Japan Travel Tips
Whether you end up taking photos of a reproduction Eiffel Tower, surfing an indoor wave, musing in a Zen temple, shacking up in a love hotel or bedding down in a capsule, you'll do best to come with an open mind and be prepared to be surprised.
Somewhere between the elegant formality and the candid, sometimes boisterous exchanges that take place over a few drinks, between the sanitized shopping malls and the unexpected rural festivals, everyone finds their own vision of Japan.
Explore the Countryside – 4 Great Day Trips from Tokyo
Written by Viator, August 2011
1. Kamakura Tour Explore the countryside, temples and shrines outside Tokyo on a full-day walking tour through Kamakura. This fully guided excursion takes you to Kamakura’s famous Great Buddha ...
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Fashion and Fun in Tokyo’s Harajuku District
Written by Emma, Australia, April 2012
It’s Sunday in Japan and Harajuku (in central Tokyo )
is the place to be. In a small area just outside Harajuku station and
Yoyogi Park a crowd of eccentrically dressed young Japanese is ...
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Get your game on at the Tokyo Game Show!
Written by Emma, Australia, September 2011
The Tokyo Game Show
is one of the world’s biggest video game exhibitions. A highlight on
every avid gamer and developers calendar, the show offers the chance for
technology giants such as Sony, ...
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Get Your Motor Running: The 42nd Tokyo Motor Show
Written by Emma, Australia, December 2011
One of the world’s top motor shows takes place for the first time in Odaiba in December 2011. Previously held at Makuhari Messe, a commercial district just outside central Tokyo , this will be the ...
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Grand Sumo Tournament at Ryogoku Kokugikan
Written by Emma, Australia, September 2012
Sumo is a Japanese style of wrestling that can trace its roots back to ancient Japan
and the Shinto religion. Although you are unlikely to see a sumo
wrestler outside of his training school – ...
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Guide to Tokyo's Imperial Palace
Written by Emma, Australia, December 2011
Built on the grounds of a former Edo Castle in central Tokyo , the Imperial Palace is the official residence of Japan ’s Imperial Family. Editor’s Note: This recommendation was taken from ...
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Higashiyama Hana Touro – Special Night Illumination
Written by Kyoto Expert: Satoko, Japan, January 2012
Kyoto in early Spring is a great time to enjoy one of the famous night light festivals, a moonlit beauty of the Higashiyama area. Editor’s Note: This recommendation was taken from our Japan ...
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How To Get Around in Kyoto
Written by Emma, Australia, February 2013
Kyoto is laid out on a grid system, with north-south running streets crossing those running east-west. Many of the major sights are close enough to be explored on foot (if you enjoy walking!) but at ...
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How to Get Around Tokyo
Written by Emma, Australia, April 2012
The best way to get around Tokyo is via the very efficient train and subway system. The train station signage is bewildering at first but can actually be quite simply understood when armed with a ...
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Important Festivals and Holidays in Kyoto
Written by Emma, Australia, February 2013
Japan’s most cultured city knows how to put on a great festival. Barely a month goes by without some historical extravaganza or other featuring on the local calendar. Here’s our list of some of the ...
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International Anime Fair in Tokyo
Written by Emma, Australia, February 2012
For fans of Japanese animation, March means only one thing –The Tokyo International Anime Fair (TAF). Held annually at Odaiba’s Big Sight convention center in Tokyo Bay, it is one of the largest ...
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Ippan Sanga (Citizens’ New Year Greetings to the Imperial Family)
Written by Emma, Australia, February 2013
There are only two days in the year when the general public are allowed to enter the inner grounds of Tokyo’s Imperial Palace and pay their respects to the Imperial family. The first is December ...
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Kabuki Theater in Tokyo
Written by Emma, Australia, May 2012
Kabuki is a traditional form of theater that originated in the Edo
Period (1603–1867) – a relatively peaceful time in which popular culture
flourished. Unlike the older and more refined Japanese ...
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Kaikyokan Aquarium in Shimonoseki
Written by koalakiss86, Australia, November 2010
A few hours west of Osaka is Kaikyokan Aquarium in Shimonoseki, it's the home of the blow fish and our friend just HAD to take us here to try the blowfish. It's said that unless the blowfish is ...
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Kamakura: Top Picks in Temple Town
Written by Emma, Australia, December 2011
Just an hour south of Tokyo on the coast lies the ancient city of Kamakura. Once an important political and religious center, Kamakura is now known for its proliferation of Buddhist temples and ...
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Photo by: ROD C, Australia
Doing what: Sushi Making and Tsukiji Fish Market Morning Tour from Tokyo
