Practical know-how before you go
No-nonsense articles that save you mistakes, money and hours of research.
Japan for the first time: how many days and where to go
How many days you realistically need, how to plan the route and what not to cram in, so you don't come home more exhausted than before you left.
Read → Transport · 6 min readJR Pass - is it still worth it? How to do the math
After a big price hike, the JR Pass is no longer the obvious choice. Here's a simple way to check whether, in your case, it saves money or means overpaying.
Read → Seasons · 6 min readSakura step by step: where and when to catch the cherry blossoms
The bloom is short-lived and moves from south to north. How to time your trip to hit peak bloom, not fallen petals.
Read → Practical · 5 min readOnsen without a slip-up: the rules of bathing in hot springs
An onsen is one of the most beautiful experiences in Japan - as long as you know a few simple rules. Here they are.
Read → Food · 8 min readWhat to eat in Japan - a beginner's guide
From ramen to kaiseki. What to order, how not to get lost in a menu with no English, and how to eat like the locals.
Read → Practical · 7 min readHow much does a trip to Japan cost? Realistic budgets
Three budget levels and what realistically fits within each - without sugar-coating and without scaremongering.
Read → Practical · 5 min readEtiquette and savoir-vivre: what not to do in Japan
A few small things that will help you feel more confident and avoid accidentally offending anyone.
Read → Region · 6 min readHokkaido in winter vs Okinawa in summer - two faces of Japan
Snow and onsen versus reefs and palm trees. How different a holiday in one country can be, and which version to choose.
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