You’ve probably never really thought about the possibility of there being bears in Japan. But if you’re planning to hike the historic Nakasendo trail or visit a scenic UNESCO village like Shirakawa-go, you may want to be prepared.
What used to be a rare deep woods sighting has shifted into a real-life safety concern that you need to know about before you head out on a hike. Read more
The Cherry Blossom Forecast for 2026 has just been updated! This year’s cherry blossoms are now set to bloom quite a bit earlier than usual in most locations. Read more
If you’re traveling this spring to enjoy cherry blossoms in Japan, there are a few things we’d like to share with you to help you blend in. Read more
Tucked away between massive skyscrapers are some of the best places for cherry blossoms in Tokyo. Read more
We just finished our spring Japan tours 2024, and we’re excited to share the most memorable parts. We had a blast exploring the country’s rich cultural heritage with our guests. The weather was great, and the spring blooms were spectacular. Read more
Every year, Nagasaki, Japan hosts one of the most illuminating events in the country – The Nagasaki Lantern Festival. The festival is rooted in Chinese tradition and celebrates the Lunar New Year, symbolizing hope, prosperity, and the coming of spring. Read more
During the Edo period, the Nakasendo Trail was one of the five main routes that connected Kyoto to Edo, or modern-day Tokyo. It was essential to the movement, trade, and exchange of information between the two cities. Read more
Updated: May 1, 2023 Japan is open to all travelers! On April 29, 2023, the Japanese government abolished all entry restrictions. The status of COVID-19 will be downgraded to that of the seasonal flu on May 8, 2023.
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 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
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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