These are the seven things you should know before riding a train in Japan. The Japanese are very conscious of how their behavior affects the people around them. There seems to be a set of unwritten rules that almost everyone in society follows when it comes to public behavior. As a visitor to Japan, it’s beneficial to know these rules in advance before getting on your first train. Read more
Becki and I are back from our 2018 Japan Spring Tours. We had a great time, met a bunch of nice people and made new friends along the way. It was wonderful sharing what we love about Japan and showing everyone around. Here are some photos of the places we saw during our tours. Enjoy! Read more
Japan is very strict about over the counter drugs, so many of the North American brands don’t make it onto Japanese pharmacy shelves. Japan has different brands, and more often than not, different active ingredients. Read more
The answer is YES! Buses, subways and trains in Japan can only be described as safe, efficient, clean and comfortable. For most North Americans, this is a hard concept to wrap your head around, even if you’ve travelled by rail in Europe. Read more
Deciding what to wear in Japan on your holiday can be a bit stressful. Especially if you are not familiar with the culture and the weather. Read more
I can guarantee that you will encounter a high tech, futuristic Japanese toilet seat on your trip to Japan. Don’t panic when you see it because I’m going to explain what the buttons are and what they do. Read more
When packing for your trip to Japan, it is very important to follow these tips for packing light. Packing light doesn’t just refer to weight, it also means keeping the number of bags to a minimum. Read more
If you’re traveling to Japan, then you’re definitely going to want to learn how to use chopsticks. Unless you’re having dinner at a western-style restaurant, it’s very unlikely that the restaurant will have a fork, spoon or knife available. Once you know how to use chopsticks well, you’ll find that they are a very versatile utensil. Read more
My first trip to Japan was as a student studying abroad. Upon arriving, I was instantly impressed by the kindness and hospitality of the people. At the train station, strangers went out of their way to help me carry my three large, 50-pound suitcases down the stairs. I had no Read more
When I first arrived in Japan, I couldn’t believe the sheer number of people everywhere I looked. I had expected large crowds, but had never experienced so many people in one place. It was as if the big game had let out in all directions.
I couldn’t imagine any open Read more
Becki and Shawn
Japan Travel Specialists
Hi, we’re Becki and Shawn! We love Japan and are truly passionate about Japan and Japan travel.
We’ve lived, worked, and traveled in Japan for 20+ years, so we know where to go, what to see, and how to get there. Join us in Japan for an adventure of a lifetime!
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CloseFall 2019 – Takayama Festival
Becki or Shawn will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel.
Free time to explore the area and view the architecture of Tokyo Station.
Start your adventure off by visiting Tsukiji’s lively and historic Outer Market with vendors selling fresh seafood and produce.
Then head over to Asakusa to explore Senso-ji, Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple built in 645 AD.
Included Welcome Dinner at a Japanese Izakaya.
Ride the Japanese bullet train, or Shinkansen, one of the three fastest trains in the world.
Take a day-trip to Nikko and see the elaborately decorated tomb of Tokugawa at Toshogu Shrine. The World Heritage Site is covered in beautiful wood carvings and gold leaf.
View the vermillion painted Sacred Bridge.
Travel to Lake Kawaguchi to view the magnificence of Mount Fuji. Stay in a traditional Japanese ryokan, soak in a mineral-rich hot spring onsen (private bath available upon request), and have an authentic Japanese Kaiseki dinner. This will be a very memorable experience!
Included Dinner at Ryokan.
Travel to Matsumoto and visit Matsumoto Castle, one of only five original castles in Japan and a National Treasure.
See the nicely preserved shopping streets of the historic Nakamachi District.
Optional Homestay Dinner with a Japanese family (if available).
In the morning, visit Zenko-ji Temple, founded in the 7th century, and experience a Buddhist morning service.
Then, head to Kanazawa to see the restored Geisha entertainment district of Higashi Chaya, the Nagamachi Samurai district, Onomichi Market, and the Kenrokuen Garden, one of three most beautiful landscape gardens in Japan.
Slip back to earlier time and enjoy the beautifully preserved post towns of Magome and Tsumago in the Kiso Valley. The towns used to serve travelers on the Nakasendo Trail, the route connecting Tokyo and Kyoto during the Edo Period.
Walk a section of the Nakasendo Trail through the countryside of Japan with bamboo forests, rice terraces, and waterfalls.
Take a day trip to Kyoto. Visit the World Heritage Site of Kiyomizu Temple and walk the Higashiyama District with old wooden houses and shops.
Then, visit the geisha district of Gion and enjoy a delicious Included Kaiseki Dinner with geisha.
Included Farewell Dinner.
Travel back to Tokyo and enjoy some free time to explore the city or shop for souvenirs.
Check out of the hotel and head to Narita Airport.
