From hole-in-the-wall shops with lines snaking around the block to sleek, modern joints pushing the boundaries of noodle innovation, ramen in Japan is a whole different ball game.

When you’re not worrying about managing heavy luggage, you’re free to take that impromptu detour, explore that intriguing side street or spend an extra hour in that museum that caught your eye. Packing light lets you focus on what really matters: making unforgettable memories.

Overtourism in Japan is real. The challenge is finding authentic experiences. Trust us, they're out there. And they're worth seeking out.

Beneath the tourist-trap veneer and the selfie-stick mobs filling Kyoto these days, the old girl's still got it. You just need to know where to look.

The Kansai region is right outside our front door. It’s full of history, culture culinary delights. In just three days, we'd traverse Nara, Uji, Kyoto, and Osaka. It was ambitious, spur of the moment… but isn't that the essence of adventure?

It’s baseball season in Japan. The pros (Nippon Professional Baseball League) have been going since springtime, and the annual summer high school baseball tournament is taking place near Osaka.

Etiquette in Japan isn't about following a strict set of rules. It's about being aware, being respectful and being open to new experiences... that turn a good trip into an unforgettable one.

In this article we lay out the basics about sushi: what it is, where it comes from and how it’s become Japan’s most famous food beyond its borders.

Let's explore the geological origins of onsen, Japan's famous hot springs, tracing their cultural significance through history.

What happens when a typhoon or earthquake disrupts your Japan travels? Beyond the immediate safety considerations, of course, there’s also the question of how to adjust your itinerary in Japan.

Tokyo has a wealth of travel experiences, sights, sounds, flavors and memories that will last a lifetime. We give you some of the basics of how to visit Tokyo and make the most of your experience in Japan.

We’re hearing some chatter these days about the Japan Rail Pass and its possible effects on overtourism in Japan. Find out why, how & more!

In this guide we break down Japan's transportation networks, equipping you with the knowledge & confidence to tackle your Japan self-guided tour.

These comfort foods, often associated with the Kansai region (Osaka & environs in western Japan), have won fans across Japan and beyond. Okonomiyaki and takoyaki provide a good window into Japanese food culture, showcasing local ingredients, cooking techniques and the social aspect of dining.

As we continue to delve into some of the many options for good coffee in Japan, in Part 2 we’ll explore a mainstay of Japan’s coffee culture (and of modern Japanese culture in general): The Kissaten or coffee shop.

Japan's railway network is a world class example of efficiency, punctuality and comfort that never fails to impress international travelers.

Let’s hop on a journey through the intricate Japanese train system, sharing insights that will help you make the most of your visit to Japan. 

Visit any Japanese home – be it a country farmhouse or a Tokyo condo – and the first thing you’ll see inside the doorway is a collection of shoes and slippers.

So what are the rules when visiting Japan? Where can you leave your shoes on, and where do you need to take them off?

Japan has a lot going for it. From its rich cultural heritage to its stunning natural beauty, there’s plenty to explore and enjoy. And it’s way more than sushi and samurai! Dive into the local culture by visiting festivals, Stroll through bustling markets, department store food halls and local groceries, savoring the sights and smells of local, authentic Japanese food at its finest.

You might be thinking, "wait, Japan? Isn't it all about green tea?" Yes, Japan is famous for its tea. But trust me, they take their coffee just as seriously. Japan's coffee game is stronger than that espresso shot you desperately need on Monday mornings.

There are so many great places and things to experience in Japan, and yet most people are held back by either limited information or, even worse, by fear of missing out (FOMO). Which is ironic, isn’t it, considering that this fear is actually causing them to miss out!