The ultimate guide to Japan travel
A small town with traditional charm that puts a modern twist on Japan's hot spring culture.
Awazu Onsen is home to one of the world's oldest hotels, cave-carved temples and a fun local crafts scene.
From sweets molding to fabric dyeing to porcelain painting—there are plenty of unique Kanazawa crafts and hands-on workshops. Makes for great souvenirs too!
Billed as the oldest hotel in the world (although it was actually recently discovered to be the second-oldest), Hoshi Ryokan is a traditional Japanese guest house with a stunning garden. Run by the 46th generation of the same family, it has been …
Black miso ramen, roll-your-own sushi, homemade pasta and incredible burgers—need we say more?
Nikko National Park is the perfect getaway from Tokyo's busy streets—especially so in autumn!
Within spitting distance of the train station (but don’t, that’s gross) this is a pretty regular, only slighty better than a business hotel place to crash. Rooms are compact but not too bad, with everything you need tucked away somewhere—you …
A traditional ryokan with a 300-year history of hosting visitors to the city, Sumiyoshiya even has English-speaking owners.
A trendy boutique-style hotel on the outside and a reformed business hotel on the inside, Hotel Pacific is a nice, if confusing base. Remodeled with a friendly cafe and bar and the narrow ground floor, they have rental bikes and chai lattes …
One of the nicest hotels (within reason) in Kanazawa, Kumu is a Muji-style minimalist hotel that's undeniably Japanese.
A smart and modern hotel, Square is in a great location—just around the corner from Omicho Market and the castle gardens. Only opened in late 2018, the hotel is smart and bright, with plenty of fancy gadgets as well as some more traditional …
One of the trendiest options in the city, Hatchi is the hostel counterpart of the very fancy Kumu Hotel, which is a little further in town. Offering capsule-style dorms and some private rooms, it is a good choice for groups, couples or solo …
Light and airy, this dorm-only hostel is a great spot if you need a space to work as well as to sleep. Offering plenty of brightly lit benches with a window view for people-watching/procrastinating, Blue Hour has a co-ed dorm as well as a …
The Nagamachi Samurai District is chock full of museums, preserved homes and ruins showing off the life of the famed warrior class.
Kanazawa's tea districts offer old-school vibes and endless exploration opportunities. And keep your eye out for geisha!
Besides its relaxing hot springs, Yamanaka Onsen looks great in every season and offers beautiful bridge views.
An island packed with unusual festivals, Kyushu is the perfect destination for those looking for a unique adventure in Japan.
Take a stroll through one of Kyoto's oldest shopping streets.
Four affordable ways to get from New Chitose Airport to Sapporo in Hokkaido. We look at the pricing and practicalities of each option.
Known for its traditional Meiji-style hot springs and history of pottery, Yamashiro Onsen in Kaga, Ishikawa Prefecture has plenty to explore. The largest of the four towns that make up Kaga Onsen, Yamashiro has plenty to offer aside from baths …
Any visitor to the area will want to follow our Hiroshima guide on what to do, see and eat for a full day of discovery.
Want to go to far-flung places like Kyoto and Hiroshima from Tokyo, and be back in no time? These Japan bus tours are for you.
