Budgeting for a Weekend Away from Tokyo
Tokyo’s great, but it’s nice to get away from time to time. Fortunately, from the capital, the short-trip traveler has access to some great weekend-away spots. We've selected some of the classics, and assess their travel budgets.
5 Things to Expect from Japan’s Countryside
Japanese Countryside Deeper Japan
Countryside Japan is quite different from cosmopolitan areas like Tokyo or Osaka. We'll help you get out there, get off the Shinkansen and go exploring!
4 Phrases to Help You Speak 'Kansai-Ben'
Speak like a local in Osaka, Kyoto or Kobe with these four simple phrases from the Kansai Dialect.
Rainy Season 101
While June to mid-July can be a drizzly experience in much of Japan, there are a few spots that look their very best at this time of year.
Yukata 101
What's a 'yukata'? And more importantly, how do you put one on? Better find out before summer festival season arrives!
9 Ways to Talk About the Weather
Since it changes so often, the weather is actually a hot topic in Japan—no pun intended! Find out nine ways to get in on this easy conversation-starter!
Learn Japanese on Instagram?!
If you're trying to learn Japanese but always on the go, this Japanese Instagram account might be just for you!
Free Wi-Fi Coming to Mount Fuji
Service will be available on four different hiking routes to Japan’s tallest peak.
15 Ways to Beat the Summer Heat & Humidity
Can't take the heat? Here are 15 ways to change your situation!
Saiho-ji: Kyoto's Rainy Season Gem
The rainy season brings gray clouds and inclement weather to Kyoto each June, but all that moisture leaves Saiho-ji moss temple glimmering like an emerald!
Intro to the Japanese Writing System: Katakana
Learning Japanese First Time in Japan
Let's take a look at perhaps the most puzzling type of Japanese text: 'katakana.'
Hokkaido: The Purest Nature in Japan
Take a journey through Hokkaido's natural environment and enjoy the many splendid sightseeing adventures it has to offer!
Grace & Ryosuke at the 'Ryokan'
Our favorite Texan in Tokyo heads to Tochigi to try her first 'ryokan' experience—and we've got the video here!
Survival Japanese for Concerts & Events
So you've decided to attend an event from your favorite idols or artists, but how ready are you really? Here are some often-used terms you should check out to navigate your way!
Visit the World-Record-Holding Oldest Hotel
This hotel has been recognized by Guinness World Records as the oldest hotel in the world, and is just a prefecture away from Tokyo!
How to Replace the Paper on 'Shoji' Doors
'Shoji' sliding doors are emblematic of traditional Japanese houses. But it's frustratingly easy to put a hole in the paper. When you're tired of patching, how do you just replace the whole thing?
5 Family-Friendly Typhoon Day Activities
Check out five tried and tested family-friendly typhoon day activities, from window coloring to tabletop games and sofa forts.
Hike to these 3 Hidden Temples & Shrines
Temples & Shrines Great Outdoors
For the brave pilgrim, here are three awesome temples and shrines that are certainly off the beaten path in Tottori, Shizuoka and Oita.
¥100 Shop Stationery
From basic writing tools to adorable character goods, ¥100 shops are the choice for getting papered in style—without breaking the bank!
Top-Notch Ryokan Puts All Others to Shame
This Japanese inn shows guests the true meaning of hospitality by coming out to greet you as you arrive and leaving a thank you note by your shoes when you leave.
