Blog

Blog

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.

Otaru: The Canal Town Near Sapporo β€” Glass Art, Sushi & Snow
Destinations

Otaru: The Canal Town Near Sapporo β€” Glass Art, Sushi & Snow

Twenty-seven minutes by train from Sapporo, the former herring port of Otaru (小樽) occupies a position in Hokkaido's…

Read more β†’
Osaka Food Street Guide: Dotonbori, Kuromon Market & The Real Local Spots
Food & Drink

Osaka Food Street Guide: Dotonbori, Kuromon Market & The Real Local Spots

Osaka's food culture operates on a principle that the city's residents state with pride and outsiders initially take…

Read more β†’
Onsen Tattoo Policy in Japan: The Real Situation in 2026
Culture & History

Onsen Tattoo Policy in Japan: The Real Situation in 2026

No single topic in Japan travel generates more anxiety, more contradictory advice, and more genuinely uncertain information than…

Read more β†’
Onsen Ryokan Guide: How to Choose & the Best in Each Region
Hotels

Onsen Ryokan Guide: How to Choose & the Best in Each Region

Japan has approximately 27,000 ryokan and 3,000 onsen resorts. The range in quality, character, price, and experience is…

Read more β†’
Omamori, Ema & Ofuda: The Complete Guide to Japanese Shrine Charms
Culture & History

Omamori, Ema & Ofuda: The Complete Guide to Japanese Shrine Charms

Japanese shrine and temple culture has developed a sophisticated material expression of spiritual practice β€” a range of…

Read more β†’
Okinawa vs Hawaii: Why Japan’s Tropical Getaway Wins for Certain Travelers
Destinations

Okinawa vs Hawaii: Why Japan’s Tropical Getaway Wins for Certain Travelers

Okinawa and Hawaii are the two Pacific destinations most frequently compared by travelers choosing a tropical getaway from…

Read more β†’
Okinawa Main Island: What to Do Beyond the Resorts β€” Local Food, Shuri Castle & Culture
Culture & History

Okinawa Main Island: What to Do Beyond the Resorts β€” Local Food, Shuri Castle & Culture

Okinawa (ζ²–ηΈ„) occupies an unusual position in Japan's cultural geography. The Ryukyu Kingdom (η‰ηƒηŽ‹ε›½) β€” the independent maritime…

Read more β†’
Obon Festival in Japan: What It Is & Where to See Bon Odori Dancing
Culture & History

Obon Festival in Japan: What It Is & Where to See Bon Odori Dancing

Obon (γŠη›†) is Japan's most significant traditional summer observance β€” a Buddhist-derived festival, typically held in mid-August (though…

Read more β†’
Nozawa Onsen: The Village That Has Given Free Hot Water Since the 1100s
Destinations

Nozawa Onsen: The Village That Has Given Free Hot Water Since the 1100s

Nozawa Onsen (ι‡Žζ²’ζΈ©ζ³‰) β€” a village of approximately 3,600 people on a mountain slope in northern Nagano Prefecture…

Read more β†’

One email a month, before closing time

Honest hotel picks, seasonal travel tips, and quiet corners of Japan β€” no spam, ever.

Email me to subscribe