Events Archives

Tag Archive for: Events

What is Super Nintendo World?

May 27, 2023/in Best of Japan/by Shawn Weldon

Super Nintendo World Japan is a new themed area at Universal Studios in Osaka. It’s a life-size replica of Nintendo’s most popular characters and games. Read more

Golden Week in Japan

April 22, 2023/in Practical Tips/by Shawn Weldon

Golden Week in Japan is a week-long holiday that lasts from the end of April to the beginning of May each year. The holiday week is actually a combination of four different holidays, strung together during the same week. Read more

The Makanai: Cooking for the Maiko House

February 12, 2023/in Best of Japan/by Shawn Weldon

Set in Gion, Kyoto’s geisha quarters, The Makanai: Cooking for the Maiko House, depicts the daily life of geisha and maiko. This heartfelt drama by Hirokazu Koreeda is the best, most realistic depiction of the secret world of geisha I’ve ever seen. Read more

Cherry Blossom Forecast 2023

January 27, 2023/in Japan News/by Shawn Weldon

The first Cherry Blossom Forecast 2023 has been released! This year’s cherry blossoms are expected to bloom on time, or just slightly earlier than average in most places. They’re expected to be in full bloom at Ueno Park on March 30, 2023. Read more

Ghibli Park Grand Warehouse

January 7, 2023/in Practical Tips/by Shawn Weldon

The Ghibli Park Grand Warehouse is located in Nagoya, Japan. It’s an attraction built in Ghibli’s newest theme park. However, there are no roller coasters or any other kinds of rides in this park. Instead, it’s a park filled with life-size representations of the animated movies from the world of Studio Ghibli. Read more

Christmas in Japan

December 22, 2022/in Travel Stories/by Shawn Weldon

Christmas is a holiday that is celebrated almost worldwide, and Japan is no exception. Many of the Christmas customs that are common in Western countries are also common in Japan, but Christmas in Japan also differs in many ways.
Read more

Japan Baseball at Nagoya Dome 2022

September 16, 2022/in Featured Events/by Becki Benedict

Watching baseball in Japan is a lot of fun. The fans really get into the game shouting synchronized chants and cheers. There is even a special cheer song for each player at bat on the home team. Read more

Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament 2022

July 21, 2022/in Featured Events/by Becki Benedict

Watching the Grand Sumo Tournament live in action is the best way to truly experience Japan’s national sport. It is full of ritual and ancient customs dating back 1500 years. Read more

Atsuta Shrine in Nagoya

July 1, 2022/in Best of Japan/by Becki Benedict

Atsuta Shrine was founded 1900 years ago in Nagoya. It is one of the most important shrines in Japan, second after the Great Shrines of Ise. Read more

Arimatsu Shibori Festival

June 21, 2022/in Best of Japan/by Becki Benedict

Indigo Dyeing, called shibori, is a 1300 year old cultural art that involves many techniques. Read more

Testimonials

“Y’all are the best! Both of you are really what made this trip so fun! Thank you so much!”

Michael

Houston, TX

“Very professional and caring of every detail. It felt like you both were really showing us around your hometown in Japan.”

Chris & Anne

Sydney, Australia

“You were exceedingly organized and professional, and it was a comfort to know you were taking care of things and looking out for us.”

Julie

Indianapolis, IN

“I don’t think we could have experienced this country in any better way. Both of you were wonderful guides. You were knowledgeable, relaxed, and engaging.”

Phil & Janice

Newark, NJ

“The small group tour exceeded all expectations. We would not have been able to experience all that we did on our own.”

Ilene

Fort Lauderdale, FL

“I appreciated the attention to detail, the care and thoughtfulness of you both, and the good humor. It enabled me to relax and enjoy Japan so much more.”

Sue

Queensland, AU

“The main highlight was the energy and personalities of the tour guides, Becki and Shawn.”

Amaro

Houston, TX

“Having two such knowledgeable and personable guides really made the trip!”

Burt & Willa Kay

Kansas City, KS

“We can’t thank you enough for all your planning, organizing, & guidance. You’re both such genuine people, and it’s obvious that you cherish Japan – it is visible how much you enjoy sharing its culture.”

Lora & Ryan

Birmingham, AL

“You really spared no expense to make our trip enjoyable. The entire experience was like being shown around Japan by American friends who love the country and want their friends to enjoy it as much as they do.”

Tom

Philadelphia, PA

“Becki and Shawn are super knowledgeable, experienced, and so welcoming and nice. They made every one of us feel like a special guest (and friend). Can’t thank Japan and more enough!”

Joy & Mark

Cincinnati, OH

“Thank you so much for this amazing trip. You two made this past week one of the most memorable times in my life and exceeded any expectations I had. Your love and respect for Japan is contagious.”

Amanda

Newark, NJ

“Thank you for your warmth and perfect planning. The trip was wonderful and exceeded my expectations on every level.”

Susan

New York, NY

“This trip went above and beyond any expectations we had, especially not having to worry about travel logistic, having guided time balanced with private time, and your guidance on Japanese customs and culture that would have taken years to learn.”

John & Krista

Philadelphia, PA

“You guys were the best hosts and ambassadors to Japan. We couldn’t have asked for more. Best trip ever!”

Bob & Camille

Huntsville, AL

“The attention to detail, the organization and the flexibility made for a perfect experience. Thank you!”

Allan & Patricia

Miami, FL

“The organization, choices, and timing of the tour could not have been better. We would not have been able to see, do and eat in one month on our own compared to what you two fit into 10 days. Bravo!”

Chris & Maggie

Newark, NJ

“Thank you for taking us on a wonderful and memorable tour of Japan!”

Ben & Tif

Washington, DC

“We are so happy with our decision to use Japan and More! They helped us maximize our time and savor each moment stress-free!”

Leah & Alan

Austin, TX

“I have been on many many escorted tours and I can honestly say this has been the best one. You provided exactly what you promised and still exceeded my expectations.”

Geri

Miami, FL

“Japan and More is hands down the best! Becki and Shawn rock! Everywhere we went was unique and fun to explore.”

Alexis & Eric

Salt Lake City, UT

“A+ well done! Thank you so much Becki and Shawn. You were fantastic!”

Keko & Julie

Reno, NV

“Amazing job planning & executing this trip. It was a trip of a lifetime! Thank you for everything!”

Joe & Colleen

Richmond, VA

“We love learning about other cultures and having the opportunity to travel with Becki and Shawn allowed us to learn from their first hand knowledge. Thank you so much for sharing your enthusiasm for this country with us!”

Peter & Stephanie

New York, NY

“Thank you for sharing your love and passion for this amazing country, and for making this trip one that will forever be in our hearts!”

Lindsey, Jake, and Gavin

Charlotte, NC

“Every detail seemed to have been taken care of. Most importantly they truly listen to your requests and they work really hard to fulfill them. We had so much fun. A trip to brag about forever.”

Anita & Adam

Denver, CO

“It was like traveling with old, trusted friends. We could not have done it without you.”

Jim & Kathy

Austin, TX

“Becki & Shawn put together an incredible experience for us in Japan. They made everything fun, easy & I couldn’t have asked for more!”

Robert & Stephanie

Miami, FL

“Traveling with you guys was like traveling with local family – easy & stress-free so we could simply experience all of the wonderful places you took us.”

Sriyesh & Anne

Greensboro, NC

“This small group tour was a perfect fit for us. Shawn & Becki are a great team. Everything ran smoothly because of their attention to detail.”

Lee

Tallahassee, FL

“Our trip to Japan with Becki and Shawn was absolutely amazing! Their knowledge of Japan and ability to speak the language made everything so much easier.”

Andy & Amy

San Francisco, CA

“A cultural kaleidoscope enjoyed all the more by Becki and Shawn’s great organizational skills and their lovely company. Thank you so much for a really epic trip.”

Peggy & Tony

Ringwood, UK

“Becki and Shawn, thank you for a wonderful introduction to Japan, it’s culture, people, cuisine, and history…Thank you both for making this tour so special.”

Trudi & Lou

Los Angeles, CA

“This trip exceeded our expectations. Becki and Shawn even accommodated our special interests in textiles and crafts. Their outgoing personalities and cheerfulness made everything fun. Thank you so much for everything!”

Elizabeth & David

San Francisco, CA

“This wasn’t a tour… this was traveling with friends. Feeling totally like a Japanese resident, not like tourists looking at the country but being of one with the people in the country.”

Bob & EJ

Fort Lauderdale, FL

“We loved this trip so much. You both helped with everything and more. We did so many things and it never felt rushed or hectic. We look forward to having you show us Japan (and more) in the future.”

Liana & Lauren

Tyler, TX

“Thank you for your many kindnesses, tireless explanations, endless stories and sharing of experiences, and fine preparation. It is a great itinerary.”

Bob

Boston, MA

“This was one of the best tours I have ever taken so far. Really experienced Japanese culture and food.”

Raj

Adelaide, AU

“I cannot recommend Japan and More highly enough! Our family of five spent about three weeks in Japan with Shawn and Becki, and we had an extraordinary experience of a lifetime.”

Peter

Charlotte, NC

“Thank you Becki and Shawn for an amazing trip! Every day was a new adventure!”

Erica

Detroit, MI

“Going on this tour was like spending time with old friends, even though we only met Becki and Shawn a week ago. Thank you for an authentic expat experience.”

John & Karen

Chicago, IL

“Without a doubt, you have made this trip one of the most special visits we have taken.”

Alan & Cristina

Chicago, IL

“The trip was amazing. It was everything I could have hoped for! I would not have been able to see and learn so much if it weren’t for Becki and Shawn!”

Blythe

Greenville, SC

“Your interest in Japan and knowledge made all the difference. And your love for what you do is very special. We loved seeing Japan with you!”

David & Linda

Orlando, FL

“I was able to see so much, cover so much ground and experience places I would not have even considered without Becki’s guidance. She is truly an expert on the country and culture! It’s a magical place.”

Jennifer

Wilmington, NC

“Your effort to explain Japanese culture made me want to incorporate certain parts of the Japanese way into my own life. It’s a remarkable place and your guidance made it all the richer.”

Becky"

Indianapolis, IN

“You two are amazing people and tour guides. Your level of detail and preparation is impressive. Thank you for teaching us so much.”

Cyndy & Paul

Austin, TX

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Tag Archive for: Events

What is Super Nintendo World?

Golden Week in Japan

The Makanai: Cooking for the Maiko House

Cherry Blossom Forecast 2023

Ghibli Park Grand Warehouse

Christmas in Japan

Japan Baseball at Nagoya Dome 2022

Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament 2022

Atsuta Shrine in Nagoya

Arimatsu Shibori Festival

Accreditations

SERVICES

JAPAN INFO

Reviews & Recommendations

Travel Japan Like a Pro