Category: Travel guide

48 Hours Trekking and Cycling in Toyama: Summer Edition

Toyama is a beautiful area surrounded by luscious nature and impressive mountains. But this time, instead of skiing down the slopes and visiting the snow wall, I went during the summer green season for a break from the heat in the city centre. In this article with Visit Toyama, I’ll share my two-day trip itinerary…

November 11, 2024
Prepare for Bug Season in Japan: Bug Spray Recommendations!

If you have any thoughts of hiking in Japan, you’ll need to be prepared! If you don’t wear long sleeves, you’ll most certainly come back itchy. I went with Live Japan to a popular drug store in Shibuya to ask for their best recommendations to avoid those little suckers! https://livejapan.com/en/in-tokyo/in-pref-tokyo/in-shibuya/article-a0005530/

November 6, 2024
How to Spend a Day in Fukuoka

Fukuoka is one of Japan’s beautiful southern prefectures, with a different culture and lifestyle all of its own. It’s the birthplace of the famous Hakata ramen, and has a mix of traditional sightseeing spots and modern areas for shopping. This Fukuoka one-day itinerary is based on a recent trip I did myself. I only had…

October 29, 2024
In Japan’s flyover country, 72 hours of hidden gems

Okayama and Tottori don’t often find themselves on the must-visit lists of aspiring tourists, but that’s exactly why you should visit – they are devoid of the insane crowds that clog the streets of the more sought-after Kyoto and Tokyo. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/life/2024/08/23/travel/okayama-tottori-marriott-hotel/

October 22, 2024
Experience Rafting and Canyoning in Gunma

If you’re looking for an adrenaline boost, rafting and canyoning in Gunma is the way to go. In this post with Japan Cheapo, I’ll show you what you can expect from a day at Canyons Minakami — based on our experience. Spoiler: you’ll be rappelling down waterfalls! (No, the photos aren’t me!)https://japancheapo.com/travel/rafting-canyoning-minakami/

October 8, 2024
Japan’s dueling ‘katsu’ curry creators are just happy to see the dish thrive

If you know anything about Japanese food, you’re probably familiar with katsu curry. The dish has been particularly popular in the UK in recent years! I visited one of the three places that claims the title as its originator, and compared it with a newer shop in the area in my latest piece for The…

September 19, 2024
Exploring Sado Island: Sake, Sushi, and Granny-Powered Boats

Off the coast of Niigata is a melting pot of cultures from around Japan called Sado Island. It’s a remote island only accessible by boat, but the ride rewards you with diverse natural landscapes, food, and festivals. In this Japan Cheapo piece, I’ll share with you how to make the most of it in an…

September 12, 2024
How to Enjoy Japanese Onsen as a Couple

Visiting an onsen (hot spring) in Japan is a great way to experience Japanese culture first hand. It can be a bit daunting on your first go, though. So in this blog post with Japan Specialist, I look at how to dip your toes in or take the plunge with your special someone! https://japanspecialist.com/w/how-to-enjoy-japanese-onsen-as-a-couple

July 22, 2024
The perfect beach that Instagram didn’t ruin

When the tide is out and the weather conditions are just right, the shores of Fukutsu transform into a 3km, crystal-clear mirror. In my first ever article for BBC Travel, I visited the beautiful Fukutsu Sea Mirror and spoke to those juggling with the task of promoting the area for tourism and keeping the beaches…

July 18, 2024
Metropolis About Town: Futuristic Summer Edition

As summer is now hitting full swing, so, too are the summer events around Tokyo. This issue of Metropolis is all about time travel, so here I explore some of the modern and futuristic food, art, and cultural events to look out for. https://metropolisjapan.com/about-town-summer-futuristic-events/

July 15, 2024