Exploring Japan one destination at a time
Japanese castles represent far more than architectural achievements – they were the strategic centres of samurai power, the sites of pivotal historical events, and symbols of clan authority during Japan’s feudal era. From the massive fortifications at Osaka that withstood one of history’s largest sieges to the elegant white walls of Himeji, these structures tell … Read more
Right, let’s talk about Kyoto. Beautiful? Absolutely. Historic? No doubt. Worth visiting in 2025? Debatable. I’ve just had a friend return from Japan who, despite my warnings, went to Kyoto anyway. His verdict? “Couldn’t even get a proper photo without someone’s selfie stick in the frame.” The thing is, Japan’s got heaps of incredible historic … Read more
Back in 2004, I stepped off the plane at Narita with my Japanese mates picking me up, thinking I had a pretty good handle on what to expect. I’d read the Lonely Planet cover to cover, asked my friends a million questions, and felt ready. Turns out, actually being there is completely different to reading … Read more
Planning a Tokyo trip on a budget? You’ve seen the “Tokyo is expensive” memes, and they’re not wrong. But after living here, I’ve found the secret: some of the city’s absolute best experiences won’t cost you a single yen. I’m not talking about window-shopping or feeding pigeons – I’m talking about epic city views, ancient … Read more
Tokyo’s brilliant, but sometimes you need a break from the crowds and neon lights. The good news? Some of Japan’s best experiences are within 1-2 hours of Tokyo, making them perfect for day trips that don’t require packing up your entire hotel room. Whether you’re after temples, nature, beaches, or traditional towns, these day trips … Read more
Let’s be honest: you’re probably a bit terrified of Tokyo. The maps look like a bowl of ramen noodles, the train station has 200 exits, and no one seems to speak English. Good news: it’s all a lie. Tokyo is a secret introvert – incredibly orderly, logical, and easy to navigate once you learn its … Read more
Tokyo with kids sounds chaotic, right? Crowded trains, late nights, and sushi they’ll refuse to eat. But here’s the secret – it’s actually one of the easiest and safest cities in the world to explore as a family. Once you know a few tricks, it becomes an absolute dream. I’ll admit, before our first trip … Read more
Good news for anyone planning a Japan trip – your wallet just got a bit thicker. The Aussie dollar has cracked the 100 yen mark for the first time since November last year, sitting at around ¥100.06 as of today. What this means for you: The numbers: Where’s it heading? Currency forecasters are bullish on … Read more
Tired of crowded, overpriced, and overstimulating Tokyo attractions? Let your kids run wild at Kodomonokuni (literally “Children’s Country”), a massive 240-acre wonderland where they can milk cows, zoom down a 115-metre roller slide, and paddle boats until their legs give out. No massive queues, no sensory overload, just pure, old-school fun. Straddling the border between … Read more
So you’re curious about how Japan celebrates Christmas? Well, buckle up because it’s nothing like what we do back home in Australia – and that’s exactly what makes it so interesting. I’ve experienced Christmas in Japan before, and I’ll be doing it all again in 2025. Let me tell you – it’s a completely different … Read more