Exploring Japan one destination at a time
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
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, 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
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
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
Look, I’ve done this trip more times than I can remember, and I reckon the biggest mistake travellers make is assuming the train is always better. Spoiler alert: it’s not. After lugging the kid and suitcases on both options, here’s the honest truth about getting to and from Narita. The Bottom Line First • Families … Read more
Where to Stay for the Perfect Japan Trip So you’ve decided Yokohama is your Japan base (smart choice!), but now comes the tricky bit – where exactly should you stay? After testing out different options with my family, I’ve learned that picking the right hotel in Yokohama can make or break your trip. The good … Read more