Tag: Travel guide

  • The New Golden Route: Exploring Nagano and More with the Hokuriku Arch Pass

    The New Golden Route: Exploring Nagano and More with the Hokuriku Arch Pass

    I went on a trip around Japan’s northwest and was able to experience Japan’s nature and culture first hand in an area I’d rarely visited before. It was a very interesting trip, and I’m starting to love that area more and more, particularly Ishikawa! You can easily visit the area for yourself with the Hokuriku…

  • Jiyugaoka: Ultimate Guide to The Fancy Side of Tokyo

    Jiyugaoka: Ultimate Guide to The Fancy Side of Tokyo

    This is a bit of a long one! But it’s a light read – it’s all about the highlights of the area of Jiyugaoka, Tokyo. The area is heavily westernised, so it has a lot of interesting architecture and cultural fusion going on. But whether you’re looking for a bowl of vegan ramen, or a…

  • 20 Best Towns to Enjoy the Winter Snow in Japan

    20 Best Towns to Enjoy the Winter Snow in Japan

    I think, at least in the west, Japan is too often stereotyped by Tokyo and Kyoto. It’s either modern or traditional, and there’s nothing else special about it. But in reality, given how big Japan is, there’s this huge variety of interesting cultures that are often heavily influenced by their climate. These beautiful towns are…

  • 15 Iconic Japanese Mountains You Must Visit

    15 Iconic Japanese Mountains You Must Visit

    Although I was never much of a hiker (or a hiker at all, in fact) when I lived in the UK, since moving to Japan I have come to love the feeling of arriving at the top of a mountain after a good hike. Seeing that beautiful landscape is just that much better when you…

  • Japan’s Whisky Region: Experience Chichibu’s Food and Malt

    Japan’s Whisky Region: Experience Chichibu’s Food and Malt

    In November I visited Chichibu for the first time, and I’m happy to report that there are some great opportunities for foodies there! The highlight for me was the Highlander Inn, where they serve a bunch of British and Scottish food and whisky in a distinctly Japanese setting. They even had Thistly Cross cider, one…

  • Japan Travel 101: Your First Trip in 2023

    Japan Travel 101: Your First Trip in 2023

    If you’re going on your first ever trip to Japan in 2023, here are a few tips to take into account: https://blog.gaijinpot.com/japan-travel-101-your-first-trip-in-2023/

  • 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/

  • 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/