Travel Tips

“Van life.” The term is all the rage these days, with social media platforms pumping out posts of people who have opted to sell all their belongings to live life on the road and explore the world. I have always been intrigued by this idea but never felt confident to take the full plunge into the van life. So when the opportunity to test the waters presented itself, I jumped at the chance to dip my toes into exploring the Kansai region using a motorhome.

The pickup
Photo: Robert KodamaThe pick-up process was seamless and convenient.
I used a motorhome from Around Japan RV Rental in Osaka. The process of picking up the vehicle was convenient, both in flow and location. I opted to pick it up at the Umeda location, one of the main districts of Osaka with easy transport access to Kansai and Itami airports and nearby cities within the region.

Once the motorhome arrived at the meeting point, I was greeted by a representative eager to show me the ropes and provide me with a safety briefing. ..

Hokkaido has a reputation for being a treasure trove of food, and since it’s home to many residents originally from other prefectures, it’s also developed a unique food culture.
As a result, there are numerous products, including beer, soft drinks, seasonings, and even instant foods that are sold exclusively in Hokkaido.
One of our local writers living in Sapporo shares foods that Hokkaido visitors may enjoy eating in their hotel rooms or taking home as souvenirs.
ARCS Group, a regional supermarket chain with a wide selection
The supermarket’s red sign is familiar landmark for Hokkaido residents
ARCS Group is a regional supermarket chain with locations in Hokkaido, Tohoku, and Kita-Kanto. The “Super ARCS East” we visited is located in Sapporo Hibarigaoka Town Plaza, a 5-minute walk from Hibarigaoka Station on the Tozai Subway Line.
The store is open from 10:00 a.m. (9:00 a.m. on Sundays) to midnight. It’s often crowded with shoppers because it has a wide selection of items but is al..

Saitama Super Arena is a popular indoor arena that holds up to 37,000 spectators. In the greater Tokyo area, it's a prime venue for concerts, sports, and a variety of other large events.
In the surrounding area are Saitama Stadium 2002, Japan's largest soccer stadium and international competition venue, and Omiya Sonic City, a popular spot for conventions.
When you're looking for hotels near Saitama Super Arena, you'll note a range of facilities. But to make sure you have a perfect stay, we've selected ones that come complete with more than just the basic services – many even include large-screen TVs for video streaming and full-scale baths!
main image：PIXTA
1. Hotel Metropolitan Saitama-Shintoshin: Get to Saitama Super Arena with ease!
Only three minutes on foot from Saitama Super Arena and one minute from Saitama Shintoshin Station lies Hotel Metropolitan Saitama-Shintoshin. With convenient access, you'll have no trouble getting here, rain or shine!
Thi..

Japan’s famous Shinkansen rail network gets its biggest exposure yet with the release of a new Hollywood blockbuster, Bullet Train.

This explosive action movie set almost entirely on the tituar mode of transport has a release date of August 5th, 2022. But it has already generated a huge amount of buzz from both Japanese and international film fans alike.

This is not only because it features an incredibly stylish depiction of Japan and Shinkansen travel, but because it stars the beloved Burapi (the nickname for Brad Pitt in Japanese). Pitt is a huge star in Japan and each of his movies are eagerly anticipated in the country.

The fact that the film is packed with other popular actors and is directed by the talented action specialist David Leitch (John Wick, Atomic Blonde) has only added to the feverish anticipation.

To celebrate Bullet Trains’ release, we’ve compiled everything you need to know about this exciting new film. Read on for a breakdown of what to expect from the plot, it..

I share a common dilemma with many globe-trotters: wanting to travel everywhere but not always having someone to travel with me. I used to think that if I couldn’t get a buddy to come along on my adventures, then there were no adventures to be had.

It turns out that couldn’t be further from the truth. Since moving to Japan, I quickly learned that there are unique and incredible experiences that one may only be able to have while traveling solo.

Here’s my story of how one lonesome but relaxing weekend at an onsen (hot spring) town was unexpectedly eventful.

Finding my destination
Photo: iStock/ Sanga ParkCan you guess what food is famous in Kinosaki?
The first step to traveling solo? Using the internet and researching places that offer the specific experience you’re looking for. Japan has onsen at every corner of the country, but I wanted to visit a place resembling Spirited Away’s atmosphere. It wasn’t long until I stumbled upon an onsen town located in northern Hyogo Prefecture dur..

The Tokyo Station area is known for its fascinating coexistence between magnificent historic buildings and towering, modern skyscrapers. We will show you the area's most famous sightseeing spots, as well as secret sights that should not be missed when touring Tokyo Station, the heart of the Japanese capital.
Café 1894: Starting Your Day in a Modern Café
Café 1894 is located in the restored Mitsubishi Ichigokan, a historic building constructed in 1894 – yes, this is where the café gets its name from. Since April 2010, the historic building that was once a bank now operates as the Mitsubishi Ichigokan Art Museum. The retro atmosphere of this old, beautiful building makes Café 1894 a wonderful place to start your day. With lights that were originally used as gas lamps and glass partitions that were used back when the building was still a bank, it feels like stepping back in time! Reservations are also possible after 6:00 p.m., with the last order being 10:00 p.m. The menu of the café..

Miyagi Prefecture is the home of “Sendai Gyū” (Sendai Beef), well-known amongst Japanese cuisine gourmands for its perfect balance of fat and muscle.
In Sendai City, restaurants serving yakiniku near Sendai Station not only offer the local cuts of Sendai Beef, but other varieties as well. It's here that you can enjoy different types of top-quality beef for reasonable prices.
We’ll also be covering some of the best yakiniku shops near Sendai Station that also have measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19 in place too.
1. Yakiniku Gyūjin Ichibanchō: Taste aged beef in a Japanese-style space
Vlandome Ichibancho, which is frequented by many shoppers
About two minutes away from JR Sendai station via the subway Nanboku line, alight at Hirose-dōri station and get out at exit 4 to arrive at Vlandome Ichibancho, where Yakiniku Gyūjin Ichibanchō is located.
As you pass through the noren curtains at the entrance, climb the steps to the restaurant's chicly decorated entrance, where a..

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!

Client Servicing SupportCompany: Argentum Wealth Management K.K.Salary: ¥250,000 ~ ¥270,000 / MonthLocation: Tokyo, JapanEnglish: FluentJapanese: NoneApplication: Must currently reside in JapanArgentum Wealth Management, an English-speaking financial advisor, located in Tokyo, is looking for a client service support staff.
Your main tasks will be the servicing and support of existing clients, communicating with international investment institutions, and admin support for its wealth management team.
You don't need financial knowledge for this position. Japanese abilities are preferred but not mandatory.
Share this Job Apply Here
Localization & International Marketing (Spain / Germany)Company: CelsysSalary: ¥4.5M / Ye..

There’s more to these giant Yamahoko floats than first meets the eye.
Our reporter Tasuku Egawa was visiting Kyoto the other day for only the second time in his life when he came across a police barricade blocking his walking route in Gion Shijo.
Being an out-of-towner who wasn’t sure whether this was a regular thing or something out of the ordinary, Tasuku asked one of the police officers what was going on and he replied:
“It’s Gion Matsuri”.
Egawa had heard of this famous annual summer festival, but he was in Kyoto for work and had no idea that it was going on while he was there. Having never attended the festival, Tasuku couldn’t believe his luck at the fortuitous timing of his visit, so he immediately followed the crowds to wherever it was that they were going.
Tasuku ended up walking for about a kilometre (0.6 miles), but as soon as he caught sight of where everyone was headed, he was glad he’d followed the crowds, because there were brightly lit, huge floats there to greet him.
..