Exploring Japan one destination at a time
Vlad 
Tonight at our place, we’ll be eating uncut sushi rolls without speaking, then throwing beans at whoever draws the short straw to wear the oni mask. Just another regular day in a house that celebrates Japanese traditions. Welcome to Setsubun – one of Japan’s quirkier festivals that perfectly combines ancient superstition with an excuse to … Read more
I was scrolling through Reddit the other day and saw someone asking if Tokyo’s restaurants, shops, and trains are “over-heated” in winter. Their mate had just come back from Tokyo in early January and reckoned he was walking around in just a shirt because everywhere indoors was absolutely roasting. As someone who’s currently spending winter … Read more
🌡️ UPDATE: February 27, 2026 – The Honest Reality Eleven days on from my last update, and I need to be straight with you: snow conditions have deteriorated significantly across Japan. The warm spell I warned about in mid-February? It arrived with a vengeance. We’ve had double-digit temperatures in Yuzawa, Hakuba, and Nozawa Onsen last … Read more
I’ll never forget the look on my son’s face when he touched snow for the first time in Hakuba. It was late March 2025, a beautiful sunny day as we stood outside our hotel. He reached out, felt the cold on his little hands, and his eyes went wide with pure wonder. That moment alone … Read more
Looking for the best places to see snow in Japan? You’re in for a treat. Japan gets absolutely hammered with snow – we’re talking 10-15 metres per season in many areas, creating some of the world’s best powder skiing and most stunning winter landscapes. From riding the lifts in Hakuba, to soaking in outdoor hot … Read more
Quick Answer Yes. Tourists should absolutely get a Suica or PASMO card because it makes trains, subways, and buses simple to use. It also works for vending machines, convenience stores, and lockers, which saves time every day. Either card works exactly the same way across Japan. Short on Time? Read This Quick summary for busy … Read more
Is winter in Japan with kids a good idea?Yes – if you plan it properly. Japan in winter can be magical for families. Snow play, ski resorts, winter illuminations, hot drinks from vending machines, and fewer crowds than peak seasons. But it’s also properly cold, and travelling with children in freezing temperatures requires realistic planning. … Read more
Planning a winter trip to Japan and staring at your empty suitcase wondering what the hell to pack? You’re not alone. Winter in Japan isn’t straightforward – it’s a weird mix of freezing outdoor temples, (over)heated trains, and the constant mess of layering up and stripping down. Here’s the thing: what you need to pack … Read more
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