Josh 
This Hakodate travel guide covers 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 … Read more
Yamadera Temple 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. … Read more
Hida Takayama and Shirakawa-go offer one of the best combinations of historic townscapes, mountain scenery, traditional food, and rural Japan in the Chubu region. Takayama is a compact mountain city in Gifu Prefecture known for its beautifully preserved old town, traditional wooden merchant houses, morning markets, sake breweries, and Hida beef. About 50 minutes away … Read more
Inuyama Castle by train is an easy and rewarding cultural day trip from Nagoya, combining one of Japan’s most atmospheric original castles with a historic castle town. Located in Aichi Prefecture beside the Kiso River, the castle sits high on a hill above the old castle town. Its compact wooden keep, steep historic staircases, and … Read more
Hikone Castle by train is an easy and rewarding day trip from Kyoto or Maibara, combining one of Japan’s best-preserved original castles with scenic Lake Biwa surroundings. Located in Shiga Prefecture on the eastern side of Lake Biwa, Hikone is easy to reach from Kyoto and makes a particularly convenient stop if you are traveling … Read more
Himeji Castle by train is one of the easiest and most rewarding castle trips in Japan, with direct Shinkansen access and a simple walk from JR Himeji Station. Located in Hyogo Prefecture between Osaka and Hiroshima, the castle is served by JR Himeji Station on the Sanyo Shinkansen. From the station, you can walk straight … Read more
Miyajima may be best known for Itsukushima Shrine and its famous floating torii gate, but food is another big part of the experience. The island has several specialties that are well worth planning into your visit rather than simply grabbing whatever is convenient. The three foods I would prioritize are anago-meshi, Hiroshima oysters, and momiji … Read more
Miyajima from Hiroshima is one of the easiest and most rewarding day trips in western Japan. Famous for Itsukushima Shrine, its seemingly floating torii gate, Mount Misen, friendly deer, and excellent local food, the island can be reached from Hiroshima Station in roughly 45–55 minutes using a combination of JR train and ferry. For most … Read more
Haneda Airport Terminal 3 is much more than a place to check in for an international flight. If your family arrives early, you can watch airplanes, explore an Edo-style shopping area, cross a traditional wooden bridge, see model aircraft, visit a planetarium café, shop for Japanese souvenirs and even relax in a natural hot spring … Read more
Rain does not have to ruin a family day in Tokyo. The city has excellent indoor playgrounds, aquariums, interactive museums and amusement attractions that can easily fill several hours — and many are conveniently reached by train. Indoor attractions are also useful during Tokyo’s hot and humid summer months or on cold winter days when … Read more