All About Japan All About Japan

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The 'Inns' & Outs of Japanese Accommodations

Japan has many types of unique accommodations, but it can be hard to keep them straight! Unsure of the difference between a 'ryokan' and a 'minshuku?' Have a look at our recommendations for conventional (and not-so-conventional!) places to stay!

6 Hiking Trails Close to Tokyo

No need to go far for great trails, it only takes 90 minutes (or less!) to get to all these hiking spots from central Tokyo. Lace up your boots, and discover six mountain escapes under an hour and a half away from the capital

10 Super Spicy Ramen Restaurants in Tokyo

Tokyo's bowl runneth over when it comes to ramen restaurants! But for those looking to spice things up, here are ten restaurants that are sure to test the stomachs and wills of any ramen enthusiast!

A Guide to TeamLab's Interactive Light Museum

Before you head to Mori Building Digital Art Museum: EPSON teamLab Borderless, there are a few things you’ll need to know.

7 Hidden Temples & Shrines in Tokyo

If you're looking to avoid temples and shrines congested with tourists, you may want to try visiting one of these other traditional places of worship!

Stranger than Fiction: 5 True Tales from Tokyo

Want to learn more about Tokyo? These 5 nonfiction novels examine different aspects of Japanese life and culture in the country and its colorful capital.

Greater Tokyo: Sightseeing & Gluten-Free Food

Japan is becoming increasingly aware of different dietary lifestyles, which is great! But the language barrier can prove especially difficult when trying to find some gluten-free grub to enjoy in Tokyo or Yokohama. Don't worry—we're here to help!

15 Spots In Osaka You Have To Visit

Osaka may be smaller than Tokyo, but that just means that all the fun things to do and tasty eats are more concentrated. Here are 15 spots you cannot miss when visiting this wonderful city!

7 Easy Hikes Near Tokyo

If you're an outdoor enthusiast and have already hiked Mount Takao—or would like a similarly gentle hike with fewer people—these seven spots near Tokyo are perfect!

The Big Tokyo Travel Guide

Tokyo is a city of old and new, where modern skyscrapers rise up from the remains of centuries-old castle walls. The Big Tokyo Travel Guide will help you find whatever you're looking for in Japan's capital city.

6 Sake Brewery Day Trips from Tokyo

One of the great things about visiting Tokyo is that in the (unlikely) chance you’ve managed to see, do, drink and eat everything you wanted in the city, there’s a whole cluster delightful breweries to explore just a train ride away!

What To Wear: Women Working in Japan

It can be hard for women to know exactly what is appropriate (or not) to wear in a Japanese office. Get the lowdown on the basic rules to follow to avoid faux pas without having to resort to a penguin suit.

5 Popular Japanese Foods (Besides Sushi)

Although sushi might be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about Japanese food, it's actually an irregular part of the Japanese diet. The following five foods are consumed far more frequently. Have you tried them all?

Top 5 Spots Around Hida Takayama

Hida Takayama is a picturesque old castle town in the mountains of Gifu Prefecture, and offers visitors a truly authentic, traditional Japanese experience.

Spend the Evening 'Lost in Translation'

If you've ever wanted to recreate the iconic scenes from the widely acclaimed film 'Lost in Translation,' look no further. These spots in Tokyo were used as locations for five scenes in this bittersweet tale of missed connection.

The Coolest Arcade You've Never Heard Of

Just across the river from Tokyo, in the city of Kawasaki, is an arcade with a unique aesthetic and personality that's as big as its selection of games and activities.

12 Key Phrases for Getting By in Japan

Whether you're visiting for the first time or staying for a while, these simple phrases can help you get around in Japan without getting lost—or lost in translation!

11 Things to Know When Traveling to Japan

What does a foreign traveler need to know when visiting Japan? Here we try to parse it down to 11 key things you definitely need to know—and a few more that could be helpful.

13 Budget-Friendly Tokyo Day Trips

When we say budget-friendly, we mean it! All of these trips will cost less than ¥5,000 round-trip on Japan's extensive railway network, and will show off another unique aspect of the country.

All About Purikura!

If you're not familiar with the exaggerated features and photographic fun of 'purikura,' you're in luck! This article takes a deeper look at the rise of these 'kawaii' Japanese photo booths, and what to expect when you visit one.

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