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.’

Takayama

Nestled in the heart of the Japanese Alps, Takayama is a charming town known for its expert woodworkers, traditional architecture, and delicious cuisine.

Explore Takayama

Takayama, Japan

Nikko

Nikko is a mountain town where shrines, waterfalls, and mountain trails blend together to create a mix of culture and adventure.

Explore Nikko

Nikko, Japan

Plan your trip with all our Japan guides

Takayama Jinya entrance

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.
Things to do in Nikko

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.
Takayama Jinya Japanese Garden

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.
Komezuka Crater in Mt Aso, Kyushu Japan

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.
Otaki Waterfall Nikko 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.
Overlooking the Daikanbo Lookout

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

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

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 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

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 vending machine park

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 Japan

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 Buddha

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

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 Nikko Japan

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 circle window

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 Nikko Japan

Otaki Waterfall in Nikko: Complete Guide

Otaki Waterfall is a hidden waterfall located out in the countryside of Nikko National Park.
Fukuoka to Busan ferry

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 Nikko

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,...
Bird at Senjogahara Marshland tree

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

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 entrance

Takayama Jinya: Complete Guide

Takayama Jinya is a well-preserved Edo-period government building that served as the administrative center of Hida Province.
Takayama Teddy Bear Eco Village Museum

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.
Mini camper van at a waterfall in Japan

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

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

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 Falls in Nikko

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

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

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...