Stories & lists

Blog

Travel stories, curated lists, and honest takes on Japan — from someone who keeps going back.

Mountain mist over a traditional Japanese village
List

10 Hidden-Gem Destinations in Japan Worth the Detour

Past Tokyo, Kyoto, and Hiroshima — the cities and towns most travellers miss, ranked by how often I'd actually return.

2 min read
Forest temple steps surrounded by autumn maple foliage in red and gold
Experience

Autumn in Kansai: Three Days, One Sunrise, Forty-Two Maple Trees

Three days chasing the maple peak through Kyoto and Nara — and the lesson that the official forecast is two days late, every year.

3 min read
Cherry blossoms over a traditional Japanese garden
List

Where to Go in Japan in 2026: An Opinionated List

Five places that are noticeably better in 2026 than they were three years ago — and three that are now worth deliberately skipping.

3 min read
Illuminated Tokyo Skytree above Asakusa rooftops
Experience

A Year of Japan: What I Learned in 12 Months of Trips

Three trips, fourteen prefectures, two reservations I wish I'd cancelled, and the one thing I'll book differently next year.

3 min read
Shinkansen pulling into Kyoto Station
Itinerary

One Week in Japan: The Classic First-Timer Loop

Tokyo + Kyoto + a Hakone day trip — seven nights, hits the famous things, leaves you wanting two weeks next time.

2 min read
Shinkansen pulling into Kyoto Station
Itinerary

Three Weeks in Japan: The Hidden-Gem Deep Dive

21 days, deep into Tohoku, Shikoku, and Kyushu — the Japan that the two-week loop never reaches.

2 min read
Shinkansen pulling into Kyoto Station
Itinerary

Japan with Kids: A Family-Friendly Itinerary

Tokyo + Hakone + Kyoto over ten days — designed for kids 6–12, with deer, monkeys, ramen-train rides, and a ryokan night.

2 min read
Shinkansen pulling into Kyoto Station
Itinerary

First-Time Japan: The Definitive Starter Trip

Ten nights, the gentle on-ramp — Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Hiroshima, designed for someone who's never been east of Bangkok.

2 min read
Shinkansen pulling into Kyoto Station
Itinerary

Solo Travel in Japan: A 12-Night Itinerary

Japan is the best country in the world for solo travel — safe, friendly, and counter-seating culture means you're never the only one alone.

2 min read
Shinkansen pulling into Kyoto Station
Itinerary

Two Weeks in Japan: A Realistic Itinerary

Day-by-day 14-day Japan itinerary with Tokyo, Kanazawa, Takayama, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Osaka. Hidden-gem detours, JR Pass strategy, and a real budget breakdown.

5 min read