With so much to see, eat and experience, it’s no surprise that many first-time visitors get overwhelmed by planning a trip to Japan. From packing too much into too little time to falling into the TikTok trap, travelers often make the same missteps again and again.

In this article we're going to present both sides to you, in an honest assessment of whether you should travel on some or all of Japan’s Golden Route when visiting Japan – as well as how to make the most of your experience.

If that sounds like you, you’re not alone. Japan is one of the most rewarding places in the world to visit. And also one of the more overwhelming to plan. Find out why … and how we can help.

Social media makes Japan look like a travel dream. But the experiences that actually change people rarely show up in those viral posts, because they're harder to capture in a photo or 15-second video. Want something real? Of course you do. But how?

Want to eat like a local in Japan? Eat seasonal! Summers in Japan are notoriously hot & humid, but Japanese people know how to eat well in the summer. We’ll let you know what to eat when visiting Japan in the summertime.

Japan: You could totally live here, right? Maybe, or maybe not. Visiting Japan and living in Japan are two very different experiences. They’re not opposites, exactly — but the overlap is smaller than people think. Read on to find out!

Summer in Tokyo, Kyoto & Osaka means heat, humidity, festivals, fireworks and sweat — not always in that order. But there’s no longer a “low season” for travel. Just shoulder season, high season & peak times. If summer’s the time you have for travel to Japan, we’ll tell you all about it.

Why rent a car in Japan? The freedom to roam. The ability to pull off the road when you see something beautiful. The chance to reach quiet, rural places. But driving in Japan isn’t for everyone. For many travelers, it won’t even be necessary. Find out whether it’s right for you.

You're not just looking to tick off a checklist of tourist attractions. You want more than that. You want the kind of trip that stirs your soul a little. Something that leaves you telling stories years later. The kind of journey that inspires you to see the world a little differently. 

Heading to Japan? Want to eat like the locals do? What’s considered “good” food here isn’t necessarily expensive or rare. It’s often about balance, care and consistency. We’ll uncover where to go & what to look for.

One of the first things many visitors to Japan notice is the near-total absence of public trash cans. And yet, somehow, the streets are immaculate. Curious? Find out why!

You’re not just here for the Instagram highlight reel, right?. You want to experience Japan. The real Japan. But those two things, the highlights and the hidden? They get tangled up fast.

Japan’s summers are HOT! This doesn’t mean cancel your trip. But plan smart & travel mindfully. We’ll let you know what Japan’s summer is really like, what to pack, how to pace yourself, and how to keep cool.

Japan's true culinary underworld is hiding in plain sight, if you know where to look.No hype. Just food that makes you stop mid-bite thinking: ‘Yup, this is the real deal.’

If you've been scrolling through social media and seeing the same array photos of torii gates, sushi & cherry blossoms, you might start wondering:  Could Japan be starting to turn a bit... overrated? Find out the answer as we take this controversial topic.

What exactly is Tokyo? Is it a city? A cluster of neighborhoods? A patchwork of smaller cities? Knowing Tokyo's layout will help you plan your trip, get around more easily and know where you are when you're here.

What’s it like to travel during Golden Week, Obon or New Year's — the three biggest holiday periods in Japan? Should traveling during a Japanese holiday be a deal-breaker? Click through to find out…

“There’s one lesson I wish I’d truly understood before I ever set foot in Japan. It’s not about taking your shoes off at the genkan or navigating the train system (though, yes, do those things too). It’s…”

Forget the mass-produced trinkets you can find anywhere. We're here to guide you to the real gems – the Osaka souvenirs that truly capture the flavor & spirit of this fantastic city.

Here’s a starter pack about what you need to know when it comes to entering Japan, including how to save time at the airport by using a free tool called Visit Japan Web — and why we recommend it.