Japan Travel Tips & Hidden Gems
Have you ever heard of “industrial tourism?” Yeah, I didn’t think so… Truth be told, I hadn’t encountered the term either until recently when I was invited by the government to go check out Aichi Prefecture’s budding scene. According to…
One of the most peculiar things about Japan’s many tourism assets is the fact that a significant number of them are situated far away from metropolitan centers. While cities like Tokyo and Kyoto have large concentrations of venues to experience,…
“You what?!?!” Looking up across the table, I could see utensils paused halfway between plates and mouths as their holders stared at me, jaws agape. I was home in America for the holidays and I could tell that I had…
Ah, Nikko… Few popular locations are simultaneously both well-known by many tourists and at the same time so egregiously misunderstood. On that note, I’d like to welcome you back to another installment of my area guides. I’ll be diving into…
“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…
Several astute readers have noticed lately that I have been trying to focus on establishing distinct tourism destinations. While locales such as Kamakura, Hakone, and Nikko linger on the radars of more informed foreign visitors, they are rarely, if ever,…
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…
The island of Miyajima is one of the most popular attractions in all of Japan. Located to the west of Hiroshima city, the island welcomes boatloads of tourists every day (and even its own Starbucks as of 2017). The island…
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…
This week, we are traveling back in time to follow the footsteps of Nikko’s founder, the Buddhist saint Shodo Shonin. Unfortunately, the vast majority of travelers to Nikko gloss over this hidden narrative and instead make a beeline for the…
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…