One of the best parts of giving tours of Japan is the excitement and eagerness our guests have to learn about this unique culture. I am always asked if there are any books I would recommend to gain a deeper insight into the people and their customs. The answer is always YES, and here is my personal Japan reading list. Read more
The Japanese convenience store is a businessman’s oasis as he navigates his daily commute through a concrete jungle. Called a konbini in Japanese, these meccas of sugary snacks and drinks appear to be on almost every corner and down every alley. Read more
Even though it’s one of the world’s most developed countries, free WiFi internet access in Japan is still very much a work in progress. They have a great internet infrastructure for people that live there, but as a visitor your options can seem limited. Read more
Takayama holds one of the most beautiful festivals in Japan. Three hundred year old floats elegantly decorated with intricate carvings, dolls, curtains, and lacquerware parade the streets.
The festival takes place twice a year, in the spring and in the fall. The Spring Festival or Sanno Matsuri is held every 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
The Fuji Rock Festival is Japan’s largest outdoor music festival held every year at the Naeba Ski Resort in Niigata Prefecture. It is a 3-day event that draws in over 100,000 people from all over the world.
This year, the event will be held July 28-30. The lineup includes musicians Read more
Anime Japan, one of the largest anime fairs in the world, will take place at Tokyo Big Sight on March 25-26 this year.
There will be over 150 exhibition booths, Cosplayer’s World, a Food Park, and shopping. Exhibition booths include Japanese and foreign production companies, toys, games, and software. 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
Japan ski resorts in Fukushima are currently offering discounted ski passes for international tourists.
Visit any of the 22 ski resorts in the Aizu (i.e., Alts, Grandeco, Nekoma) and Minami Aizu (i.e., Takatsue, Daikura) areas from now until March 31, 2017 to take advantage of this offer.
You just need 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.
