Practical Travel Tips for Visiting Japan (From Someone Who Lives Here)
Traveling in Japan doesn’t have to look like a highlight reel from Instagram. Some of the best moments happen in the most unplanned scenarios. It could be in a tiny izakaya you almost walked past, a neighborhood you didn’t pin on Google Maps, or a day that didn’t go as planned but somehow became the one you remember most.
After over 10 years of living in and exploring Japan, I’ve learned that thoughtful planning matters. However, leaving room for curiously wandering is important too.
This guide shares my most practical travel tips for visiting Japan. It covers things from building a realistic itinerary and choosing the right hotel location, to navigating etiquette, budgeting, and slowing down enough to actually enjoy where you are. It’s not about visiting all the popular locations to say you’ve been. It’s about traveling with intention and experiencing Japan beyond what you might expect.
Shikoku in Six Days
Are you planning a Japan trip but short on time? This 6-day Shikoku itinerary covers historic castles, scenic drives, hidden villages, and experiences. Shikoku may not be as famous as Kyoto or Tokyo, but that’s part of what makes it special.
Your Guide to Rural Japan with Limited Japanese Skill
Are you curious about how to travel through Japan’s countryside without knowing the language? This guide shares the best tools and tips for traveling rural Japan more confidently even without speaking Japanese.
Osaka Basics for Beginners (& Doubters)
With the 2025 World Expo set to bring millions of visitors to Osaka, there’s never been a better time to explore this vibrant, often misunderstood city. This guide highlights the top tourist attractions that are worth the hype, lesser-known neighborhoods , and must-try local Osaka dishes. Whether you are a first-time visitor or had a less than stellar first experience, discover why Osaka is a great destination.
Off-the-Beaten-Path: Central Japan
Discover Central Japan's almost hidden gems and explore lesser-known destinations beyond the usual tourist spots. From beautiful hikes to cultural treasures, experience the unique charm of Central Japan. Perfect for travelers seeking locations off-the-beaten path and authentic local encounters.
Revealing Nara’s Lesser-Known Gems
When adding Nara Prefecture into their itinerary, many travelers tend to concentrate on the regions surrounding Nara Park. Exploring Todaiji and feeding the deer are highlights for people and rightly so. However, did you know that the rural areas of the prefecture have numerous sights and fun activities as well?
Behind the Filters: 5 Insta-Fails in Japan
Discover the truth behind Japan's very popular Instagram destinations in my latest blog post. I share the disappointing reality of 5 places that didn't live up to the social media hype and delve into the reasons behind their lackluster experiences. Learn valuable lessons for your future travels in Japan.
I’m dreaming of a Kentucky Fried Christmas…
The holidays in Japan are quite interesting. Learn about the traditions of fried chicken on Christmas and shrine visits for the New Year holidays.
