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Beyond the Golden Route
Six lesser-known corners of Japan that reward the detour.
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Featured interest Remote mountain onsen in a valley
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The ritual of the bath — ancient, communal, and deeply Japanese.
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Editor's pick Cherry blossoms in a Kansai landscape
A Year in Japan
A seasonal reading list — from plum blossoms to snow festivals.
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Is it still worth it in 2026? A numbers-first look at Japan's most iconic pass.
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Editor's note Inside a traditional sake brewery
Where to Go in 2026
Our picks for a quieter, slower Japan trip — away from the well-trodden path.
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Reader favourites Autumn maple reflection in a Kansai temple garden
Autumn Colours in Kansai
Most-read this month. A season-by-season tour of Japan's hidden maple corners.
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Browse by region
  • Kansai Kyoto · Osaka · Nara
  • Chubu Takayama · Kanazawa
  • Kanto Tokyo · Kamakura
  • Hokkaido Sapporo · Niseko
  • Kyushu Fukuoka · Nagasaki
  • Tohoku Sendai · Aomori
See all regions → Popular cities
  • Kyoto
  • Tokyo
  • Osaka
  • Nara
  • Kanazawa
  • Takayama
See all cities → Cherry blossoms across a Kansai landscape
Featured region
Kansai
The heart of old Japan — temples, tea ceremonies, and the soul of Kyoto.
Explore Kansai →
Traditional village shrouded in mountain mist
Hidden gems
Beyond the Golden Route
Six lesser-known corners of Japan that reward the detour.
Discover →
Browse all destinations →
By theme
  • Temples & Shrines
  • Food & Drink
  • Nature
  • Onsen
  • Festivals
  • Culture
See all themes → By season
  • Cherry Blossoms Mar — Apr
  • Summer Festivals Jun — Aug
  • Autumn Leaves Oct — Nov
  • Winter Snow Dec — Feb
  • Golden Week Early May
  • Year-round
See all seasons → Remote mountain onsen in a valley
Featured interest
Onsen
The ritual of the bath — ancient, communal, and deeply Japanese.
Explore onsen →
Cherry blossoms in a Kansai landscape
Editor's pick
A Year in Japan
A seasonal reading list — from plum blossoms to snow festivals.
Read →
Browse all interests →
Practical guides
  • JR Pass
  • Visa & Entry
  • Budgeting
  • SIM & Connectivity
  • Money
  • Getting Around
See all guides → Itineraries
  • 1 Week · Classic
  • 2 Weeks · In-depth
  • 3 Weeks · Hidden Japan
  • First-timer
  • Solo traveller
  • Family
See all itineraries → Regional train through rice fields
Featured guide
JR Pass
Is it still worth it in 2026? A numbers-first look at Japan's most iconic pass.
Read guide →
Takayama old town at dusk
Featured itinerary
2 Weeks in Japan
Kyoto · Takayama · Tokyo — a hand-built itinerary beyond the usual.
See itinerary →
All guides & itineraries →
Categories
  • Travel Stories
  • News
  • Opinion
  • Lists
  • Seasonal
  • Behind the Scenes
See all categories → Recent articles
View archive → Inside a traditional sake brewery
Editor's note
Where to Go in 2026
Our picks for a quieter, slower Japan trip — away from the well-trodden path.
Read →
Autumn maple reflection in a Kansai temple garden
Reader favourites
Autumn Colours in Kansai
Most-read this month. A season-by-season tour of Japan's hidden maple corners.
Read →
All blog articles →

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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.

May 3, 2026·3 min read
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