Frequently, traditional-style accommodations in Japan are labelled as simply “inns.” However, just like the West has its hotels, motels, and B&Bs, Japan has its own distinctive categories of accommodation as well. Most Japanese inns can be categorized as either minshuku or ryokan, and to ensure you […]| Arigato Travel
Alright! Everything is packed. Got my passport. Let me not forget the camera to take some awesome memory shots. (Aren’t you forgetting something, though?) No, I seem pretty much prepared, unless…wait, do you mean my toothbrush? Nope! Is it my sunscreen? Not even! Guess again….or in […]| Arigato Travel
Across the world, each season paints the landscape with its own mood and meaning. In Europe, we often connect the seasons not only with changing colors and shifting atmospheres, but even with music. Who hasn’t tried to guess which melody in Antonio Vivaldi’s magnificent The Four […]| Arigato Travel
Here in Japan, autumn invites us to slow down and notice change—the hush of a temple garden after rain, the warmth of tea between our palms, the quiet joy of a red maple leaf against a slate sky. At Arigato Travel, we see travel as a […]| Arigato Travel
A Full-Day Guided Experience with Arigato Travel Nestled along the scenic Seto Inland Sea in Hiroshima Prefecture, Onomichi is a hidden gem beloved by artists, writers, and travelers who crave authenticity. While Hiroshima is often associated with the Peace Memorial Park and the famous island of […]| Arigato Travel
Clovermusubi is famous for their elegant hanko/inkan (traditional Japanese signature stamps), each one crafted with care and style. That same spirit of artistry shines through in their sweets. Their Shiawase Dorayaki — meaning “Happiness Dorayaki” — has captured hearts and earned the OMOTENASHI SELECTION gold award […]| Arigato Travel
Osaka is a city that knows how to have fun, and for beer lovers, it’s rapidly becoming one of the most exciting places in Japan to grab an ice-cold beer. With the number of independent breweries, stylish taprooms, and quirky bars rising, Osaka’s craft beer scene […]| Arigato Travel
Tofu is one of Japan’s most beloved and versatile ingredients. Made by curdling fresh soy milk and pressing it into blocks, it is mild in flavor but rich in texture and nutrition. For centuries, tofu has been a staple in Japanese cuisine; light, healthy, and adaptable […]| Arigato Travel
The Beginning of Autumn is here, and that means it’s time for spooky season and disguises! Summer is over, and you think it is time to rest? Far from it, so let us show you the best things to do this October in Tokyo! From colorful […]| Arigato Travel
With October fast-approaching, bringing with it the conclusion of the highly popular Japan Expo 2025, it is time to look at Osaka’s roster of events for the next month! A good portion of October’s events are carry-overs that are continuing from September, but that’s all the more reason to visit - there are so many festivals and activities to get invested in, that they shouldn’t be constrained to a single month! Add to this all the exclusively October events, and it's not hard to see t...| arigatojapan.co.jp
Autumn in Japan is more than just foliage; it’s also a time when the country’s cultural spirit comes alive. Across every region, from rural towns to coastal cities, festivals offer bold visuals, deep-rooted traditions, and community energy that sync with the season. Here are some of the best 秋祭り (aki matsuri) you shouldn't miss this fall. Takayama Autumn Festival (Takayama, Gifu): October 9 - 10 One of Japan’s most elegant autumn matsuri, the Takayama Autumn Festival (Hachiman Mat...| arigatojapan.co.jp
Located on the JR Yamanote line, Mejiro is a quiet and affluent district in Tokyo, easily accessible from other parts of the city. The name Mejiro has its origins in the Mejiro Fudo temple, which adds historical significance to the district. During the Edo period, Hatamoto (vassals of the shogun) and Daimyo (feudal lords) settled in this area and built large, luxurious houses. This gives Mejiro its distinctive historical appearance. Mejiro is renowned as a safe residential district, and while...| arigatojapan.co.jp
Just 2 hours from Kyoto and 3 hours from Osaka, you can find the breathtaking northern Kyoto Sea region. This serene area is home to a collection of picturesque cities, including Ayabe, Fukuchiyama, Ine, Kyotango, Maizuru, Miyazu, and Yosano. Kyoto by the Sea helps tourists find authentic Japanese stays, like boathouse Inns, outdoor wellness experiences, and food trails! With a collection of 100 restaurants to indulge in, stunning natural landscapes, and countless heritage arts to explore, it...| arigatojapan.co.jp
Are you ready, choco mint fans? Family Mart has brought back 14 totally cool and minty items to their shelves nationwide, just in time for the summer heat. In Japan, the choco-mint flavor is a beloved summer tradition, unlike in some countries where it is available year-round; here, it’s enjoyed as a seasonal treat that brings a refreshing twist to the hot and humid months. This year’s limited-edition items include desserts, snacks, and even a sandwich. Following Choco-Mint Fair’s succe...| arigatojapan.co.jp
Natto is one of the most iconic (and infamous among foreigners) foods in Japan. These fermented soybeans are sticky, stringy, and known for their strong smell. While it's a staple in many Japanese homes, especially for breakfast, most foreigners are initially turned off by it when they first try it. But what if the key to enjoying it isn’t about “what” natto is, but instead, “how you eat it?” Although it might have a polarizing first impression, natto is actually a true Japanese sup...| arigatojapan.co.jp
The Shinsekai district is unique -- there is nothing really like it anywhere else in Japan. The neighborhood dates back to the early 1900s and grew in popularity through the post-war| arigatojapan.co.jp
Omotesandō is very easy to reach from anywhere in the city. The two metro stations Meiji-Jingumae and Omotesando are served by many lines and the Harajuku stop of the JR Yamanote line is also a step away. This elegant tree-lined boulevard evokes Parisian atmospheres with its wide avenues of luxury brands and romantic cafés, and is definitely a nice place to stroll around with your nose up in the air on weekdays or join the local atmosphere on crowded weekends. Here you can discover a sense ...| arigatojapan.co.jp