From Osaka to Wakkanai on the Seishun 18 Kippu
Your guide to taking a leisurely four-day trip to the top of Japan using scenic local trains.
Escape to Hokkaido on the Bullet Train
Japan's speediest train, the Shinkansen, now extends up to Japan's most northern island of Hokkaido, making it easier to enjoy red king crabs and the famous Sapporo Snow Festival.
7 Incredible Events at Japanese Castles
The castles dotting Japan's landscape no longer host battles and political upheavals, but they're not boring relics. Many were the backdrop to some pretty unbelievable stories!
The Shinkansen Network in Japan
A visit to Japan is incomplete without some travel on the Shinkansen, Japan’s bullet train network. With a new line connecting Hokkaido, there isn’t a better time to see all of Japan in the blink of an eye!
Hakodate: Gateway to the Northern Island
Now connected to Japan's main island by Shinkansen, Hakodate offers a scenic waterfront, historic buildings, a star-shaped fort—and one of the three greatest night views in Japan!
5 Must-Visit Hokkaido Spots During Christmas
Whenever we talk about Christmas in Japan, most of us immediately imagine a snowy image and naturally associate it with Hokkaido.
The 5 Most Beautiful Night Views in Hokkaido
Take a trip to Japan's northernmost island of Hokkaido for some stunning nighttime views, breathtaking no matter the season!
12 Great Ways to Spend the Year in Hokkaido
Not sure when you can make it out to Hokkaido? Here are twelve events worth checking out, one for each month of the year.
Top 12 Must-Visit Eateries in Hakodate
While you can't go wrong when eating in Hakodate, we've got the 12 places you shouldn't miss. Go out and grab a table for the best dining experience ever!
Top 12 Must-Visit Eateries in Hakodate
If you have a trip to Hokkaido on your itinerary, check out what we listed as our best eats around Hakodate!
The 4 Forts & Castles of Hokkaido
Hokkaido has only one castle; the rest of its fortifications are actually relatively modern forts. And in the late 1860s, they were the site of the last hurrah of the Tokugawa Shogunate.
Japan's Best Ekiben
Japan's regional cuisine hits the road—er, tracks—with "ekiben," or bento sold at train stations.
Posh Japan Train Travels to Try Before You Die
If you think cross-country train rides only offer magnificent views, think again. Japan, teeming with glorious natural wonders, has made moving from one prefecture to another a luxurious experience you'll never forget!
Navigating Japan's Regional Ramen
Though most diners categorize ramen into shoyu, miso, shio and tonkotsu types, here we examine the basic characteristics of a number of established regional styles—and just barely scratch the surface!
Five Hokkaido Dishes to Warm Up Your Winter!
When the winter weather on Japan's northern island of Hokkaido turns delightfully cold, you can be sure that these local dishes will warm you up from the inside.
The Freshest Seafood in Hakodate, Hokkaido
Hakodate is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Hokkaido, and it's famous for fresh and delicious seafood. The seafood served in Hakodate is mostly caught locally, allowing you to enjoy the best of each season.
