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Japan Travel Blog
Japan Travel Pros aims to keep you in the know about Japan travel news, destination spotlights, air & hotel deals, local experiences & much more
Denied Service in Japan?
Most Japanese people are happy that you’re visiting, and most Japanese businesses will accommodate you to the best of their ability – often going above and beyond. But every now & then, a restaurant might deny you service. Why?
Konbini in Japan: Godsend or Overrated?
Social media is filled with praise for konbini as Japanese culinary treasures. But are they truly a food paradise, or is the konbini craze just content-creator-driven travel hype?
Does Street Food in Japan Even Exist?
From department store take-away meals and regional ekiben, to Osaka neighborhood fare and Fukuoka yatai, there are plenty of ways to enjoy casual, extremely tasty food “from the street” (and sometimes on it) in Japan.
Why Your Honeymoon Should Be in Japan
Your taste buds will thank you, your Instagram feed will explode & you'll come back from your Japan honeymoon with stories that'll make your friends say, "You did "whaaaat?!"
Language Lesson: 3 Big Words to Break the Ice
Break the ice! In this Japanese lesson, you'll learn 3 important words to start an interaction.
Japan Tours: From Packaged to Self-Guided
Tours in japan offer a gateway to explore this fascinating country without the stress of managing every detail yourself. We break it all down, from packaged tours to self-guided itineraries.
Osaka: Japan’s Feisty Food Capital
Not just for business anymore, plenty of travelers on self-guided tours of Japan these days are checking out Osaka, staying longer and experiencing more of what it has to offer.
No Tipping in Japan: Good Service is Expected
In Japan, service is included. It’s expected. Not providing the expected standard of service in Japan would be shameful for a business, whether that’s a restaurant, hotel or shop.
Is Japan a Luxury Travel Destination?
Japan is a unique destination for luxury travel. Unlike luxury properties & experiences in some destinations, for example, luxury in Japan is often characterized by its subtlety, an understated attention to detail.
Ramen in Japan: Savor Every Slurp
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.
How to Pack Light for Your Japan Trip
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.
Tourist Traps vs. The Real Japan
Overtourism in Japan is real. The challenge is finding authentic experiences. Trust us, they're out there. And they're worth seeking out.
Kyoto: Japan’s Historic Crown Jewel
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.
Trip Report: Unexpected Adventure in Kansai
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?
Quick Note: Baseball in Japan
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: How to Travel Japan Respectfully
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.
Sushi in Japan: Conveyor Belt to Michelin Star
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.
Onsen: Soaking in Japan's Hot Spring Culture
Let's explore the geological origins of onsen, Japan's famous hot springs, tracing their cultural significance through history.
Typhoons, Earthquakes & Japan Itinerary Planning
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: Highlights of Japan’s Iconic Capital
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.
Talk to Us About Your Japan Trip
Want to make the most of your Japan self-guided tour? Let’s have a chat! We’ll answer your questions and let you know how we can help make your Japan travel dreams come true.