If you’re looking for a getaway from the chaos of urban life, Shirakawag?, nestled in the Japanese Alps, just might be the place for you. To experience the best of it, you can — and should — stay overnight. Here’s how to get there, and where...

The chilly air of November means it is the ideal time for k?y? (the viewing of autumn leaves), and as Japan shifts from green to red, many festivals celebrate the change. We have compiled a list of events all over Japan, so no matter where you are,...

On the northeastern tip of Hokkaid?, Shiretoko National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site distinguished by its virtually untouched wilderness and high chance of wildlife sightings.  Home to one of the densest brown-bear populations in the world,...

Elegant kimono, smooth white make-up, and that classic demure look — geisha are, by nature, charming. Actually seeing a geisha in Japan is uncommon, but it’s not impossible. And if you are going to see one, Kyoto is your best bet. Here’s our...

Nara is the perfect day trip from Kyoto or Osaka — plenty of delicious snacks, plenty of temples, and most importantly plenty of deer! The ancient capital of Japan is a wonderful place to visit, filled with history, nature, and great eats. The...

Do you know about Saio, the sacred princesses who served at Ise Jingu Shrine for hundreds of years" You can learn about the lives and culture of the Saio through a visit to historical sites, museums, and hands-on facilities in Meiwa Town, the...

October means autumn, and in Japan, that means stunning fall festivals. You could visit a ginormous tug-of-war, a secret mud festival, or get in the Halloween spirit. Wherever you are this month, be sure to check out all the top events near you....

If you?re looking for an adrenaline boost, rafting and canyoning in Gunma is the way to go. Here?s what you can expect from a day at Canyons Minakami — based on our experience. Spoiler: you’ll be rappelling down waterfalls! While we did a...

Off the coast of Niigata is a melting pot of cultures from around Japan called Sado Island. You can only get to the remote island by boat, but the ride rewards you with diverse natural landscapes, food, and festivals. Here?s how to explore it as an...

While Japan leads the world in accessible transportation and is quickly improving the accessibility of tourist sites, one area that remains a challenge for travelers with disabilities is finding suitable accommodations. The number of accessible...

K?y? (or fall-foliage viewing) is a great excuse to get outdoors. Similar to cherry-blossom season, people celebrate the autumn leaves in Japan by picnicking, drinking and strolling with friends and family. Use our Japan fall foliage forecast map...

The Nintendo Museum’s opening date has finally been announced and Nintendo fans worldwide are getting hyped. And with good reason: This secretive project was kept firmly under wraps after it was first announced in June 2021. Construction finally...

The heat of summer isn’t quite over yet, and there are plenty of festivals across Japan to carry on the holiday feeling. Here’s a taste of what you can expect in September. For events in Tokyo and the surrounding area, see our listings on Tokyo...

When you think of Japan, you may picture the metropolitan thrum of Tokyo or the stunning temples of Kyoto — but this country also has some of the most incredible natural wonders in the world. Here are 18 to see in spring, summer or fall. Note: We...

Hot springs are one of the best experiences you can have in Japan, whether you?re exploring the city or finding adventures in the countryside. However, the bathhouse can be daunting for non-binary and trans folks. Here, we’ll try to change that...

Some of Japan’s best festivals take place in August — and lucky for us, they’re mostly free! This is one of the busiest months for events, with countless festivals featuring traditional dances, fireworks, and lantern floating. The festivals...

Just south of Kyoto Station, you’ll find one of the city’s most famous attractions: Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine. But did you know that the area is also famous for its sake" That’s right, while most tourists only head south to see the famous...

Want to see the Kyoto bamboo forest, but not keen on the crowds" Then check out Adashino Nenbutsu-ji, a beautiful temple with its own, much less crowded, bamboo grove. Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple is located in the same area as the world-famous...

Looking for alternatives to Mount Fuji" Then you’re in the right place. It’s a common misconception that the mountain to climb in Japan is Mt. Fuji. While it is both the most striking and tallest mountain in the Japanese archipelago, we would...

Summertime is the best time for festival culture in Japan — from parades to period costumes, fireworks, port festivals, and much more. For events in Tokyo and the surrounding area, head over to our event listings on Tokyo Cheapo....

Take advantage of the convenient Hokuriku Shinkansen and venture into the prefectures of Fukui, Toyama, and Ishikawa with this easy eight-day itinerary. Or make it longer — we?ve only touched upon what the Hokuriku region has to offer. Go out and...

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Whether you’re day-tripping from Osaka or stopping for a shore excursion on your cruise, here are all the best things to do in Kobe. We’ve included tips on how to save money, too. Kobe, the capital city of Hyogo Prefecture, might not feature...

This month marks the start of summer fun, so grab your yukata and get ready for dance parades, processions, and rice festivals galore. Here’s a round-up of the best June events in Japan. Whether you’re after dance performances or mud...

Whatever your budget, group size, and dreams for Nara, there will be a bed (or futon) just right for you. Peruse our list of the best places to stay in Nara, below. We’ve included hostels, hotels, traditional Japanese ryokan, and a couple of...