Josh ashiyu-in-tokyo-7-foot-bath-spots-to-soak-tired-feet-between-sights Tokyo is a city that can wear out your feet surprisingly quickly. Long station corridors, huge sightseeing areas, and hours of walking can add up fast — especially after several days of exploring. One very Japanese way to take a break is an ashiyu, or foot bath. You simply remove your shoes and socks, … Read more
If you are travelling through Hiroshima with children, Hotel Granvia Hiroshima South Gate is one of the most convenient places to stay in the city — especially if you are arriving by Shinkansen or planning a day trip to Miyajima. Opened in March 2025, the hotel sits directly above JR Hiroshima Station, so there is … Read more
The Furano Lavender Express is one of the easiest ways to travel directly from Sapporo to Furano during Hokkaido’s summer sightseeing season. Operated by JR Hokkaido, this seasonal limited express runs between Sapporo and Furano without requiring a transfer. In 2026, the journey takes about two hours, making it a practical option for a long … Read more
One of the best parts of travelling by train in Japan is eating an ekiben — a boxed meal made especially for railway journeys. Ekiben are sold at major stations, inside station shopping areas, and sometimes on station platforms. Many feature local ingredients and regional specialties, so they are more than just a convenient meal … Read more
Japan is not always a cheap destination, but travelling around the country can cost far less than many visitors expect. With a little planning, you can reduce the cost of trains, accommodation, meals, luggage, attractions, and everyday purchases without sacrificing the experiences that make a Japan trip special. The biggest savings usually come from making … Read more
Nara is one of the most historically important cities in Japan and one of the easiest cultural day trips from Kyoto or Osaka. In 710, Japan’s capital was established at Heijokyo in present-day Nara. During the Nara period, Buddhism flourished and some of the country’s most important temples, sculptures, and religious traditions developed here. Today, … Read more
Dotonbori is one of the places that immediately comes to mind when people picture Osaka: giant illuminated signs, crowded streets, takoyaki, restaurants, the canal, and the famous Glico running man overlooking Ebisubashi Bridge. Located in Osaka’s lively Minami district, Dotonbori is both a major sightseeing destination and one of the city’s best areas for eating, … Read more
Okayama is one of those Japanese cities that many international travelers pass through without ever leaving the station. Sitting on the Sanyo Shinkansen between Osaka and Hiroshima, it is often treated simply as a place to change trains. I think that is a mistake. Okayama combines one of Japan’s most celebrated landscape gardens, an impressive … Read more
Hakodate is one of Hokkaido’s most enjoyable cities to explore by train and an excellent first or final stop on a journey through Japan’s northern island. Located in southern Hokkaido, Hakodate combines a historic port, Western-influenced architecture, excellent seafood, a star-shaped fortress, traditional tram travel, and one of Japan’s most famous night views. It also … Read more
Yamadera is one of northern Japan’s most memorable temple experiences and an easy train trip from either Yamagata or Sendai. Its official name is Risshakuji Temple, but almost everyone knows it simply as Yamadera, meaning “mountain temple.” The temple buildings rise through a forested mountainside above the small town of Yamadera in Yamagata Prefecture. The … Read more