Exploring Japan one destination at a time
Winter in Tokyo doesn’t look like what most people picture when they think “Japan in winter”. There are no massive snowdrifts, you won’t need ski gear, and honestly, some days feel downright pleasant. But is visiting Tokyo in winter worth it, or should you save your trip for cherry blossom season? After visiting Tokyo in … Read more
Right, so you’ve got 10 days to experience Japan for the first time. Good news: that’s enough time to hit all the must-sees without feeling like you’re sprinting through a theme park. I’ve done variations of this route dozens of times since 2004, and this itinerary strikes the perfect balance between seeing the big-ticket items … Read more
If you thought the 14-day history itinerary was comprehensive, buckle up. This 4-week journey takes you from Tokyo’s imperial palaces to Okinawa’s tropical battlefields, from samurai strongholds in the Japanese Alps to hidden Christian sites in Nagasaki. We’re covering 2,000 years of history across the length of Japan. This isn’t for casual tourists. This is … Read more
If you’re the type who gets excited reading plaques at historical sites and can spend hours wandering castle grounds, this itinerary is for you. I’ve designed this 2-week journey through Japan to cover the country’s major historical periods – from ancient imperial capitals to samurai strongholds to sobering WWII memorials. This isn’t your typical Japan … Read more
Planning a trip to Japan in 2026? You’ve picked a ripper year – because 2026 has something special that only happens every 5-7 years: Silver Week! Before we go into the dates, here’s what you need to know: Japan has 16 fixed public holidays each year, but 2026 gets a bonus 17th holiday (luck them!). … Read more
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