Japan Travel Tips & Hidden Gems
Like with Japan’s famed cherry blossoms that reach peak bloom in spring, the summer months of July and August are often some of the most popular times to visit Japan. After all, the kids are out of school and many…
Gather ‘round folks. For today’s article, I have something really special to introduce to you. I’ll be taking you on a journey far, far up north to the furthest reaches of Aomori Prefecture’s Shimokita Peninsula. Together we’ll explore a place…
Today we’ll be taking a look at one of my all-time favorite hidden gems that is rarely, if ever, featured in the English language media. Known as Mitsumine Shrine, this mountaintop sanctuary can be found in the densely forested ridges…
What’s up fellow gym rats and fitness freaks! Rather than examine another off the beaten path destination, today we’re going to be taking a look at how you can stay in shape while traveling in Japan. If you’re anything like…
As long time readers, you may have noticed by now that I typically try to steer clear of introducing attractions in Kyoto. For one, the city tends to be overcrowded with visitors to the point where it has become akin…
Ladies and gentlemen, gather ‘round. It’s story time! Today we’ll be taking a look at the long-lost history of Oita Prefecture’s Usa Jingu. As far as I can tell, this is the first time the tragic tale of this amazing…
Much like everyone else on this planet, I absolutely love Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari Taisha. Anyone who has visited knows there is just something ethereally awesome about that endless array of torii gates that is difficult to capture in words. However,…
When you’re sliding into firstAnd your pants begin to burstThat’s diarrhea, diarrhea — The Diarrhea Song First up, allow me to apologize. If you haven’t already realized, this is going to be a pretty shitty article. Scatological puns aside though, the…
Welcome back to another installment of my area guide series. Lately, it seems like I’m pounding out these incredibly in-depth articles at a breakneck pace. Today, we’ll be exploring Oita Prefecture in Kyushu, the southernmost of Japan’s main islands. Often…
Welcome back to another installment of my area guides. In today’s post we’ll be venturing down to the San’in region for a visit to the marvelous Shimane Prefecture. Located on the westernmost end of Japan’s main island, this area has…
Are you on a diet or trying to eat more healthy? Well then, let me be frank, and say that this post is DEFINITELY not for you! Instead, I’ll direct you to this one which details how I lost over…
Though the Japanese love to opine about their wonderful and distinct four seasons, the island nation technically experiences five. Known as tsuyu in Japanese, this unofficial season loosely translates to rainy season in English. Typically, tsuyu runs from early June…
Japanese ryokan… Are they a quintessential experience or something that is totally overrated? If you do any digging online, you’ll find that many travel guides glorify staying at a ryokan as a “must-do” activity in Japan. That said, not all…
Think you know Nara? Think again! Today we will be traveling back in time to a period long before Nara became the capital of Japan in 710. We’ll be examining the Asuka area and the period of time from 538–710…
Dear passengers in transit to Asia & those flying out of Narita… Did you know that the area surrounding one of the major entry points to Japan is actually host to an impressive collection of attractions and adventures? That’s right…