Exploring Japan one destination at a time
Cherry blossom season 2026 has swept through most of Japan faster than many expected. As of today, virtually everything from Tokyo south through Kansai and Tohoku has already peaked. The Mt Fuji area is the last spot at peak bloom right now, with Aomori, Hakodate, and Sapporo still to come later this month. Based on … 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
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
Experience the Magic of Autumn in Japan! Japan’s autumn foliage season is a spectacular display of nature that rivals the famous cherry blossoms. If you’re planning to witness this incredible event in 2025, my guide provides the essential dates, top locations, and insider tips to help you catch Japan at its most colourful. Why Time … Read more
Experience the Magic of Sakura in Japan! Cherry blossom season in Japan is a breathtaking sight that draws millions of visitors every year. If you’re planning to experience this incredible natural event in 2025, my guide will help you make the most of your trip by providing key bloom dates, must-visit locations, and travel tips.. … Read more
If it feels like everyone you know is either planning a trip to Japan or has just returned from one, you’re not imagining it. According to preliminary figures released by the Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO), a staggering 920,200 Australians visited Japan in 2024 – the highest number on record! This marks an impressive 50.1% increase compared to 2023, … Read more
Japan has witnessed a record-breaking influx of overseas tourists in the first half of 2024, 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