Japan Travel Tips & Hidden Gems
“Donny, why is it that you focus on off the beaten path destinations?” — Everyone Truth be told, I must get this question several times per week in one form or another. After all, aren’t the majority of tourists interested…
Ahhh Christmas… cue the traditional festivities, costly shopping, Christmas melodies, glittering lights, and…KFC?!?! What the hell? Yes you read that right! Christmas in Japan is definitely a different beast when compared to Western countries. From good gone bad to straight-up…
Can you identify the differences between a shrine and a temple? With few exceptions, virtually all visitors to Japan include a visit to one or the other on their itineraries. After all, the traditional architecture is timelessly picturesque and appeals…
I was getting visibly uncomfortable… For several minutes, the museum attendant had been trying to tell a group of tourists in broken English that photos were not allowed. As is sometimes the case, they weren’t having any of it and…
No trip to Japan is complete without sampling the country’s legendary nightlife. From banging nightclubs to hole-in-the-wall style local bars, Japan’s major cities have more than enough to keep you entertained until dawn. In comparison to major cities in the…
Enjoying a Japanese onsen experience is one of my favorite local pastimes. I can truly think of no better way to relax and soak away the stress that accumulates from life and work than a dip in a natural hot…
Truth be told, few things are scarier than the morning commute in Tokyo. But Halloween in Tokyo is finally stepping up as a true challenger to the throne! A decade ago, Halloween was still relatively obscure in Japan. Large-scale Tokyo…
Anyone who follows me on social media knows I’m a big, big, big fan of Kawagoe. From the historical pieces of Edo Castle to Kawagoe’s phenomenal craft beer, there’s a lot to love about this town. That said, given all…
I visit A LOT of Shinto shrines while gathering content for this blog. From derelict and dilapidated hidden gems to the ultra-famous Fushimi Inari shrine pictured above, I’ve seen all manner of shapes and sizes. After all, visiting a shrine…
Japan is famous for its four distinct and beautiful seasons. From the cherry blossoms in spring to the lively festivals of summer, there’s something awesome waiting regardless of when you visit. With fall just around the corner though, it’s time…
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…
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…
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…