Japan Travel Tips & Hidden Gems
Any visitor to Tokyo knows that there is absolutely no shortage of random temples and shrines to explore. Indeed, at times it can seem as if there’s a spiritual establishment sandwiched between each of the city’s many high rises. Many…
Note: Unfortunately, this place closed down in 2021… Those familiar with Tokyo may be rather surprised to see an Oedo Onsen Monogatari post on a blog typically dedicated to off the beaten path destinations. After all, the facility isn’t really…
Note: Unfortunately, this place closed down in 2019… What’s up nerds and nerdettes? Today we will be taking a look at one of Tokyo’s latest attractions, VR Zone Shinjuku. This virtual reality theme park opened at the start of summer…
Domestic travel in Japan has a reputation for being on the expensive side. Especially as a backpacker, it sometimes seems mind-boggling how everyone can afford it! The truth is the more well-known travel methods are actually not affordable for large…
Today’s post is going to be a little bit weird. Rather than a singular event, we’re going to be taking a look at what’s collectively called Toro Nagashi (meaning “lantern cruises”). Typically these celebrations are held during the summer Obon…
It’s no secret that Kyoto has become a tourism powerhouse in recent years. The ancient capital’s notoriety however has come at a cost. Everyday, visitors from across the globe flood the city’s marvelous attractions. Consequently it can be hard to…
The Shinkansen or bullet train is by far the most comfortable and convenient way to travel between Japan’s major cities. Unfortunately with great convenience comes great costs; the Shinkansen is far from being the most budget-friendly option. Furthermore, many travelers…
Today we are going to take a look at a destination that has been on my bucket list for a LONG time. Known as Chikubushima, this secluded little island lies in the middle of Lake Biwa, Japan’s biggest lake. Chikubushima…
Although I have been in Japan for most of my life, the summer’s sweltering heat and humidity are something I will never get use to. If you haven’t had the opportunity to experience these conditions yourself, just try to image…
It’s a common scenario. You’ve just arrived in Japan (or in a new destination) and want to start exploring but it’s still too early to check-in to your hotel or Airbnb. Alternatively, check-out for the previous place was at the…
Ninja-dera is a temple in Ishikawa Prefecture’s city of Kanazawa. I had intended to only include this attraction as an afterthought in my area guide for the region. Despite my initial plan though, I was so overwhelmed by Ninja-dera that…
Many travelers immediately think of either Osaka Castle or Himeji Castle when considering a historical visit to a castle in the Kansai region. Few are aware of another fortress that has served as a solemn guardian of important trade routes…
Tokyo is a city comprised of a near infinite number of tall buildings. Because of this, life on the streets below can often feel cramped and claustrophobic. Luckily there is an easy way to escape the concrete jungle; simply go…
This week we’re going to take a break from dissecting how to visit Japan’s offbeat tourist destinations. Instead I want to shed some light on a topic I get asked every now and then by both friends in Japan and…
Sarushima (lit. “Monkey Island”) is a small, uninhabited island located off the coast of the Miura Peninsula in Tokyo Bay. Despite its name, Sarushima is unfortunately devoid of any real monkeys. Nevertheless, while it may be lacking in simians, Sarushima…