region that’s already experiencing overtourism. This will be something to watch out for in Kyoto, in particular, though Osaka will certainly see added burden during the six months of Expo 2025.