Exploring Japan one destination at a time
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
Planning a trip to Japan and wondering whether to fly Qantas or JAL from Melbourne? I’ve flown both airlines multiple times on the Melbourne-Tokyo route, and honestly, it’s not even close. Let me share what I’ve learned from actually sitting in those seats for 10+ hours. Quick Answer: Which Airline is Better? JAL wins for … 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