Guides

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What to Eat in Japan

Japanese cuisine is more than a list of famous dishes. It's a system, built around rice, seasonal ingredients, and foundational...

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What to Do in Tokyo

The must-sees, the hidden neighborhoods, the best spots for food and nightlife: everything you need to know for a first trip to Tokyo.

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How Much Does a Trip to Japan Cost

Flights, accommodation, food, transport, sightseeing: a realistic budget for a Japan trip in 2026, with concrete prices and practical comparisons.

Lesser-Known Tokyo Neighborhoods: 13 Small Villages in the Megalopolis

Tokyo isn't a single big city, it's a hundred small villages stitched together. Here are 13 lesser-known neighborhoods worth exploring to understand the real Tokyo.

A Week (or a Month) in a Small Japanese Town

Living a week or a month in a small Japanese town: why it changes everything, how to pick one, where to stay, how to work remotely.

Tokyo Day Trips: 10 Easy Escapes

Hakone, Nikko, Kamakura, Mt Fuji, Yokohama, Enoshima: six day trips from Tokyo with timing, transport, and the one to skip if you only have a day.

Why Hire a Local Guide in Japan

When to hire a local guide in Japan, why it changes everything (countryside and Tokyo), and the platform to book directly without an agency middleman: Ikitorii.

Japanese Etiquette: What to Know Before You Go

Japanese etiquette for travelers: the rules that really matter, the ones that make people smile, and the ones that can genuinely offend. Without dramatizing.

What to Pack for Japan

What to pack for Japan: the realistic list, what to absolutely bring, what to buy on the ground, and the right luggage size to plan for.

Japan in Summer: Festivals, Heat, and Hidden Cool

Japan in summer: matsuri festivals, fireworks, ice-cold dishes, how to survive Tokyo's heat, and where to escape to the mountains or Hokkaido.

Japan in Spring: The Sakura Season

Japan in spring: sakura, hanami, region-by-region bloom calendar, where to go, how to picnic under the cherry trees, and the traps to avoid.

Your First 24 Hours in Japan

A calm, practical walkthrough of your very first 24 hours in Japan — from filling the plane forms to the first meal to the survival phrases that dissolve every interaction.

When to Visit Japan: Month by Month

A real month-by-month guide to choosing when to visit Japan. Best weather, worst crowds, secret sweet spots, and what to avoid.

10-Day First-Time Japan Itinerary

A real 10-day first-time Japan itinerary, written by someone who's lived here for over a decade. Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Nara, Hiroshima — with practical bookings, transport, and timing.

Japan in Winter

Japan in winter: Tohoku, Hokkaido, the Japanese Alps. Onsen under snow, ice festivals, white landscapes. My best spots and tips.

The Japanese Tea Ceremony

The Japanese tea ceremony: where to experience a real one, what format, how to behave. My addresses in Kyoto and Tokyo.

Japan in Autumn (Momiji)

Japan in autumn (momiji): where, when, and how to see the red leaves. My best spots from Kyoto to Nikko, with precise timing.

First Trip to Japan: Mistakes to Avoid

The most common mistakes for a first trip to Japan: itinerary, JR Pass, payment, language, luggage. My advice for avoiding them.

The Best Ryokan in Japan

My personal selection of the best traditional ryokan in Japan, by region: from the most accessible to the most iconic. What you experience and how to book.