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Every article on the site β€” hotel guides by station, day trips, and culture deep-dives. Filter by category, or just scroll with a drink in hand.

Sea Kayaking in Japan: Izu, Seto Inland Sea & Okinawa Routes
Experiences

Sea Kayaking in Japan: Izu, Seto Inland Sea & Okinawa Routes

Japan's extraordinary coastline β€” 29,750 km of mainland coast plus the island chains of Izu, Okinawa, and the…

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Sapporo in Winter: Snow Festival, Susukino Night Market & Hokkaido Food
Culture & History

Sapporo in Winter: Snow Festival, Susukino Night Market & Hokkaido Food

There are cities that tolerate winter and cities that embrace it. Sapporo (札幌) β€” the capital of Hokkaido,…

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Sapporo Ramen Guide: Why Hokkaido Ramen is in a Category of Its Own
Food & Drink

Sapporo Ramen Guide: Why Hokkaido Ramen is in a Category of Its Own

When Japanese people talk about Sapporo ramen, they use a word that doesn't appear in discussions of most…

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Samurai History for Tourists: Edo Castle, Aizu & the Real Edo Period
Culture & History

Samurai History for Tourists: Edo Castle, Aizu & the Real Edo Period

International interest in samurai culture is enormous β€” the archetype of the armored warrior guided by a code…

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Sakura Train Journeys: The Most Scenic Cherry Blossom Train Routes in Japan
Nature & Outdoors

Sakura Train Journeys: The Most Scenic Cherry Blossom Train Routes in Japan

Cherry blossom season in Japan produces a specific travel opportunity available nowhere else on earth: the sakura train…

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Sado Island: Gold Mines, Noh Theater & Japan’s Former Place of Exile
Culture & History

Sado Island: Gold Mines, Noh Theater & Japan’s Former Place of Exile

Sado Island (佐渑峢) β€” Japan's sixth-largest island, 45 km off the Niigata coast in the Sea of Japan…

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Ryokan vs Hotel vs Airbnb in Japan: Which Should You Choose?
Hotels

Ryokan vs Hotel vs Airbnb in Japan: Which Should You Choose?

The choice of accommodation in Japan is not merely logistical β€” it affects the experience of the country…

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Retro Gaming in Japan: Finding Famicom Carts & Arcade Cabinets in 2026
Experiences

Retro Gaming in Japan: Finding Famicom Carts & Arcade Cabinets in 2026

Japan's relationship with its video gaming history is more physical and more present than most countries' equivalents. The…

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Renting a Car in Japan: Driving on the Left, Expressways & Toll Roads
Practical Tips

Renting a Car in Japan: Driving on the Left, Expressways & Toll Roads

Japan's public transport system is excellent for traveling between cities and within major urban areas β€” but approximately…

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