Looking for a Kunisaki peninsula itinerary? Whether you go for a day trip from Beppu or stay a few nights, you'll find what you need here.| Japan Starts Here
Tourism at Mt. Aso never quite recovered from the 2016 earthquake. I could empathize in late 2019, when I was suffering some aftershocks of my own.| Japan Starts Here
Shimoda beaches are rightfully known as the best beaches near Tokyo, providing a taste of Okinawa just hours from the capital.| Japan Starts Here
The good news? One half of my experience climbing Mt. Fuji was absolutely delightful. The bad news? The other half was literally hell on Earth.| Japan Starts Here
Curious about booking a Tokyo go kart tour? Read about my experience with a Mario Kart tour, Tokyo apart from it and a unique Shinjuku ryokan.| Japan Starts Here
Saga is one of Japan's least-loved prefectures, but don't let that dissuade you from going! Plan your trip with my Saga travel guide.| Japan Starts Here
Your search for a Nagasaki Islands itinerary ends today. Whether you visit Ikishima, Tsushima, the Goto Islands or all of them, start here!| Japan Starts Here
Think Kyoto isn't any fun? Think again. The annual Gion Matsuri is one of Japan's most exciting (and underrated) summer festivals.| Japan Starts Here
Curious about ANA's new 777 business class? Read my review of "The Room," which also includes which routes have the new seats.| Japan Starts Here
Japan has no shortage of superlative airline cabins. But the experience in first class onboard JAL's new A350-1000 is something else entirely.| Japan Starts Here
ANA's "The Suite" first class was revolutionary when it debuted in 2019. Here's how it's holding up more than half a decade later.| Japan Starts Here
Curious about ANA's new 777 business class? Read my review of "The Room," which also includes which routes have the new seats.| Japan Starts Here
ANA's "The Suite" and JAL's new A350-1000 sky apartment are Japan's most exclusive first class products. Both excel, but one clearly wins.| Japan Starts Here
Want to explore Japan's Seto Inland Sea? My Setouchi itinerary can help you explore this captivating, off-the-beaten-path region.| Japan Starts Here
Although it's located just across the sea from Okayama, many travelers skip Takamatsu. Here's why you shouldn't!| Japan Starts Here
Osaka doesn't have the hanami reputation of Kyoto or even Tokyo. Here's how I made the most of my Osaka cherry blossom trip.| Japan Starts Here
Hiroshima is a city I love more every time I visit. If you've only got one shot, however, here's how to make the most of it.| Leave Your Daily Hell
In this post, I don't explain precisely why I came back to Nagasaki Ground Zero, but I do explain the way my return sojourn affected me.| Japan Starts Here
Whether you need Shimanami Kaido bike rental or simply want to know what to expect on the route, here's how to bike the Shimanami Kaido.| Japan Starts Here
Given their proximity, it's tempting to compare Okayama and Hiroshima, but the cities are very different from one another.| Japan Starts Here
Niigata is among the least-loved prefectures of Japan. If you follow my Niigata travel guide, however, you'll enjoy it.| Japan Starts Here
My Takayama winter trip was interesting—and not just because the end-of-January snow was rapidly melting when my bus pulled into town.| Japan Starts Here
Want to visit Wakayama? Whether you plan to hike the Kumano Kodo or spend a night at Koyasan, here's what you need to know.| Japan Starts Here
Though popular among Asian tourists, the sakura tunnel in Kitakami is relatively unknown among Westerners. Here's how to get there.| Japan Starts Here
The bad travels? It can be a nightmare to travel during Golden Week in Japan. The good news? It doesn't have to be, if you follow my advice.| Japan Starts Here
Planning a trip to Japan's Nagano prefecture? Here's a rundown of things to do in Nagano, including the Snow Monkeys.| Japan Starts Here
Considering whether to visit Japan's sup-tropical islands of Shikoku and Kyushu? Let me litigate the Shikoku vs Kyushu debate for you.| Japan Starts Here
Unsure how many days you should spend in Osaka? Read. this guide to Japan's underrated second city to help you decide!| Japan Starts Here
It's easy (and, for Americans and Europeans, relatively quick—and jet lag free!) to travel between Australia and Japan. Here's how!| Japan Starts Here
Although Yakushima Island didn't impress me the second time quite as much as it had the first, my trip there—my last in Kyushu, for now—was moving.| Japan Starts Here
Is it worth renting a car in Japan? The answer might surprise you, given Japan's reputation for stellar public transportation.| Japan Starts Here
There are few more quintessentially Japanese views than Mt. Fuji rising over verdant tea fields. Here's how to capture them for yourself.| Japan Starts Here
Tea ceremonies are a quintessential Japan experience, but they're also artificial and touristy. Here's how to decide whether to book one.| Japan Starts Here
Considering a day trip to Uji from Kyoto? Here's how to decide whether Uji is worth visiting, and what to do there if you go.| Japan Starts Here
It might surprise you to learn that the best Matcha farms in Japan are located less than an hour from Kyoto. Plan your visit today.| Japan Starts Here
With Mt. Fuji on one side and some of Japan's best beaches on the other, the Izu Peninsula is a treasure. Here's my Izu Peninsula itinerary.| Japan Starts Here
Want to watch Noh in Japan? While Niigata prefecture's Sado Island is the most scenic place to see a performance, there are other options.| Japan Starts Here
Is Sado Island worth visiting? Well, I can tell you that this idyll off the coast of Niigata is an absolute gem. Here's why.| Japan Starts Here
Even if you disregard its place in Japanese history, Shimoda is an amazing modern destination, and is home to some of Japan's best beaches.| Japan Starts Here
Fukushima is so much more than its reputation. Use my Fukushima itinerary to plan your trip to Japan's most misunderstood prefecture.| Japan Starts Here
To hear some people tell it, Japan's Fukushima will be a no-go zone for centuries or even millennia. But is this actually the case?| Japan Starts Here
Is Nagoya worth visiting? If you do come to here—most don't—I encourage you to get inspired by my Nagoya travel guide.| Japan Starts Here
The wide array of things to do in Aizu-Wakamatsu disproves so many stereotypes and false ideas about what Japan's Fukushima prefecture.| Japan Starts Here
Considering a visit to Beppu Onsen? Whether you stay at a sea-view onsen or simply take a trip to hell, you'll want to read what I have to say.| Japan Starts Here
Wondering whether you should take the Narita Express or the Keisei Skyliner? Here's how to decide the best way from Narita Airport to Tokyo.| Japan Starts Here
In an island country like Japan, peninsulas (known as "half islands" in Japanese) are a big deal. These are the best peninsulas in Japan.| Japan Starts Here
Should you visit Naoshima? Do you need to stay at Benesse House "Musuem Hotel"? Allow me to answer these questions—and all your questions.| Japan Starts Here
The harbor city of Onomichi is one of Hiroshima's—and Japan's—best-kept secrets. Here's how to plan your trip there.| Japan Starts Here
More than a decade after the Great East Japan Earthquake, many people are wondering if Fukushima is safe to visit. It is—and it's delightful.| Japan Starts Here
Planning a trip to Japan's Mie prefecture? Follow my Mie itinerary to eat Matsusaka beef and visit Mikimoto Pearl Island.| Japan Starts Here
Although it's close to both Osaka and Nagoya, many tourists skip Wakayama. But is Wakayama worth visiting?| Japan Starts Here
Akita's Kakunodate Samurai village is famous among Japanese, but relatively unknown among foreigners. Here's why you should visit.| Japan Starts Here
I've wanted to bathe at Tsuru no Yu for years, but did my experience at this legendary onsen live up to my expectations?| Japan Starts Here
Heading to Japan in summer 2025? Here's how to decide between the Akita Kanto Matsuri and Aomori Nebuta Matsuri festivals.| Japan Starts Here
Learn how to perfectly time your 2025 autumn trip to Japan with my comprehensive guide, which features the best Japan autumn leaves spots.| Japan Starts Here
Planning a trip to Hokkaido in autumn? Use my Hokkaido autumn itinerary to find all the information—and inspiration—you need.| Japan Starts Here
Search for an Okayama itinerary? Whether you want to hang out in Koraku-en garden or take a day trip to Naoshima, Okayama starts here.| Japan Starts Here
When is the best time to visit Japan? These photos will have you booking your ticket to visit Japan in autumn.| Japan Starts Here
Whether you're curious about the JR Pass price or just want to learn more about train travel in Japan, you're in the right place.| Japan Starts Here
Planning a trip to the Japanese Alps? No matter when you plan to visit, you can start building your Japanese Alps itinerary today.| Japan Starts Here
Whether you're eyeing a Kumano Kodo 3-day itinerary or want to take a longer trek, I've got everything you need to plan your trip.| Japan Starts Here
Considering a shubuko (temple stay) atop Japan's Mount Koya? Read my perspective to help get you off the fence.| Japan Starts Here
Not so many people come here when it's cold, but my Kanazawa winter adventure changed everything I thought I knew about the city.| Japan Starts Here
Whether on a day trip or overnight, it's easy to visit Japan's best onsen hot spring—Takaragawa Onsen—from Tokyo.| Japan Starts Here
Is Aomori worth visiting? I have a feeling that after you take a look at my Aomori itinerary, your answer will definitely be "yes"!| Japan Starts Here
Planning a trip to Japan's Akita prefecture? From Kakunodate Samurai village to Tsuru-no-yu onsen, create your Akita itinerary here.| Japan Starts Here
Planning a visit to Japan's Akita prefecture? My post will give you an idea of how many days to spend there, as well as what to do.| Japan Starts Here
Whether you come for the Awa Odori festival, or to visit the Naruto Whirlpools, check out my Tokushima travel itinerary.| Japan Starts Here
From Kochi Castle, to udon shops in Marugame, to the onsens of the Iya Valley, my Shikoku itinerary spotlights Japan's smallest island.| Japan Starts Here
Plan your 2025 winter trip to Japan, even if you don't ski. See snow monkeys of Nagano, "drift ice" in eastern Hokkaido and so much more.| Japan Starts Here
Japan can be hot, humid and miserable during the summer, but it can also be magical. Here's how to plan your Japan summer itinerary for 2025.| Japan Starts Here
Is Hokkaido's Shirogane Blue Pond worth visiting? Here's how, why (and when!) to visit the Hokkaido blue lake for the best pictures.| Japan Starts Here
When you head to far eastern Hokkaido in winter, you're faced with an important choice: Should you visit Kushiro, Abashiri or both?| Japan Starts Here
Asahikawa is Japan's coldest city and the hub of central Hokkaido, but should you go there during your trip?| Japan Starts Here
I didn't see a single Satsuma orange during my trip to their namesake peninsula. I'm nonetheless thrilled I decided to visit the Satsuma Peninsula.| Japan Starts Here
Riding the Shinkansen between Tokyo and Osaka, Kyoto or Hiroshima? Here's how to decide between Nozomi vs. Hikari vs. Kodama.| Japan Starts Here
In this post, I don't necessarily explain how or why to take a day trip to Karatsu Castle from Fukuoka—but I do go deeper.| Japan Starts Here
Are Fukuoka yatai food stalls all they're cracked up today? This blog post answers that question (albeit in a very roundabout way).| Japan Starts Here
The Kamikochi Valley is one of Japan's most popular and accessible hiking destinations. Should you visit Kamikochi on your next trip?| Japan Starts Here
The Japanese farm village of Shirakawa-go has become something of a tourist trap in recent years. So, is it still worth visiting?| Japan Starts Here
Whether as a multi-day hike or as a day trip, Japan's Nakasendo trail is easy to access. But can you hike the Nakasendo trail on your own?| Japan Starts Here
Whether you travel from Takayama to Shirakawago en route to Kanazawa or as a standalone day trip, get inspired by my recent experience.| Japan Starts Here
Sapporo is not only one of Japan's largest cities, but the hub of Hokkaido. You'll need to spend longer here than you might think!| Japan Starts Here
Spice up your time in Sapporo with day trips, whether you spend a morning in Noboribetsu Onsen or an evening in Otaru.| Japan Starts Here
Planning Kyushu travel? My Kyushu travel guide is a crash course in Kyushu destinations, experiences and the best time to visit Kyushu.| Japan Starts Here
Japan's summer festivals (matsuri—祭り) are one of the best windows into the country's culture. Here's how to go about attending one in 2025.| Japan Starts Here
Japan's best beaches are in Okinawa, but it's more than sand and sky. Check out my Okinawa travel guide to learn more!| Japan Starts Here
I love vast, wild Hokkaido more every time I visit. Here's how to make the most of your trip, no matter how many days in Hokkaido you spend.| Japan Starts Here
Planning to visit Kyoto? Use Kyoto itinerary to help you put together your next amazing trip to Japan's ancient capital.| Japan Starts Here
I'm not here to tell you whether to visit Shinjuku or Shibuya—you should visit both! I will help you compare and contrast them, however.| Japan Starts Here
Is Nagasaki worth visiting? From mornings in Dejima to evenings atop Mt. Inasa, my Nagasaki itinerary helps you plan your trip.| Japan Starts Here
Is Fukuoka worth visiting? Absolutely! Here's my guide to one of Japan's most underrated city, and the gateway to Kyushu.| Japan Starts Here
Considering a 2024 trip to see Japan's cherry blossoms? Plan the ultimate Japan sakura itinerary—for next year, or for any year—today.| Japan Starts Here
Takayama has surged in popularity recently, to the extent that some people question whether it's still worth visiting. Here's my take.| Japan Starts Here
Searching for a Tokyo travel guide? No matter how many days in Tokyo you plan to spend, start planning your trip here.| Japan Starts Here
While some of Japan's summer festivals are difficult to attend, Osaka's Tenjin Matsuri is much easier, in 2026 or any other year.| Japan Starts Here
Searching for an Iki island itinerary? From how to get here, to what to do once you arrive, I'll help you plan your trip to Iki today.| Japan Starts Here
The good news? Tsushima is a real island off the coast of Japan—you can visit! The bad news? It's not quite the same place as in the game.| Japan Starts Here
Japan's rugged and fiercely beautiful northeast, Tohoku is supremely underrated. Use this Tohoku itinerary to plan your trip.| Japan Starts Here
Yakushima isn't easy to visit—it's hours off the coast of Kagoshima, one of Japan's most remote prefectures. But it's worth the trek.| Japan Starts Here