Travel Tips

If you’re looking to work in Japan, check back here each week as we look through our database of top jobs in Japan posted to GaijinPot and showcase some of the most interesting ones.

You can apply directly to these companies by creating a profile on GaijinPot Jobs!

Chief BartenderCompany: MMM Holdings K.K.Salary: ¥250,000 ~ ¥300,000 / MonthLocation: Tokyo, JapanEnglish: Business levelJapanese: ConversationalApplication: Overseas applications OKAn experienced bartender is wanted for a new and exciting bar located in Akasaka.
You must have at least three years of experience in a similar role. Basic knowledge of standard and classic cocktails is required, but on-the-job training will be provided.
You will be expected to work during the evenings. Benefits include a competitive salary.
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Manga/Gaming TranslationCompany: Medibang Inc.Salary: ¥1,500 / HourLocation: Tokyo, JapanEnglish: Native levelJapanese: Business levelApplication: Must currently reside in Japan..

Riding through Kyoto's valleys on the Sagano Romantic Train is one activity you'll want to put on your list!
You'll spend a luxurious time watching beautiful natural sights of Arashiyama and the outskirts of Kyoto City pass by, enjoying the gentle rock of the slow-moving train, and the feeling of the wind on your face.
Here we will introduce everything you need to know about riding the Sagano Romantic Train, including how to get tickets, timetables, and where to board.
What is the Sagano Romantic Train?
These kinds of “truck” trains were originally small freight cars used for transporting luggage. Today, most of them are operated as sightseeing trains. The Sagano Romantic Train (sometimes called the Sagano Torokko Train) is one such example.
One of the best features of the Sagano Romantic Train is that it runs along the Hozu River. Take in the year-round beauty of the gorge as you ride along the edge of the cliffs.
The train sports a charming classical color scheme, and ..

The Furano area is located right in the center of Hokkaido, and visited by many people from all over the world. The New Furano Prince Hotel is among the many attractive accommodation options in the city, and it boasts some of the most fulfilling facilities.
Guests can experience a relaxing stay unmatched elsewhere, its hospitality refined and well-appointed facilities, such as the cafes and gardens, are in harmony with the beautiful natural surroundings.
Let's take a closer look at the 6 reasons why the New Furano Prince Hotel is so incredible!
1. Breathtaking seasonal panoramic vistas from New Furano Prince Hotel guest rooms
A view of the Furano Basin from the guest rooms on the Tokachi-dake side. The view from the suite rooms on the top floor of the Tokachi-dake side is spectacular!
The New Furano Prince Hotel sits in a beautiful forest spreading out from the base of the Furano Ski Resort connected to Mt. Furano-Nishi. The building, which rises like an elliptical column, has 40..

Where are the top tourist spots near Tokyo? There are many bucket list-worthy tourist spots and attractions just around 1-2 hours outside Tokyo that are perfect for a day trip! Here we’ll introduce the TOP 10 tourist spots near Tokyo with historical architecture and the unique natural beauty of rolling mountains and gorgeous waterfalls.
First, we’ll start with Nikko, which houses an elaborate temple dedicated to Tokugawa’s first shogun, then Kawagoe which charmingly preserves old Tokyo. Plus, you can enjoy activities like skiing in Karuizawa, historical walks in Kamakura, Onsen hot springs in Hakone, and breathtaking displays of nature in Hitachi-naka. Finally, sightseeing aside, Yokohama, Makuhari, and Narita are prime dining and shopping opportunities.
Main image: PIXTA
1. Nikko: Toshogu Shrine, Beautiful World Heritage Site
©JNTO
Nikko, home to the world-renowned Nikko Toshogu Shrine, is located just north of Tokyo in Tochigi Prefecture. It is an area full of beautiful natural scen..

We’ve talked about some of Hokkaido’s famous dishes before. Still, the snowy land is known for so many different foods we couldn’t possibly leave it at just five.

In Japan, Hokkaido is known for its locally sourced ingredients, largely because of its great climate that is perfect for all sorts of farming. Hokkaido (also a great place to adventure and work) is the top national producer of various crops, it’s also the top dairy producer. And to top it all off, they’re surrounded by great fishing waters and produce high-quality seafood that brings in tons of visitors annually. So it’s no wonder the area has become the go-to for all things gourmet!

Here are five more of Hokkaido’s famous dishes. Maybe at this rate, one day, we’ll cover them all!

1. Zangi
Photo: iStock/ OkimoFinger-licking Hokkaido fried chicken.
You might have heard of karaage, Japan’s tasty fried chicken that’s impossible to escape when you go out for a drink, but zangi is Hokkaido’s own special form of the dish.

The ..

While many of Japan’s most famous beaches lie on the remote islands of Okinawa, metropolises like Tokyo are also surrounded by gorgeous beaches with clear waters, abundant nature, and super-convenient transport facilities. Many of these stand shoulder-to-shoulder with some of the world’s best, and you can reach them all in less than two hours from any of Tokyo’s major stations!
This article will present a selection of beaches that are not only beautiful, but have also been ranked the highest level of AA for water purity* by Japan’s Ministry of the Environment. Each is also chock full of exciting spots worth checking out, so you can beat the heat, enjoy the views, and save time and money on transport at any of these Tokyo paradises!
*As per the “Sea Bathing Area (Before Opening) Water Quality Examination” released in July 2019.
*Due to COVID-19, a number of beaches have been closed, including some that were initially scheduled to open. Confirm details at the relevant municipality’s hom..

Iwate Prefecture sits in the northern region of Tohoku and is the second largest prefecture in Japan behind Hokkaido. Each city, town, and village has its own unique charm and character, making it well worth setting aside a few days to explore fully.
The inland areas, including Morioka and Hiraizumi, brim with historical townscapes and stunning wilderness from the Kitakami Mountains and beyond.
The Iwate coastline faces the Pacific Ocean and is dotted by ports and restaurants offering a wealth of gourmet seafood dishes. This article will show you some must-visit sightseeing, shopping, and foodie spots to inspire your Iwate trip!
What Kind of Place Is Iwate?
Iwate Prefecture is full of stunning scenery, such as Jodogahama Beach and Geibikei Gorge, along with a wealth of historical and cultural sights including Chuson-ji and Motsuji Temple. There are also plenty of hot spring resort towns to wash away fatigue, each boasting a diverse array of gorgeous accommodations. Iwate is also famo..

Summer vacation season is here, and for the first time in three years, events all around the country are making a comeback! One particularly popular spot is the beautiful area around Mt. Fuji. Easily accessible from Shinjuku, you can get to Mt. Fuji in as little as two hours via the direct, limited-express Fuji Excursion train, operated by JR and Fujikyuko Railway.
Here we introduce several great resort stays near Mt. Fuji. Each accommodation offers magnificent views of Mt. Fuji, and are within reach of other popular tourist destinations, such as Fuji-Q Highland and Lake Kawaguchi, one of the Fuji Five Lakes. All hotels also adhere to health precautions against Covid-19 for your safety and peace of mind.
1. Fuji View Hotel: You'll love the changing views of Mt. Fuji from these expansive grounds
Situated next to Lake Kawaguchi
Katsuyama is a highland village abundant in greenery, located just west of the center of Lake Kawaguchi on the south side. It's a prime destination for ..

Hokkaido's Shirogane Blue Pond (or Aoike) is one of the northern island's most popular sightseeing destinations! The Blue Pond's deep hues, which look as if it has been dyed, dotted with withered Japanese larch trees, make for a surreal spectacle.
So how to see it for yourself, and when is the best time to go? Here we’ll guide you through this must-see tourist attraction as it changes through each season, along with some photography hints to capture the Shirogane Blue Pond in all its glory! We’ll also let you in on some other gems in the area so that you can have a full day’s worth of fun!
What Makes the Hokkaido Blue Pond So…Blue?
The Shirogane Blue Pond is an artificial phenomenon resulting from the installation of a dam on the Biei River. This was needed to halt a mudflow that poured out of active volcano Mount Tokachi during its 1988 eruption. Thus, the exquisite tourist attraction we know today is nothing more than an accidental byproduct!
While the pond appears b..

The Tsutenkaku observation tower is the symbol of Osaka's iconic Shinsekai district. Right next door is the coiled snake-like TOWER SLIDER, which just opened in May 2022.
The 60-meter slide runs from 22 meters above ground into a basement, and takes just 10 seconds to descend! We visited the TOWER SLIDER to discover just how thrilling it really is!
What Is Tsutenkaku?
A 3-minute walk from Ebisucho Station on the Osaka Metro.
Shinsekai is one of the most popular sightseeing destinations in Osaka. In 1912, a steel tower was erected in the style of the Eiffel Tower over an imitation of the Arc de Triomphe. Being 64 meters tall, it was the largest of its kind in Asia, and was thus named “Tsutenkaku,” meaning “connecting to the heavens.”
It was unfortunately destroyed in fire but was rebuilt after much demand from locals in 1956. To this day, it stands as a beloved symbol of Osaka. The second-generation Tsutenkaku is 103 meters, making it 39 meters taller than the original.
Tsutenka..