This is a short list of favorite foods and foods you must try while in Japan based on more than two decades of living, working and traveling around this amazing country. Naturally, there are many more culinary options and each person has his or her own favorites, but these have proven to be the most popular dishes among our tour participants. Read more
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 idea there wouldn’t be elevators or even escalators. 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.
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. 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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