The ultimate guide to Japan travel
Wajima City is a small, secluded city with a famous morning market, fine traditional lacquerware, and stunning rice terrace views.
A tiny hot spring town with lots of history and manga connections.
A popular hotel with an unusual onsen, this is a good place to spend a night in the Iya Valley. Taking a private tram u to the hotel onsen isn't exactly common, but at this hotel it's become the norm. Up high with views across the valley the …
A closed-down school transformed into a hostel, this place guarantees a unique stay in rural Japan. Part of a local project to renovate schools closed due to decreasing populations, the Design Hostel attracts tourists and travellers with a …
The Iya Valley vine bridges are a breathtaking sight, but there's more to explore in the area in the way of traditional villages and onsen views.
A DIY sushi joint that caters to vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike
It can be tricky to get suitcases down slight alleys or fit your backpack into narrow bars—opt for hands- and stress-free travel.
It can be a challenge to eat without meat in the smaller Japanese cities. Luckily, these vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Kanazawa have delicious options
Gold leaf, emperor–approved twig tea, and lacquerware are among our top picks for Kanazawa souvenirs.
Kyoto, Osaka and Hiroshima form the golden trio—all within easy reach of each other, all with their own highlights. But which is best to visit when time is limited?
Quieter than Kyoto and offering a similar traditional feel, Kanazawa is quite literally a treasure trove of traditional Japanese experiences—and a nice shiny gold one at that. A popular stop-off for those on a JR Pass, Kanazawa has all the …
Osaka needs more than a day trip to make the most of its neon charm. So, if you're keen to sample the nightlife and spend the night, where do you stay? Days exploring castles and temples, evenings spent eating everything from okonomiyaki to …
Cheap, delicious and around every corner.
Yakushima is a bucket-list destination for hikers in Japan, but even if you're not a dedicated trail-head there's lots to see.
Princess Mononoke’s very own forest requires little more than magic to reach—and we have the best options to consider. Yakushima, the mystical, magical land of ancient trees and Miyazaki-inspiring forests is a dream destination for many visitors …
Follow abandoned train tracks and hike through moss-covered forests to find Yakushima’s oldest tree, Jōmon Sugi, with this day-long hike. Venturing to the heart of Kagoshima Prefecture's Yakushima to see the towering Jōmon Sugi is one of the …
A mega guide to Kyoto accommodation — choose from these budget-friendly hotels, hostels and ryokan (traditional Japanese inns).
Hokkaido is the vacation you never knew you needed.
There are countless guides for solo travel, a ton of tips for couple’s getaways, but what about group travel in Japan?
Nothing makes the neon streets more photogenic than some raindrops, but once you’ve got your atmospheric shots, what else can you do on a rainy day in Osaka?
Discover Japan's culinary diversity—one delicious local dish at a time.
What to do in Iwakuni—a traditional castle town famous for its seasonal beauty in spring and fall, plus its white snakes, sword museum and local specialty sushi.
A friendly and small guesthouse with dorm rooms and private rooms available. There is a small and fully equipped kitchen and a supermarket across the road.
