Category: Travel guide

  • How to Rent a Car in Japan

    How to Rent a Car in Japan

    I’ve rented a car a fair few times in Japan, but if it’s your first time it can be a little confusing. Here are a few basic tips to help you go on your first drive around Japan! https://blog.gaijinpot.com/how-to-rent-a-car-in-japan/

  • Illumination Events in Japan for Christmas 2022

    Illumination Events in Japan for Christmas 2022

    In recent years, Japan has gone all out with its “illumination” events around Christmas time. These events usually take places in parks or large facilities, and are decked out with colourful lights and wintery music. A few of them took a break during the pandemic, but a lot of them are back with a bang…

  • Beginner’s Guide to Onsen in Japan

    Beginner’s Guide to Onsen in Japan

    Winter is the time for a hot bath and relaxation! But onsen in Japan are a little different to your run-of-the-mill bath, so here I look at some of cultural and linguistic tips for an enjoyable hot spring trip: https://blog.gaijinpot.com/beginners-guide-to-onsen-in-japan/

  • Warming up to onsen: The quirks and customs of public baths

    Warming up to onsen: The quirks and customs of public baths

    Admittedly it took me a long time to get used to bath culture in Japan, but now in this cold weather it’s pretty much all I can think about. But there are a lot of confusing words and customs associated with the hot springs, so I put a few of them together in my latest…

  • Exploring Ishikawa, the Land of Kutani Ware Ceramics

    Exploring Ishikawa, the Land of Kutani Ware Ceramics

    I visited Ishikawa to see how kutaniyaki is made for one of my videos. It was quite a long journey to get there, so I did some exploring whilst I was there too! Here are some of the interesting things you can find in the area: https://voyapon.com/ishikawa-kutani-ware-ceramics/

  • 5 Ways to Enjoy Autumn in Japan

    5 Ways to Enjoy Autumn in Japan

    Before moving to Japan, I never truly appreciated autumn. In the UK, it gets cold all too quickly, and there aren’t many places to really take in the autumn colours. But in Japan, the weather cools down slowly, giving you a break from the overbearing heat of summer, and rewarding you with beautiful reds and…

  • 5 Delicious Hokkaido Foods in Japan

    5 Delicious Hokkaido Foods in Japan

    In Japan, the northern Hokkaido region is known for its culinary prowess. There is so much variety, and it seems that every town has its own delicious specialty. GaijinPot already covered some of the broader basics of Hokkaido, like their great dairy, but these are 5 more specific dishes that you shouldn’t miss if you…

  • Heat Stroke in Japan: What to Do and How to Avoid It

    Heat Stroke in Japan: What to Do and How to Avoid It

    This year Japan saw the hottest June on record in an intense heatwave, and it caused an influx of hospitalisations and deaths from heatstroke. Especially in this current economic climate, people are trying to cut down their electricity costs and using air conditioning less – but heatstroke is no joke! Here are some ways to…

  • 10 Things to Know about Kutaniyaki Japanese Ceramics

    10 Things to Know about Kutaniyaki Japanese Ceramics

    In addition to my YouTube video on the subject, I wrote a short overview about the art of Kutaniyaki for Japan Objects. Here I touch on its history, how it’s made, its signature styles, and other basic elements to get to know the craft. Read the article below:https://japanobjects.com/features/kutaniyaki If you want to buy any kutaniyaki…

  • 5 Iconic Torii Gates in Japan

    5 Iconic Torii Gates in Japan

    Torii gates are the red archways you see all around Japan, signifying the doorway into the spiritual. They are usually found at entrances to Shinto shrines, and some of them tower above us, making for a truly impressive sight. Whenever you come across a torii, it is customary to walk on the left or right…