Cherry Blossom Forecast 2025
The Cherry Blossom Forecast for 2025 has just been updated! This year’s cherry blossoms are on track to bloom a bit later than usual. Read more
Posts
What Are the Top 10 Tips for Tourists on Trains in Japan?
/in Common Questions /by Shawn WeldonToday we’re going over the top 10 tips for tourists on trains in Japan. The Japan Private Railway Association recently conducted an annual study on train and station etiquette. Of the 5,000 people surveyed, 63% reported feeling bothered by the behavior of foreign tourists. Read more
What Are the Most Affordable Hotel Chains in Japan?
/in Common Questions /by Shawn WeldonHotels will most likely be the biggest expense on your trip. Today, we’re going to tell you about the five most affordable hotel chains in Japan. Read more
Etiquette for Riding the Bullet Train in Japan
/in Common Questions /by Shawn WeldonToday, we’re talking about basic etiquette for riding the bullet train in Japan. Recently, there have been news reports of foreign visitors disregarding local customs on Japan’s trains, which has pushed this issue into the spotlight. Read more
How to Ride City Buses in Japan
/in Practical Tips /by Shawn WeldonRiding city buses in Japan can be tricky for someone visiting for the first time. But with some preparation, you’ll find that they’re a great way to get around. Read more
Experiencing an Authentic Ryokan in Japan
/in Best of Japan /by Shawn WeldonRyokan in Japan are traditional Japanese inns dating back to the 8th century. They got their start as a place to rest for travelers on Japan’s old highways. Today, they’re a unique way to experience authentic Japanese hospitality and culture. Read more
Silence Speaks Volumes in Japan
/in Practical Tips /by Shawn WeldonSilence in Japan isn’t just about the absence of noise. It’s a rich, meaningful part of Japanese culture. This is in contrast to our tech-heavy world, where constant noise is the norm. Read more
Gion Tourist Ban: What You Need to Know
/in Japan News /by Shawn WeldonToday, I’m going to explain the Gion tourist ban in Kyoto, Japan. Firstly, Gion is not off limits to tourists. City officials are simply limiting access to some alleyways as part of a plan to manage crowds and protect local communities. Read more
Taking Photos in Japan: Understanding Japanese Photo Etiquette
/in Practical Tips /by Shawn WeldonTaking photos in Japan can be tricky. Knowing the rules can help you avoid offending anyone. So, I’ve thrown together some easy tips to keep you out of embarrassing situations.
Read more
A Guide To Buying Train Tickets in Japan
/in Practical Tips /by Shawn WeldonBuying train tickets in Japan is simple, once you understand how to do it. You’ll find automatic ticket machines for short trips at almost every station in Japan. They’re easy to use and will save you time.
For longer journeys, there are ticket counters and special long-distance train ticket machines. You can buy tickets and reserved seats with both of these options. Read more
About
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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