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Ishiyama Temple

What day trips can you do from Kyoto?

Oh the temples and shrines you will see in Kyoto! Kinkaku-ji (the “Golden Pavilion”), Ginkaku-ji, and Fushimi Inari Taisha are all very worthwhile sights. Unfortunately, they can be a bit crowded. This will predictably take away something from the Zen … Read More

View of Tokyo from high above

What are the best places to visit in or near Tokyo?

For those seeking reaffirmation that urban, central Tokyo has every dream possibly containable by concrete, the options are seemingly limitless. You should of course not miss Shinjuku, Shibuya, or Ginza. Ueno and Asakusa are also urban must-sees, but of the … Read More

bullet train

What Are Some Must-See Places in Japan?

With so many must-see places in Japan, it’s hard to know where to start. And it’s even harder to know where to end! So we’re here to help you with a good few of the essentials. Think of this as … Read More

Kobe Harbor

What are some hidden gems near Kobe, Japan?

Perhaps most famous for its beef, Kobe has been appearing on more and more Japan trip itineraries. But this international city shouldn’t be thought of as merely a place to get your steak grub on, or as a launching point … Read More

Dotonbori nightscape

What are interesting things to see and do in Osaka?

We’re not going to deny that Tokyo is, well, Japan’s flagship urban product of sorts. We’re also not in the business of denying the historical and cultural spectacle that is Kyoto. We love both those places, but urge our visitors … Read More

Robot Show woman (?)

Tokyo’s Shinjuku Robot Restaurant: A Kabukicho Scam?

No way! Tokyo’s Shinjuku Robot Restaurant (in Kabukicho) show is not a scam at all. Most people who see the show find it to be a very memorable experience. The lights, action, pulse quickening music and effects, all combine to … Read More

Port of Kobe

Is Kobe, Japan worth visiting?

Just about everyone’s heard of Kobe beef, but is Kobe, Japan worth visiting even if you aren’t all that into the beef? Kobe is in the same part of Japan as Kyoto, Osaka, and Nara, which makes it easy to … Read More

Tokyo Tower

Is it worth going to Tokyo Tower?

Tokyo Tower is one of the most easily recognized symbols of Japan’s largest city, but is it worth going to? Since completion in 1958, over 180,000,000 people have decided it was, but what will you decide? In recent years, the … Read More

Nakanoshima at night

Is it safe to walk around Osaka alone at night?

Big cities can sometime be intimidating, and even a little scary, right? Well, if you’re looking for a country with safe big cities day or night, Japan is a great choice! According to many studies, Osaka ranks 3rd safest city … Read More

View of Nagasaki from above

Is it safe for people to live in Nagasaki/Hiroshima?

We’re not going to make you wait for it: Yes, it is safe for people to live in Hiroshima/Nagasaki. Completely safe. In fact, it was basically safe to move into either of those cities within a matter of weeks after … Read More

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