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.
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.
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.
If you had asked me five years ago how to spend 10 days in Japan, I would have given the same boring answer everyone else does. A few days each in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, with maybe a day trip thrown in. Luckily, I’ve explored a lot more of the country since then, and I’m here to share an alternative 10 day Japan itinerary.
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.
There are two kinds of people who visit Japan: those who speed along the Golden Route, and those who know where to slow down.
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.
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.
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.
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.
