I've had more than seven years to ponder the question "is Sendai worth visiting?"—I think you'll find my answer illuminating.| 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
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
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
Though I'd been to Matsuyama Castle before, seeing the fortress during peak sakura season was more than a little special.| Japan Starts Here
Most people use Okayama merely as a stopover between Tokyo or Osaka and Hiroshima. Here's why I consider Okayama worth visiting in its own right.| 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
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
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 on a day trip or overnight, it's easy to visit Japan's best onsen hot spring—Takaragawa Onsen—from Tokyo.| 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
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
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
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
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
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
Hire Japan expert Robert Schrader to build you a customized Japan itinerary for 2024 or 2025. Your dream trip to Japan starts here!| Japan Starts Here
April is one of my favorite months to visit Japan—and not only because of sakura. Here's an idea of what to expect in Japan.| 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