Seasonal highlights like hanami, hanabi, and holidays.
One of the nicest things about working or studying in Japan is the country’s wealth of national holidays. They give you a chance to relax, meet up with friends, and go on trips. There’s one week out of the year that has a whole lot of national holidays back to back, called Golden Week, which
As the impenetrable chill of winter begins to fade and the air welcomes a subtle warmth, Japan’s springtime seems to be just around the corner. This season is by far the most popular for travelers setting their sights on Japan, and for good reason: it offers a multitude of activities and breathtaking views. Follow this
Most people go to Tokyo. Kyoto. Osaka. That’s fine. Those cities are great. But if you’ve already done that route, or you’re the type who hates crowds, Japan is hiding something from you. Misty gorges. Glowing rice terraces. Rivers so clear they look fake. Towns frozen in the 1800s. And almost nobody is there. This
What if I told you that you could play Pokémon GO completely offline? Sounds a bit ridiculous, right? These imaginary creatures have now caught the interest of kids and adults alike for generations. In order to stay relevant, the creators of Pokémon are always looking for new and exciting ways to keep you engaged with
Tokyo is home to some of the most diverse and fascinating museums in the world. From centuries-old Japanese art to cutting-edge digital installations, a museum in Tokyo offers far more than just quiet galleries. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning to explore deeper, this guide highlights the best museums in Tokyo to
Located in the center of Kyushu, Kumamoto is a prefecture defined by dramatic contrasts. It is known as the “Land of Fire” due to its world-famous active volcano, yet it is equally renowned for its pristine groundwater and lush gardens. For travelers, this region offers a compelling mix of resilient history, geological wonders, and unique
Winter in Japan has (finally) well and truly arrived! Along with the new bite in the air and the chic-yet-cozy winter fashion, the advent of the year’s snowy season brings about a deep desire among many to get out and hit the slopes! This brings a fresh problem, however: the agony of choice. Japan has
Japan has a number of events for anime and manga enthusiasts throughout the country. From Comiket to the World Cosplay Summit in Nagoya, the world is naturally your oyster in the home of these artforms. But if you’re into western comics, movies, sci-fi, or animation, what are you supposed to do? San Diego and New
Five days in Japan’s capital, Tokyo, might sound short, but with the right plan, you can experience the country’s essence — its neon energy, quiet shrines, incredible food, and glimpses of daily life that linger long after you return home. This guide maps out the best 5-day Tokyo itinerary for 2026, inspired by local rhythms
Japan is wonderful all year round, but winter is noted by many for how calming and beautiful it can be. After the heat of the summer and the charm of the autumn, the longer, chillier nights often make you feel compelled to curl up with a good book and a nice hot chocolate. For those
From the countdown, to the cheering, to the singing of Auld Lang Syne, New Year’s Eve is an important night for people all over the world. In Japan, it is arguably the most important holiday of the year, rivalled only by Obon. But does that mean it’s celebrated in the same way? Well, in some
Ah, Black Friday. Heaven (of a sorts) for avid fans of consumerism; Hell for the poor employees who have to deal with the hordes of customers, some perhaps still tipsy from their Thanksgiving celebrations the night before. Either way, this American pseudo-holiday often makes waves across the US (perhaps literally if jetski stores are having
The smallest of the main islands of Japan, Shikoku is made up of just four prefectures, and is the only one of the four central islands that do not have a Shinkansen bullet train. As such, transportation across the island can be a little slower than in other places: but that is part of the
Tokyo’s skyline — a glittering canvas of neon lights, futuristic towers, and historic landmarks — is best admired from above with a perfectly crafted cocktail in hand. Whether you’re an expat unwinding after work or a traveler chasing breathtaking views, Tokyo’s rooftop bars offer an unforgettable way to experience the city. This guide highlights the
Tokyo is one of the most convenient cities in the world to live in: excellent and affordable public transportation, as well as most necessary amenities being within a stone’s throw of most locations means that not only is owning a car mostly unnecessary, but one barely needs to do much walking in order to meet
When it comes to Japanese nature, almost everyone might immediately think of Mt. Fuji and the surrounding Fuji Five Lakes, or perhaps the snowcapped Japanese Alps, or the forests around Kyoto. But they may also think longingly of the sort of forests they saw in Studio Ghibli’s 1997 film Princess Mononoke (もののけ姫). It’s too bad
From its beautiful architecture to its vibrant and lively culture, Japan has many unique delights for visitors to experience. Yet its ability to seamlessly blend technology with daily life means one of its most accessible wonders is often overlooked: its engineering prowess. While we marvel at the efficiency of Shinkansen (Bullet Trains), we rarely consider
Winter in Tokyo has a quiet beauty that surprises many first-time visitors. The air is crisp, the skies are clear, and the city slows down just enough for you to notice the details — the faint steam rising from street-side ramen shops, the gentle glow of illuminations, the calm rhythm of locals bundled in stylish
Winter in Japan feels like stepping into a snow-dusted dream. Between steamy hot springs, glowing city illuminations, and postcard-perfect mountain villages, the season transforms the country into something quietly magical. Whether you’re chasing powder in Hokkaido or soaking in an outdoor onsen while snowflakes fall, Japan in winter is a memory waiting to happen. Here
Tokyo, as Japan’s capital and most populous city, is the nation’s number one tourist destination: if you want to find something, you can almost always find it in Tokyo. This also goes for thrills of a somewhat illicit nature. To be frank up front: as sex work is, at best, legally dubious in Japan, so
The great outdoors is great no matter where you are, but nature and adventure in Japan is unlike any other place on Earth. From the lakes to the mountains to the plains, the landscape of Japan is unique, and offers experiences like no other. But what is it about camping in Japan that makes it
Christmas in Tokyo is unlike anywhere else. The city doesn’t just decorate, it transforms. Streets shimmer with gold, plazas glow under giant chandeliers, and every corner hums with the spirit of the season. Even though Christmas isn’t a national holiday in Japan, Tokyo celebrates it with all the sparkle and warmth you’d expect from one
Hokkaido, the northern-most main island of Japan, becomes almost dreamlike once winter rolls in. The air sharpens, flour-soft snow piles up, lakes glaze over in silence, and entire towns glow under the light of winter festivals. Add the steam of natural hot springs to cut through the cold, and you’ve got one of Japan’s most
Hidden deep in the mountains of Gifu Prefecture, Shirakawago transforms into a breathtaking winter wonderland each year. The traditional thatched-roof houses blanketed in snow, the quiet charm of the village, and the magical illumination events make it one of Japan’s most picturesque destinations. For foreigners living in Japan or visiting during the colder months, Shirakawago
Japan’s 2025 ski season promises to be one of the most incredible in recent memory, with deep powder, steamy onsen, and a sense of calm that only a Japanese winter can offer. You can enjoy Hokkaido’s snow-covered wonderlands or the traditional hot spring towns of Nagano, Japan’s slopes offer more than just skiing: they offer
For anyone living in Japan to whom Christmas is one of the most — if not the most — important days of the year, it can feel a little strange to live in a country where not only is it not a public holiday, but there are few religious observances. However, Japan is very much
Osaka might be thought of as Japan’s second city, but as all good boys and girls know, in Santa’s eyes, everyone comes first. Christmas in Japan is not a national holiday, and celebrated religiously by a small minority, but the aesthetics and sense of joy permeate the country in December, and Osaka is no exception.
The Tohoku region of Japan, in the north of the main island of Honshu, has been regarded for centuries as a location that exemplifies natural beauty, a bracing climate, and a population of hardly yet friendly people. If the name “Tohoku” rings somewhat ominously to you, it may be because you have heard of the
When one thinks of Japanese natural disasters, one almost alway thinks first of earthquakes — unsurprising for a country which sits where four tectonic plates converge, with over 2,000 faults. However, Japan, like many Asian nations, is also prone to heavy rains, and the flooding that can accompany them. This has been especially true of
‘Tis the season to be jolly! Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la! In Japan there is no holly! Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la… huh? Yep! It makes sense if you think about it, right? While Christianity is a notable religion in Japan, Christians still make up about one percent of the population. And given that Japan’s religious make-up is primarily Shinto and