Japan

Located on the Japanese island of Honshu, Osaka is known for its vibrant nightlife, modern urban architecture and a wide selection of delicious Japanese street food. Tourists in Osaka pilgrim to the city’s main historical landmark - the Osaka Castle from the 16th century. The palace is surrounded by beautiful gardens with plum and sakura (cherry blossom) trees. Osaka is also home to one of Japan’s oldest Shinto shrines, Sumiyoshi-Taisha. Often compared to Tokyo, Osaka is smaller than the Japanese capital and offers fewer tourist attractions, but it is a great hub for day trips and excursions! Read through our list of the best day trips from Osaka, but before we start, make sure you have your Japan Rail Pass purchased and ready! It is your key to every train trip inside Japan - we will explain more below. Plan your trip to Japan Need data for your trip to…

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 well. Overlooking the Seto Inland Sea from various points in the city, Matsuyama is a relaxing breath of fresh air. The city is full of culture, history and tradition, ready for you to learn all about. Keep reading to find out the best 18 things to do and see in…

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 spring resorts in Japan, don’t miss out on the authentic experience of bathing at the centuries-old Dogo Onsen. Matsuyama has all the charm of another era, with trams traversing the city streets and friendly locals. There are also many pilgrims called “henro” who visit the city in search of enlightenment…

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. Oita will host the Rugby World Cup in October 2019, introducing new travellers to the magic of Oita. 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 off all types of Oita accommodation options from Hostels to luxury Oita hotels as well as how to decide where to stay in Oita, the best Oita hotels, best places in Oita to…

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 Potter wand in one hand and a glass of Butterbeer, there are plenty of places to visit in Osaka! The subway line in Osaka making getting around super easy (and not to mention cheap!). The hotels in Osaka Japan run from cheap hostels to very expensive 5 star hotels. We…

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 on a budget, the best hotels in Tokyo, the best places to stay in Tokyo Japan, the best areas to stay in Tokyo for nightlife lovers and of course the best family hotels in Tokyo. We will cover off all types of Tokyo accommodation options from Hostels to luxury Tokyo…

Located on the Japanese island of Shikoku, Matsuyama is a peaceful yet bustling city that’s often overlooked by first-time travellers to the country. Matsuyama is not quite as famous as the larger metropolises of Tokyo or Osaka, but that’s all the more reason to visit the city. Despite only being founded in the late 19th century, Matsuyama retains an authenticity often lost in more touristy destinations. This is a city that’s famed for its hot springs, and in true Japanese fashion, Matsuyama is the perfect place to learn about the local Onsen bathing culture. You can also find historic castles, a nationally renowned literary legacy and writing scene, and many more quirky sights and attractions too. To inspire your trip to the island of Shikoku, here’s our ultimate travel guide to Matsuyama. This ultimate travel guide to Matsuyama will show you all the most beautiful places in Matsuyama, what to…

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,…

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 Japan, Ryokan, or traditional Japanese style inns, offer a unique cultural experience, and may be easier on the the budget than a luxury hotel.…

Oita is the capital city of Oita Prefecture, located on Japan’s southernmost island of Kyushu. With a population of just under half a million people, Oita has the charm of a small city while still having a ton of fun things to do and see. There’s a lot to explore in this part of the world, with neighbouring tourist towns of Beppu and Yufu also attracting many Japanese and international visitors. If you’re seeking a laid-back and relaxed cultural experience, Oita is the destination for you. This Oita, Japan guide will be your ultimate guide to the city and region’s top attractions and activities. If you’re curious about what there is to do in Oita or you’re planning an upcoming trip, keep reading to find out everything you’ll need to know. This ultimate travel guide to Oita will show you all the most beautiful places in Oita, what to expect…