40 Best Souvenirs From Japan: From Manga to Matcha

As a minimalist traveler, I rarely buy things when I go abroad. But when my husband and I first visited Tokyo and Kyoto, we stuffed two bags full of the best souvenirs from Japan. In a land known for quality products, rich culture, and ultra-cute characters, you’ll want to fill every nook and cranny of your suitcase with Japanese souvenirs.

Colorful vintage kimono are the best souvenirs from Japan.

Read More

Tokyo Like a Local: 9 Unique Things to Do

Tokyo is the world’s second largest city and one of the most popular tourist destinations. Travelers who fall in love with this city find themselves drawn back again and again. But even repeat visitors can miss out on experiencing Tokyo like a local, and often end up doing the same touristy activities time and time again.

Typical Japan street with bikes seen when traveling Tokyo like a local.

Read More

Must Eat Food in Japan: Where to Find the Best Dishes

Japan is the only country where it’s nearly impossible to have a bad meal. Even the food on my ANA flight was delicious and artfully presented, and I was seated in coach! If you want to sample the country’s best dishes, this guide to the must eat food in Japan has got you covered.

Colorful plate of sushi rolls and nigiri, a must eat food in Japan.

Read More

11 Best Day Trips From Tokyo by Bullet Train

Thanks to the expanding shinkansen network, exploring Japan has never been easier. And if you’re a foreign visitor, you can zip around the country without spending a fortune on tickets! These day trips from Tokyo by bullet train take full advantage of the Japan Rail Pass.

Mount Fuji and purple flower field viewed from Tokyo bullet train day trip.

Read More

Comprehensive Japan Travel Checklist for First Time Visitors

If you’re traveling to Japan for the first time, you’re probably feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety. Planning a trip to Japan can be overwhelming, especially if you haven’t done much international travel! Luckily, I’m here to share my personal Japan travel checklist to help you prepare for the trip of a lifetime.

Tokyo Asakusa Shrine during cherry blossom season should be on everyone's Japan travel checklist

Read More

Traveling to Japan Alone: What You Need to Know

When it comes to solo travel, I can’t think of a better country than Japan. Efficient public transit, English signage, and a customer service-oriented culture make traveling to Japan alone a breeze.

Woman traveling to Japan alone in Sagano bamboo forest

Read More

25 Famous Things in Japan You Need to Experience

Japan is the kind of place you can visit a hundred times and never get bored. There’s always another beautiful shrine, natural wonder, or delicious restaurant to enjoy. But if you want truly iconic experiences, you should add these famous things in Japan to your bucket list.

Famous Things in Japan include views of Mount Fuji from Lake Kawaguchiko in autumn.

Read More

Visiting Japan in October: The Best of Autumn in Japan

The best travel experience of my life was visiting Japan in October. As a fall foliage fanatic, I loved seeing the country decorated in vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows. And when you add in pleasant weather, cheaper travel, and traditional festivals, autumn in Japan becomes the ideal time for a trip.

Visiting Japan in October - Matsumoto shrine with red autumn leaves.

Read More