15 Rookie Mistakes First-Time Tokyo Visitors Make

Dreaming of your first trip to Tokyo? Brace yourself for a city where cutting-edge meets ancient temples, and the surprises never end. But here’s the thing: even well-prepared travellers can slip up in Japan’s bustling capital. Tokyo’s got its quirks, and some rookie mistakes can quickly turn an amazing day into a pricey or confusing … Read more

Japan Sees Record-Breaking 17.7 Million Foreign Tourists in First Half of 2023

Record numbers of overseas tourists in Japan (pictured Asakusa, Tokyo)

Japan has witnessed a record-breaking influx of overseas tourists in the first half of 2023, with over 17.7 million visitors from January to June. The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) reported 17,777,200 foreign arrivals during this period, with June alone welcoming 3,135,600 visitors – the fourth consecutive month exceeding 3 million. This surge, partly fuelled … Read more

Is Japan worth visiting with kids?

Is Japan worth visiting with kids? YES!

If you’re wondering, “is Japan worth visiting with kids?” the answer is a resounding YES! Japan is a fantastic destination for families looking for a unique travel experience. With its blend of old & unique traditions and modern marvels, the country offers something for every age group. Kids will love Japan’s colourful attractions, tasty food, natural … Read more

10-Day Tokyo Itinerary with Kids

10-Day Tokyo Itinerary with Kids

I’ve created two examples of a 10-day itinerary for your family trip to Tokyo, covering key attractions, while balancing city exploration with day trips to nearby areas, and including a mix of cultural experiences and fun activities for children. These 2 itineraries cover Tokyo & the surrounds only, as exploring Japan wide-and-far may not be … Read more

2 Week Japan Itinerary for Families with Kids

2 Week Japan Itinerary for Families

I’ve created a family-friendly 2-week itinerary for first-time visitors to Japan, focusing on activities and locations that are enjoyable and suitable for families with younger children (aged 3-15). The itinerary is created based on my young family’s own experience as well as others who have asked us for advice. The suggested itinerary is meant to … Read more

The Worst Months to Visit Tokyo

The Worst Time to Visit Tokyo

Hey there, fellow travellers! Thinking about a trip to Tokyo? Well, as someone who’s been lucky enough to visit this amazing city countless times over the last 20 years – I’ve got some insider tips for you. Spoiler alert: July and August might not be your best bet. But don’t worry, I’ll spill all the … Read more

Where to buy Japanese Yen in Melbourne

I’ll guide you through the best spots in Melbourne to buy Yen. Knowing where to go saves you both time and money, ensuring a smooth financial start to your Japanese holiday. Having yen on hand the moment you land in Japan is very helpful – as cash still rules in Japan! I’ve dealt with way too … Read more

Practical Tips to Survive Japanese Summer

Japan’s summer can be brutal. With scorching temperatures and sticky humidity, it’s a challenge even for locals. Let alone for those of us that come from the parts of the world were humidity is rare or very mild. But don’t let that stop you from exploring this amazing country! Here are some tried-and-true tips to … Read more

Should you buy Yen in Australia or Japan?

With the Aussie dollar today trading at $1 for 106.7 yen, there has not been a better time for Aussies to visit Japan in the last 17 years! (purely speaking in terms of bang for your travel buck) With cash still being the king in Japan, you are probably wondering if its better to get … Read more