Japan Travel Guide
While most people think of Japan as bustling cities and peaceful temples, it’s so much more than that! Small villages, epic mountains, and rocky coastlines are some of our favorite places in the ‘Land of the Rising Sun.’
Plan your trip with all our Japan guides

17 Awesome Things to Do in Takayama: The Complete Guide
Nestled in the northern Japan Alps, the town of Takayama is the perfect place to unwind and immerse yourself in Japan's traditional culture.

18 Incredible Things to Do in Nikko: Complete Travel Guide
Nikko is a mountain town where shrines, waterfalls, and mountain trails blend together to create a mix of culture and adventure.

2 Days in Nikko: The Perfect Nikko Itinerary
After seeing all of Nikko’s main attractions, here’s exactly how I would spend 2 days in Nikko if it was my first visit.

2 Days in Takayama: The Perfect Takayama Itinerary
After seeing all of Takayama’s main attractions, here’s exactly how I would spend 2 days in Takayama if it was my first visit.

6 Incredible Things to Do in Mount Aso, Kyushu
The Mount Aso caldera in Kyushu is an extremely diverse landscape with some of the best adventures in Japan.

7 Best Waterfalls in Nikko: Complete Guide
In this guide, I'll go over the 7 best waterfalls in Nikko and our personal experience at every one of them.

Daikanbo Lookout – The Best Viewpoint in Mount Aso
Daikanbo Lookout is a stunning viewpoint located in the Aso Kuju National Park in Japan, offering panoramic views of the surrounding Aso Caldera, one...

Engetsu Island in Japan: The Tiny Island with a Hole
Engetsu Island is a tiny island off the coast of Shirahama in Japan that's known for its circular natural archway, which frames the setting...

Gotohana Observatory – Kyushu’s Most Epic Sunset
Perched on a scenic cliff, the Gotohana Observatory offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the picturesque Okiakime Island, immersing you in a landscape where...

Hida Folk Village (Hida no Sato) in Takayama: Complete Guide
The Hida Folk Village provides a view into how the people in the mountains of Japan lived. This open-air museum is home to over...

Higashiyama Walking Course in Takayama: Complete Guide
The Higashiyama Walking Course is a peaceful walk through temples and shrines in Takayama's quieter side of town.

Japan’s Vending Machine Park Paradise: Used Tire Mart Sagamihara Store
Japan's vintage vending machine park is located in a used tire shop. Over 100 vending machines serve all sorts of strange foods and items...

Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine – The Complete Guide
The Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine, nestled in the lush cypress forests on the slopes of Mt. Aso in Kyushu, is a captivating spiritual haven. Its...

Kanmangafuchi Abyss in Nikko: Complete Guide
Kanmangafuchi Abyss is a gorge in Nikko, known for its rows of stone Buddha statues dressed in red bibs and hats next to the...

Kirifuri Plateau Hike: Complete Guide
The Kirifuri Plateau Hike in Nikko is 1,445 steps up the mountain with sweeping views along its 'Sky Corridor'

Kirifuri Waterfall in Nikko: Complete Guide
Kirifuri Waterfall is a two-tiered cascade that splits into multiple streams, creating a misty, shifting flow down the mountainside.

Nikko Tamozawa Imperial Villa: Complete Guide
The Nikko Tamozawa Imperial Villa is a beautifully preserved former retreat of Japan's imperial family, now open to the public as a museum.

Otaki Waterfall in Nikko: Complete Guide
Otaki Waterfall is a hidden waterfall located out in the countryside of Nikko National Park.

Riding the Ferry from Fukuoka to Busan: The Ultimate Guide
Explore the Fukuoka to Busan ferry route with our detailed guide, expert tips, and personal experiences for your Japan-Korea sea adventure.

Ryuzu Waterfall in Nikko: Complete Guide
Ryuzu Falls is an easy and accessible waterfall in Nikko. It gets its name from the way the rushing water splits around a rock,...

Senjogahara Marshland in Nikko: Complete Guide
Senjogahara Marshland is one of Nikko’s most scenic hiking areas, with flat paths and wooden boardwalks that meander through the grasslands and marshes.

Takayama Festival: Our Complete Guide
We attended Takayama Festival and put together this complete guide to help you navigate the crowds, catch the best performances, and make the most...

Takayama Jinya: Complete Guide
Takayama Jinya is a well-preserved Edo-period government building that served as the administrative center of Hida Province.

Teddy Bear Eco Village in Takayama: Complete Guide
Discover a world where plush bears teach life lessons and reflect on global culture and environmental issues.

The Ultimate Guide to Van Life in Japan: What Every Traveler Needs to Know
Whether you're a seasoned van lifer or a curious traveler, our guide offers invaluable info to help you enjoy the freedom and beauty of...

Tokyo Bicycle Food Tour: A Self-Guided Journey for Foodie Cyclists
Embark with us on our self-guided Tokyo bicycle food tour! Check out some of Tokyo's iconic landmarks while indulging in delectable dishes.

Tokyo on a Budget: The Ultimate Guide
Discover how to experience Tokyo without breaking the bank! Dive into our firsthand guide packed with budget eats, savvy transport tips, and affordable stays.

Urami Waterfall in Nikko: Complete Guide
Urami Waterfall is a lesser-known waterfall in Nikko. It's main cascade comes together with countless trickling streams, creating a watery canyon.

Where to Stay in Takayama: Guide to the Best Areas and Hotels
We visited Takayama three times to get a real sense of what the town offers. In this guide, I’ll share my take on where...

Yudaki Falls in Nikko: Complete Guide
In this guide, I'll share everything you need to know before visiting Yudaki Falls in Nikko, along with how to find the hidden Kodaki...
