11 Questions About Japan: Travel, Culture, Food, and Life Here
After nearly seventeen years of studying, traveling to, and living in Japan, I have been asked plenty of questions about what it is really like to travel and live here. Here are eleven questions I am frequently asked about Japan from unique places and food to biggest tourist miktakes.
Traveling in Japan After a Natural Disaster
Natural disasters can change even the most carefully planned travel itinerary. After an earthquake in Kumamoto changed my Kyushu itinerary, I had to rethink where and how I would travel. Here is how I made the decision, what I considered, and what travelers should know about visiting Japan after a natural disaster.
How Technology is Changing Travel in Japan
As a resident of Japan, here is my take on how social media, algorithms, and AI have reshaped how people plan trips to Japan, and why slowing down to wander is still a good thing. I give a few tips on how to make the most of your travel to Japan and point out the pitfalls of allowing the algorithm or AI to plan your travel.
Beyond Nagoya: 10 Day Trips Worth Taking
Are you looking for the best day trips from Nagoya? After spending over ten years in Central Japan, I have explored countless destinations around Nagoya. You can experience local crafts, try regional specialities, visit historical sights, and enjoy both mountain and ocean views. Here are the places I regularly recommend.
Fukusaki: Japan’s Yokai Town Full of Folklore
Fukusaki, Hyogo Prefecture, is one of Japan's most unusual hidden gems. Known for being the hometown of folklorist Kunio Yanagita, the town brings Japanese folklore to life with animatronic kappa, yokai benches, museums, and unique attractions scattered throughout the countryside. Here's everything you need to know before visiting Japan's famous yokai town.
Takayama or Gujo-Hachiman: Which Mountain Town is Right for You?
Takayama and Gujo-Hachiman may both sit in the mountains of Gifu Prefecture, but they offer different experiences for visitors. One is well-known for its preserved streets and traditional atmosphere, but the other feels like a town shaped by water and local life. After spending a great deal of time in both, this guide breaks down the differences in the atmosphere, food, and experiences to help you decide which mountain town is the better fit for your trip through central Japan.
Golden Week in Japan: Nightmare or Worth It?
Golden Week in Japan has a reputation for being crowded and chaotic. While it can definitely be both, I think that reputation is only half the story. I have traveled in Japan during Golden Week many times over the last decade. Here’s how to actually enjoy it.
9 Foods You Should Not Miss in Central Japan (According to Someone Who Actually Lives Here)
Most people planning a trip to Japan arrive with the same food checklist. It usually includes ramen, sushi, egg sandos, and onigiri. All are worthy additions, but social media trends have a way of narrowing the lens and ignoring some regional cuisines. Central Japan has some of the country's most distinctive and overlooked foods.
After more than a decade of living here, I can tell you the dishes worth going out of your way for are rarely the ones filling up your feed. These are the nine dishes I actually return to without hesitation and recommend to every single person who asks me what to eat in Central Japan.
Your First Time Guide for Takayama
Takayama is not a hidden gem. It is one of Japan's most visited destinations, and it’s definitely worth the traffic. What sets it apart from other heavily touristed cities is how well the culture has held its shape despite the traffic. The Sanmachi Suji District looks like a reconstruction, but much of it is original. I live less than two hours away and have been more times than I can count. This is what I would tell you if we were planning your trip together.
Craft Beer Guide: Fukuoka Edition
Fukuoka gets plenty of attention for its food scene, but the craft beer culture here deserves its own spotlight. This list covers a range of craft beer bars and shops across the city. It’s a mix of taprooms, standing bars, and hidden local spots that are worth seeking out.
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