Right next to Tokyo is Japan's second-largest city: Yokohama. It offers a refreshing counterpoint to Tokyo's frenetic energy. If you’re looking to get a day trip from Tokyo, or better yet stay here a night or more, you’ll be rewarded by visiting a major Japanese city that’s got its own distinct character.

If you’re traveling to Japan from the US, you’re in for an incredible adventure. Amazing cities, a beautiful countryside, massive depth of culture & history, and great eats! Find out how to make the most of your Japan trip.

Japan’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites span centuries of history & showcase its depth of cultural relevance. Including these sites into a cultural tour of Japan makes for a great journey, ensuring you experience the most historically & culturally significant aspects of Japan.

If you’re visiting Japan (particularly the Tokyo region) and want some relaxation and natural beauty during your Japan journeys, Hakone onsens are calling you. They provide a counterbalance to the urban energy of Tokyo, and a great oasis on an active itinerary (often featured along the way to Kyoto, Osaka and further afield.

While Japan is known for its world-class hospitality and efficient service, accommodation choices can significantly impact your overall experience. We break down the pros and cons of both hotels and Airbnb in Japan to help you make an informed decision.

We’ve put together this no-nonsense guide to cut through the hype and reveal the top attractions in Tokyo worth your precious vacation days, while steering you clear of the disappointments that might otherwise eat up your precious time.

Many of Japan’s regional trains are about more than getting from point A to point B. In fact, Japan’s got some of the most scenic and memorable train routes in the world.  From luxury trains in southern Japan to Pokemon trains in the north, with a whole lot of rail adventures in between. Find out more!

Want an early check-in for your hotel in Japan? Even when rooms are available, many Japanese hotels will insist on sticking to the official check-in time. Find out about the odds & ways of getting that hotel early check-in (or late check-out) when traveling in Japan.

There’s never a bad time to visit Japan. But some spots on the travel calendar definitely present more challenges than others. Find out more bout certain seasonal factors that could impact your experience in this fascinating land.

If you’re visiting Japan and want to get off the Golden Route (Tokyo/Kyoto/Osaka), Nagasaki is a great place to include in your itinerary. Discover why Nagasaki is about much more than its tragic history, and why you should visit.

You've probably heard some version of this before: "Osaka is Japan's kitchen" or "Osaka is Japan's food capital."  But is this fact or myth? Like many travel narratives, this one misses the mark. Find out why you don’t need to visit touristy Osaka to eat amazing Japanese food!

Your trip to Japan represents a significant investment of time and money. Find out what can go wrong when trusting it to an AI system that can't understand the current reality of travel in Japan or help you when things don't go as planned.

Japan package tours can be either the real deal or a red flag, depending on how well they align with your travel goals & expectations. Whether you choose a package tour, independent travel or happy medium, the most important factor is that it helps create the Japan trip you've been dreaming about.

The endless array of retail options ranges from massive department stores to tiny specialty shops hidden in shopping arcades and neighborhood backstreets. Plus these days the exchange rate makes most shopping in Japan affordable or downright cheap for most visitors. And you can even get a lot of stuff tax-free!

Are you the kind of traveler who craves something different; the adventurer who sees travel as more than checking boxes and collecting likes? Discover three unconventional Japan travel itineraries – each one being a departure from the “Golden Route” of Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka.

2024 was a record year for inbound travel & tourism in Japan, with some 37 million people visiting this amazing destination. By all accounts, 2025 is already off to a hot start (numbers wise, of course, since it’s actually a little chilly here in Japan right now) and promises to be another record-breaking year. What does this mean for you, the traveler planning a trip to Japan in 2025?

A ryokan stay offers insight into Japanese hospitality traditions while providing a relaxing and unique cultural experience. The key to enjoying ryokan life lies in understanding what to expect and embracing the prescribed daily rhythm. While the cost may exceed standard hotels, it’s a stay unlike any other, and one you’re likely to remember fondly for many years to come.

When it comes to learning the language of the country to which you’re traveling, a little bit really does go a long way. In this essential travel Japanese language guide, we focus on what you'll actually use, what you'll actually remember & what will actually help you during your time in Japan.

Some travelers thrive on spontaneity, relishing the excitement of last-minute decisions and unexpected discoveries. Others find peace of mind in having every detail meticulously planned, ensuring a smooth and stress-free journey.

Today's travelers to Japan often find themselves racing from one "iconic" spot to another, more focused on capturing the perfect social media shot than actually experiencing the moment. This approach is all wrong. It’s exhausting. And it's fundamentally flawed. Find out how to experience Japan your way!