A few insider tips on what to bring to Japan can make all the difference. We share what we’ve learned in this essential Japan packing list for first time visitors. I’m not going to insult your intelligence here by telling you how many pairs of socks…
Local festivals are a great time to visit a Japanese Temple or Shrine. This large UNESCO listed temple is especially beautiful during the cherry blossoms and the Hanami Gyoretsu festival but it’s not the only season that it’s excels.
Get a birds eye view of Osaka city from the Umeda Sky Building. Orientate youreself ready to start exploring and spot iconic locations like Osaka Castle and the lights of Dotonbori.
Explore the city with this self guided Kyoto walking tour around central Kyoto. Follow the marked route or pick attractions to suit your interests. This Kyoto walking tour of central Kyoto is entirely self guided. Take it at your own pace and spend the most…
The Sapporo Snow Festival is an incredible winter wonderland of all things snow & ice. Spread across 3 huge sites it’s the biggest winter festival in Japan so here are a few tips for getting the most out of your visit.
What is the Japan Rail pass? Is it good value? Which one do I buy for my trip? So many questions on the JR Pass & we answer them all here
Kyoto is a beautiful city to visit but it can get expensive. Here are our top 10 picks of fun and free things to do in Kyoto that you don’t want to miss. Did you know there are some great fun and free things to…
As a self confessed and unashamed foodie it’s not surprising that we found our way to Nishiki market (Nishiki Ichiba 錦市場) within hours of arriving in Kyoto. Known as Kyoto’s kitchen this is a market used extensively by locals to source fresh ingredients, artisan produce…
As soon as I knew we’d be in Kyoto on the 1st April I mentally blocked out the middle of the day for the Kenka-sai festival. Incorporating festivals and cultural events on our Japan trips is something we’ve done since our first visit and it’s provided some…
Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion Temple should be on your list of things to do in Kyoto. Here’s what you need to know to plan your visit. We’ve been to the Golden Pavilion temple during spring time and in winter and thoroughly enjoyed both visits. It’s…
Nijo Castle is one of the must see spots on our Kyoto list. We were really surprised to hear several visitors to the city say they weren’t going because there’s ‘no point when there’s no castle’. It is true that the main tower of Nijo castle…
Okayama castle is easily accessed from the main Sanyo bullet train line making it a practical day trip from Osaka, Kyoto and Hiroshima. For anyone with an interest in castles, gardens or Japans feudal history Okayama is a worthwhile city to visit.