A Fresh Perspective on Travel Every Day
Manga comics, blazing neon, speeding trains, supersized pedestrian crossings – Japan might not immediately inspire a vision of traditional romance, but don’t be fooled. With subtropical beaches, soothing hot springs, and an array of world-class food, it’s easy for lovers to be seduced by this extraordinary country.
Japan’s northernmost island of Hokkaidō is best known for two things: winter sports and Sapporo beer. However, the lesser-known eastern side of the island is an idyllic escape at any time of year for the adventurous traveler, whether you’re into beer or not.
As you probably know, Japan is a country filled with rich culture, stunning cities, incredible islands, and delectable food. After numerous visits to Tokyo and exploring Kyushu Island, we felt inspired to discover more regions we had yet to explore, and that’s where Kanazawa in the Ishikawa Prefecture comes into play.
Oita, a prefecture on Japan’s southern-most island of Kyūshū, is world-famous for its incredible hot springs. Towns like Beppu host bathers from around the world. Yet there’s so much more than onsen bathing to do here that it’s a bit of a mystery as to why people aren’t flocking to explore the other parts of this magical spot that are often overlooked. Here are six fantastic, less-visited spots in Oita Prefecture.
Japan is a country that’s incredibly exciting to explore! From the stunning hiking trails, islands like Kyushu, to the best cities in Japan, there’s something for every traveler to enjoy. However, with so many amazing cities to visit, it can be overwhelming to choose which ones to explore, especially if your time is limited.
If you envision Tokyo as an eye, then Saitama Prefecture acts as the eyebrow curling around the city from the northeast to the northwest. The eastern parts, located near the capital, are bustling with countless train lines carrying commuters into Tokyo for daily activities, while the western parts feature forest-covered mountains, tea fields, rice paddies, and orchards.
Tokyo is one of the most iconic cities in the world and one of the buzzing cities to visit in Japan. That being said, it’s a totally vast city with so many of the best things to do in Tokyo scattered all across the different neighborhoods.
Japan is renowned for its delicate cherry blossoms and mesmerizing bamboo forests, but that’s only the beginning of the country’s charms. From the snowy wilderness of Hokkaido to the tropical forests of Okinawa, Japan has enough natural wonders to keep you in awe. Come explore some of the most stunning places across the country’s 47 prefectures.
From lush tropical paradises to volcanic landscapes, these islands showcase the awe-inspiring geography of Japan.
Get off the tourist track and delve a little deeper into Japan.
It’s hard to make a list of the best things to do in Japan, because there are just so many cool and fun activities in this country.
After a series of visits to Japan over the years, I’ve compiled this Kyoto temple & shrine guide to assist you in discovering the best ones! Kyoto, recognized as Japan’s ancient capital and cultural heart, boasts numerous famous shrines and temples that are must-see attractions.
Setsubun, Japan’s bean-throwing festival that celebrates the arrival of spring, is held annually on February 3 during theHaru Matsuri(Spring Festival). It marks a fresh start, similar to Lunar New Year celebrations worldwide, providing an opportunity to dispel evil spirits associated with illness and misfortune. And what is the best defense against these evil spirits? Beans! More specifically, roasted soybeans calledfuku mame(fortune beans) are thrown outside to ward off negativity and to welcome good luck.
Knowing how to say hello in Japanese is simple to learn and essential before visiting Japan. Furthermore, these greetings could prove useful in various situations closer to home as well.
Camping in Japan is a popular leisure activity for both residents and tourists. With an abundance of forests and a scenic coastline, finding beautiful places to pitch a tent is easy. In fact, the country boasts nearly 3,000 campsites, including several located just outside Tokyo.
Japan travel tips are often centered around one theme: how to save money. While you get what you pay for, Japan is an expensive destination when compared to other options such as China and Southeast Asia.
Visiting onsen, or hot spring baths, is a national pastime in Japan. They are integral to Japan’s landscape, having existed since the formation of the Japanese archipelago millions of years ago. Wherever there are mountains—and Japan has many—you are likely to find onsen.
Japan is well known for its rainy season—referred to in Japanese as bothtsuyuandbaiu. As an archipelago with diverse geography, the rainy season occurs at varying times across different regions. This guide will help you navigate the unique weather trends of Japan during this season.
Most regions of Japan experience four distinct seasons, making September, October, and November ideal months to explore the stunning fall foliage and partake in unique cultural festivals.