Japan

So you are planning a trip to the onsen capital of Japan and now need to choose where to stay in Oita. While Oita Japan has long been known for the many onsens scattered around the prefecture, the area is also undergoing a makeover to become a destination known for more than just onsen in Japan.  The Oita Prefecture also includes nearby Beppu, another onsen town in this part of Japan. Whether you prefer to stay in one of several Oita hotels, or a ryokan in Oita, we can help you find the best area for tourists. We will cover…

Osaka is a large city and commercial center on the Japanese island of Honshu, its often overshadowed by Japan's capital Tokyo. It's known for its modern architecture, nightlife and hearty street food. The historic 16th-century Osaka Castle surrounded by a moat and park with plum, peach and cherry blossom trees is a popular landmark. Osaka is the perfect place for anyone, in particular people who love to shop should head to Shinsaibashi. If you're travelling with family then I would highly recommend checking out Universal Studio Japan, which made me feel like a big kid, running around with a Harry…

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…

Tokyo is one of the best places to visit in Asia Pacific. Being Japans capital city and one of the most populous cities in Asia, there are several places you can stay in Tokyo and more than enough things to keep you occupied. The great thing about Tokyo is that city is interconnected with great infrastructure and an easy to use transport system, and so mobility is not an issue when staying in Tokyo. Tokyo is massive, so we have put together a great guide on different areas in Tokyo to stay as well as where to stay in Tokyo…

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…

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…

Matsuyama, Japan is the capital of Ehime Prefecture and the largest city on the island of Shikoku. With a population of half a million, there are plenty of diverse attractions to keep you occupied. Known for its hilltop castle and hot springs, you’re guaranteed a rich and authentic Japanese experience here without dealing with as many tourists as Kyoto or Osaka. Matsuyama is a destination that the Japanese love to visit too. This is partly due to the city being the main setting in one of Japan’s most popular novels, while the historic Dogo Onsen bathhouse regularly draws visitors as…

Matsuyama is one of Japan’s best kept secret, the city is Ehime Prefecture’s capital and was built with the iconic Matsuyamajo Castle at its heart, perched upon the hill with views of the Seto Sea. Matsuyama has an incredible literary reputation, being the birthplace of several well-renowned Japanese poets. The city was brought to national fame in Japan as it was featured in the well-renowned novel by Natsume Soseki, called “Botchan” which is read by Japanese schoolchildren across the country. The city’s  most iconic onsen is also mentioned in the book and has become one of the most visited hot…

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.…

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…