Japan Travel Tips & Hidden Gems
Just the other day, I was back in the Iya Valley for a gig with Tokushima Prefecture, which I’ve worked with several times now. As I was exploring, I couldn’t help but think, holy hell, someone who isn’t as experienced…
When I started publishing on this Japan travel blog back in 2016, the city of Kanazawa was one of my go-to recommendations for people looking for an alternative to Kyoto. Alas, times change, and what was once true then is…
While there is truly no wrong time to visit Japan, the month of November may very well be one of the best times to come here. Simply put, like with the cherry blossoms in spring, the arrival of the ever-beautiful…
Calling all fans of hot springs, amazing autumn scenery and, yes, epic train photography. Do I ever have the place for you. Allow me to introduce Naruko Gorge. Located in Osaki City, Miyagi Prefecture, this massive chasm is one of…
If you’ve spent any time on the Japan side of social media, you’ve likely seen the picturesque JR Tadami Line crossing over a bridge that spans the river below. Seen above, it’s this charming little green train car passing through…
The month of October is a bit of a weird one in Japan. On the one hand, it’s when the sultry heat of the Japanese summer finally subsides and temperatures start to cool. On the other, it’s also too early…
“If you long for me, come and seek me in Shinoda Forest in Izumi…” — Kuzunoha You know what folks, it’s been a hot minute since I’ve done an installment of my ongoing Backyard Tourism series where I try to…
Kyoto’s temples like Kiyomizu-dera are now so crowded and so commodified to eke out as much revenue from overseas tourists that they’ve lost all semblance of authenticity and are but a mere shade of their former culturally important selves. In…
Warning: This post is NOT safe for work! — Donny Kimball If you’ve spent any time delving into the dark recesses of the intrawebz, you’ve probably stumbled across that woodblock print of a Japanese woman being pleasured by none other…
As I often say on social media, nowhere compares to the majesty of Japan during the months of autumn. In fact, it’s so beautiful that it’s the only time of the year when I halt my crusade against Kyoto and…
This is going to be something of a hot take, but I really don’t get the allure of Osaka when it comes to tourism. Sure, it’s great if you’re a foodie, looking to experience the city’s nightlife, or using it…
Gather round, folks. Today I want to look at Uwajima, a place like Mt. Oe, the stronghold of the drunken demon Shuten Doji, that you’d otherwise probably never hear of in daily life. This time the thread is the Ushi-oni.…
Solivagant (n.)One who wanders alone. In other words, the sort of person who would rather disappear into Japan by themselves than negotiate an itinerary with five other travel companions. Especially these days, I spend almost all of my time traveling…
For the longest time, I’ve always had this strange fascination with Tochigi Prefecture’s Kinugawa Onsen. Conveniently located near the spiritual enclave of Nikko, this warm hot spring town has seen far better days. Though it is a convenient logistical hub…
Recently, I was showing family members who were visiting from abroad around some of the key highlights of the Tohoku region in northern Japan. During our adventures, we stopped by the former samurai town of Kakunodate as well as Akita’s…