Japan

Many first time visitors to Japan head for Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto, and perhaps Nara, as these are the most well-visited places in Japan. Perhaps you’ve visited these areas and want to explore deeper in Japan. Matsuyama is an excellent option for travelers. Matsuyama is the largest city on the island of Shikoku in the Ehime Province. Best known for the nearby Dogo Onsen, Matsuyama also has castles and temples to be admired. With only half a million residents, Matsuyama is a very manageable city, with a reliable tram system for getting around. If you are planning a trip to Matsuyama, this guide will help you find the best area for tourists, whether you prefer traditional Japanese accommodation, or a more modern hotel option. We will cover off all types of Matsuyama accommodation options from Hostels to luxury Matsuyama hotels as well as how to decide where to stay in Matsuyama,…

When you imagine Japan, you visualise cherry-tree lined streets blossoming in Sakura flowers, the tinkling chimes and heady incense of temples and streets full of wooden traditional storefronts and quaint restaurants. The Kyoto Prefecture has it all! Visiting the Japanese city of Kyoto is like travelling back in time to ancient Japan. The name “Kyoto” means “Capital City”, hearkening back to another era when it once was the imperial capital of Japan whose reign lasted over 1,000 years! The city was founded as early as 794 and has been the scene of epic battles. Today it remains the beating cultural heart of Japan until this day. Kyoto is home to incredible temples, castles, shrines and zen rock gardens, walking around the city you will encounter many people dressed in traditional Japanese costume, which adds to the illusion that you have been transported back in time. Most of the people are…

Tokyo is known for its eclectic mix of traditional Shinto architecture and modern high-rises. This blend of old and new is one of the reasons Tokyo is such a popular destination for travellers. The Japanese capital city is home to more than nine million people and over 20 million yearly visitors. It’s a big and bustling city, and you should enjoy your trip without worrying about how you’re going to see and do everything. You don’t need to stress, because you can fit a lot into just two days in Tokyo! To help you out, this guide will show you what to do in Tokyo when you only have 48 hours. This guide is perfect for those who only have 48 Hours in Tokyo 2 Day Itinerary. We will show you what to do in Tokyo for 2 days, where to stay, what to eat and how to get around,…

Japan’s cultural capital of Kyoto is a must-visit for anyone planning a trip to Japan. Kyoto is second only to Tokyo for the most Michelin-starred restaurants in the world, and has more pre-war buildings than all other Japanese cities combined, including 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites. While Kyoto may seem quaint, with ancient temples and the geisha district, it’s still a large city with 1.5 million residents. The main attractions are fairly compact, and Kyoto has excellent public transportation options, so getting around is easy. Finding the best place to stay in Kyoto will depend on your budget and travel style, and whether you want a traditional Japanese guest house, or one of the more modern Kyoto hotels. As you decide where to stay in Kyoto, Ryokan, or traditional Japanese style inns, offer a unique cultural experience, and may be easier on the the budget than a luxury hotel. We…

Japan is a gourmet foodie paradise; Tokyo is the city with the most restaurants with Michelin stars in the world, with a total of 302 Michelin stars in 2017. What makes Japanese food so special is the quality of ingredients, the simplicity and purity of the dishes and time-perfected techniques. Traditional Japanese cuisine or “Washoku” was added to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list to ensure the protection and preservation of their culinary traditions and culture, becoming the second country to gain this recognition after France. It may surprise you that to become a Sushi chef, a trainee may spend between 10 and 15 years in training. This meticulous care is reflected in all aspects of Japanese food and you will be wowed by the precision, perfection and aesthetics of food in Japan. In fact, aesthetics are an important part of the presentation of a dish and you will find…

Japan is a unique island country with a distinct culture. Due to a long history of being isolated from the rest of the world, Japanese traditions formed without the influence of other nations. Your first visit to Japan may seem like you’ve entered another world. What you really want to know though, is “how much does a trip to Japan cost?” Your Japan travel budget will depend on what you do, what time of year you visit, which cities you explore, and how much ramen you consume. As you’re about to find out, Japan travel can actually be very budget-friendly. This budget travel guide for Japan will teach you how to travel on a budget while having an incredible time and not miss out on a thing. Plan your trip to Japan Need data for your trip to France? We use Tep Wireless which offers unlimited data for $8 per…

Five days in Japan is never going to be enough but hey, it’s a great place to start, in this article we will be covering off 2 of my favorite areas in Japan - Tokyo and Ehime for first time (or 64th time) travellers. Tokyo is very obviously a well known city however Ehime isn’t very well known as say Kyoto or Osaka but keep reading to discover a new and interesting place in Japan… This is essentially a 5-6 day Tokyo Itinerary/Ehime Itinerary but we have removed the first and last day for travel days, you can of course chop and change and remove things that won’t work or don’t interest you. Plan your trip to Japan Need data for your trip to France? We use Tep Wireless which offers unlimited data for $8 per day. Travelling King readers can get 10% off using the discount code TRAVELLINGKING on check…