Japan

The truth is you can get by in Japan knowing virtually none of the Japanese language, but there are a few words that will make things a little easier. Words like okay in Japanese, and toilet of course.  For more advanced conversations, you can simply use Google Translate! Type what you want to say into your phone and a free...

The experience of hiking in Kyoto at Fushimi Inari-Taisha can only be described in the most eloquent of words. This shrine, built over centuries of time is a tribute to the Shinto beliefs. It begins as a wave of blood orange gates that sing a melodious song of loyalty. Each gate is one voice in a chorus singing hymnals...

The JR trains, or Japan Railway East Company, in Japan are incredible. The network of trains that go in every direction, crisscrossing and weaving with the utmost fluidity, are remarkable. Take the opportunity to walk around the city, and take an elevated crosswalk that crosses above them. You’ll see upwards of 10 lines working their magic. (Even if it...

When it comes to deciding between booking a hotel or an airbnb in Kyoto, or any part of Japan for that matter, the decision is easy. Definitely book an airbnb. Hotel rates are based per person, not per room, and occupancy levels are strictly adhered to with exact allowances of who can and cannot be in the room. When you are...

Shrouded within a forest, the Kiyomizu-dera Temple is balanced on the edge of Mt. Otowa. It is built into the rock wall facing the city of Kyoto overlooking the Higashiyama District to the west. Your journey to Kiyomizu-dera will provide you a glimpse of what you are about to experience along the way. The top most part of the...

Tokyo is an awesome melting pot of weirdness combined with electronics, combined with futuristic tech, combined with history, combined with masses upon masses of people, combined with karaoke. Oh yes, this article is all about karaoke in Japan.  Not just karaoke in Japan, but fantasy karaoke in Japan. Aaaaaah yeah.  Yes, This is Why You Need to Experience Private Karaoke in Japan What...

Tokyo is a sprawling city, the most populated city in the world in fact! We were eager to see all that combustion in action all together from a killer skyline view. The Tokyo Tower offers a stunning view of Tokyo, but comes with a high price tag too.  Instead, the best free view of Tokyo can be found at...

We didn't know how good we had it. This was our first airbnb experience in Japan, and we didn't fully appreciate the fusion of amenities we were offered. We didn't yet appreciate that traditional Japanese housing offers mats on the floor instead of mattresses, paper for walls, a soaking tub with a bucket instead of a shower, and hand...

Grocery shopping in Japan is like stepping into an alternate universe. The staples are there, bread, meat, fruit, candy, drinks, etc., but the availability of items on the island versus the mainland, and specific items that are exclusive to Japan is wholly different. Not to mention, the culture of Japan is totally ingrained into the grocery shopping rituals in...

Arisugawa-no-Miya Memorial Park is located amidst the hectic Japanese streets, but offers a tranquil break from the mad rush of everyday life in Tokyo. Beyond the statues, streams, waterfalls and walking trails, there are tons of hidden treasures.  This list includes all the reasons you'll absolutely love Arisugawa-no-Miya Memorial Park!  ► Ranking: #cleandiaper Arisugawa-no-Miya Memorial Park 5 Chome-7-29 Minamiazabu, 港区 Minato-ku, Tōkyō-to 106-0047,...