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Tokyo is a huge city, so for many tourists, it might be a little bit hard to take it all in! When visiting Tokyo, the best way to think about it is as if several different cities had been brought together. That way, you can plan your trip around Tokyo as if each area was a city in itself which needed exploring, as most tourists don’t know that Tokyo is comprised of so many neighborhoods, each of which has their own character.
Some of these Tokyo neighborhoods represent youth culture; others hark back to history, while a few bigger areas are just giant melting pots of culture and people. If you spend a week in Tokyo, then imagine as if each day you are visiting a different city, and then Tokyo will begin to make sense. Of course, there are a lot more than 12 ‘cities’ in Tokyo, but here we will introduce ones that simply can’t be missed!
1. Akihabara – Tokyo's Anime & Gadget Town
As soon as you step off the train you can feel the vibrancy of this famous of Tokyo neighborhoods in th..

Osaka is one of Japan's most popular tourist destinations, welcoming visitors worldwide. There are countless tourist attractions in Osaka, from famous amusement parks and delicious foods to the latest shopping spots; there is bound to be an activity that will get everyone excited!
Just to make planning easier, here is a list of some of the best things to do in Osaka, sorted by the best season to do them.
Main image: PIXTA
Things You Can Do During Any Season in Osaka
Image: PIXTA
Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan: Visit one of Japan’s largest aquariums
The Osaka Aquarium, Kaiyukan, is one of Japan’s largest aquariums. Kaiyukan is known for its iconic huge tank dedicated to whale sharks and adorable seals. What makes Kaiyukan so remarkable is the care they take to showcase their marine lives.
They have 15 fish tanks! Each replicates the environment of a specific region of the Pacific Rim. Their central tank is one of the most well-known, representing the Pacific Ocean; it is an impressive ni..

For travelers in search of a different side of Japan, Hokkaido is where it's at. Sapporo – a bustling metropolis on the frontier of Hokkaido’s wilderness – is the first destination for many, thanks to its convenient access to New Chitose Airport.
Meanwhile, some visitors will start their journey in Hakodate, which is connected to the main island of Honshu via Shinkansen bullet train and ferry.
To help make a decision on where to stay in Hokkaido, we’ve waded through the wide selection of accommodations on offer to bring you our picks. Whether you decide to stay in Sapporo or in one of the nearby cities, combining bang for the buck with location, we’re sure you’ll find the perfect hotel for your next Hokkaido adventure here!
Main image: PIXTA
1. How to choose where to stay in Hokkaido
Image: PIXTA
Choosing where to stay in Hokkaido depends on the season you go, the kind of environment (urban or rural) you enjoy, and how long you have got.
The seven areas mentioned in this piece w..

Sendai is one of Japan’s largest cities and is considered the gateway to the northeastern region of Tohoku. Around 90 minutes via the Shinkansen bullet train from Tokyo, Sendai is home to a variety of attractions, festivals, and hot springs. Sendai is also next door to Matsushima, one of Japan’s Three Most Scenic Places.
As the cultural heart of Tohoku, Sendai is a popular place to stay for travelers. Here we’ll share some of the best places to stay in and nearby the city.
Main image: PIXTA
1. Getting to Sendai from Tokyo
Sendai Station area. Photo: PIXTA
・Bullet Train: Taking the Tohoku Shinkansen is the easiest way of getting from Tokyo to Sendai. The trip is a straight shot taking around 90 minutes (11,210 yen o/w; can be covered by the Japan Rail Pass, JR East Tohoku Area Pass, and JR East South Hokkaido Pass).
・Bus: The trip from Tokyo to Sendai by bus will take 5 to 6 hours. There are both day and night buses, and the fares change depending on the company, dates, and time of tra..

This article is dedicated to the most useful apps to check while traveling in Japan. If you are scared of the fact that you simply can’t cope with Japanese writing and will get lost either in translation or the extensive Tokyo Metro system – worry no more. Our app selection is here to save the day.

Below you’ll find a detailed list of the best apps for traveling in Japan, the type of service they provide, and how to use them when visiting the country with a Japan Rail Pass!

Navitime (Japan Travel by Navitime)
Navitime for Japan is a popular app that makes navigating around the Japanese capital and the rest of the country stress-free. Apart from providing detailed information about the world’s most complex metropolis (Tokyo), it also generates:

Door-to-door route search
Voice navigation
New offline search for free WiFi spots
A train stop list that will help you confirm you are headed in the correct direction
Train delay information
Platform details for each service
Recent routes save..

Glamping in Japan is the best of both worlds. You get to be close to nature and the starry skies but with all the comforts of a hotel. You don’t need to hunt for suitable camping grounds and rules or even break your back on the hard ground since you’ll probably have a nice comfy bed. Is it still camping? Yes, but with style!

Of course, glamping makes it easy to travel no matter the weather, but one of the best times to glamp in Japan is in autumn, as the temperatures have cooled down and the trees have their vibrant red and yellow coats on.

Don’t know where to start? Here we’ll look at five excellent glamping spots around Japan.

1. Glamping Resort Varie (Yamanashi)
Photo: prtimes.jpHave dinner under the pink glow of the Yamanashi sunset.
At the foot of Mt. Fuji, Glamping Resort Varie is a great place to stay to explore Kawaguchiko and the Fuji Five Lakes. The glamping resort features signature dome-shaped tents complete with beds, tables and chairs. Each dome is fitted with air cond..

Did you know that Japan has a unique way of enjoying the stunning autumn leaves at night? For decades, famous fall spots are beautifully lit up after sunset, allowing you to savor the seasonal spectacle even in the evening! This harmony of light and nature’s colors creates an almost enigmatic atmosphere.
To help you make the most out of this amazing season, we’ll share some of the most impactful lit-up fall leaf spots around Tokyo!
While many people might think of visiting Kyoto for fall colors, Tokyo does not fall behind in the least! Tour the metropolis with us and come experience Japan’s unique beauty and spectacular sceneries!
1. Rikugien (Komagome, Tokyo)
Rikugien might be the best place for autumn leaves at night in Tokyo. It’s also designated as one of the two great Edo gardens, built on the spacious grounds of a samurai lord as his private garden. From the first step inside, the atmosphere of Old Edo engulfs you.
During autumn, long queues form up at the garden’s entrance becau..

Akan Yuku no Sato Tsuruga is a secluded hotel near Lake Akan, a lake in the eastern part of Hokkaido. Surrounded by mountains and forests, this area for ages has been home to the indigenous Ainu people. And recently, it has become a popular sightseeing spot along with its hot springs.
With the theme of relaxing and enjoying deserved pampering at a local spa, we headed to Akan Yuku no Sato Tsuruga, a hotel renowned for the quality of its hospitality.
▲ Akan Yuku no Sato Tsuruga standing beside Lake Akan. It gives you the perfect time to relax with nature and the lake. (Photo provided from Akan Yuku-no-Sato Tsuruga)
Majestic natural scenery and Ainu culture: Attractions of Lake Akan Onsen
Lake Akan Onsen is an area located in the southern part of the Lake Akan lakeside, a 60-minute drive from Tancho Kushiro Airport, and a 90-minute drive from Kushiro City.
Cute algae balls (called “Marimo” in Japanese), which were designated as a National Treasure, are living in the lake. This area has ..

Summer in Japan is notorious for sweltering days and humid nights. This makes any activity outside of sitting at home blasting airconditioning a sweat-soaked affair. While it seems to go on forever, it’s finally October, so we’ve officially transitioned into cooler weather.

It’s time to exchange our flip-flops for hiking boots and bid the beach farewell. Read on to learn about our top five recommendations for nature-themed autumn adventures in Kansai.

1. Hike Mount Rokko (Kobe)
Photo: iStock/ ChanwitOhmThe view from the top.
Mount Rokko looms over the entire city. Its grassy slopes and glades are home to various activities, from wine tasting to botanical gardens. However, these are second place to the hiking on offer. While a few peaks are scattered along the mountain range, the summit offers a panoramic view of Kansai, from Wakayama to Kobe.

The hike to the top takes at least five hours. When making your descent, we recommend continuing down the other side of the mountain as you’ll..

Aomori in autumn is home to many of the most famous fall foliage spots in Japan! In fall, red, orange, and gold leaves decorate trees, turning them into painting-like landscapes. According to the foliage forecast, autumn colors are expected in Aomori around November 11.
The leaves gain unique colors due to the difference in temperature between day and night, and the landscape of forests, valleys, and parks is spectacular.
Here we will share some of the most beautiful autumn foliage spots unique to Aomori Prefecture, blessed by lush nature, plus the best time to visit.
Surrounded by Autumn Colors! 3 Scenic Ryokan Inns in Aomori Where You Can Enjoy Beautiful Foliage
Save on transportation! Browse rail passes here
1. Tsutanuma Lake: Fiery Autumn leaves reflecting on the water
Early morning at Tsutanuma Lake with autumn leaves reflecting on the surface
Tsutanuma Lake is located in the Oirase area of Towada City. It's surrounded by virgin forest and visited every year by tourists from..