Tsuwano: The Tiny Mountain Town That Preserved Edo-Era Streetscapes
Tsuwano (ζ΄₯ει) β a town of approximately 7,000 people in the mountains of Shimane Prefecture, 3 hours from…
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Zazen Meditation Experience in Japan: Sitting Still at 5am in a Rinzai Temple
At 5:00 AM in a Rinzai Zen temple in Kyoto, thirty people are sitting. They have been sitting…
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Ninja: Fact vs Fiction β What Real Ninja Were & Where to Learn More
Ninja (εΏθ ) β the black-clad, wall-climbing, shuriken-throwing secret agents of Japanese popular culture β are simultaneously among Japan's…
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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…
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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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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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Mindful Travel in Japan: How to Slow Down, Notice & Actually Experience It
There is a version of Japan travel that is extremely common and leaves visitors feeling simultaneously that they…
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Mount Fuji Climbing Guide: Which Trail, When to Go & How to Prepare
Mount Fuji (ε―士山, 3,776m) β Japan's highest peak and most recognized national symbol β receives approximately 200,000β300,000 climbers…
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Japan’s Power Spots (γγ―γΌγΉγγγ): Spiritual Energy Points Locals Visit
There is a category of place in Japan that doesn't appear in most English-language travel guides but features…
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Kanazawa: Japan’s ‘Little Kyoto’ β Kenroku-en, Higashi Chaya & Omicho Market
Kanazawa (ιζ²’) owes much of its current reputation to a historical accident: the city was never significantly bombed…
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Kyoto Nishijin Weaving: How to Watch Traditional Obi Being Made by Hand
Nishijin (θ₯Ώι£) β the weaving district of northwestern Kyoto, roughly bounded by Imadegawa and Kuramaguchi streets to north…
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Kyoto Ramen vs Osaka Ramen: The Kansai Noodle War Explained
The Kansai region β centered on Kyoto and Osaka β is primarily known in Japanese food culture for…
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