inspo & info

After three decades living in, visiting, and traveling across Japan, I can tell you this: the question "when is the best time to visit Japan?" has a real answer. Late autumn - October through early December - genuinely offers the best combination of weather, manageable crowds, and natural beauty. But your best time might be different, and that's what this guide is for. Having seen every season myself, I'll break down what each season actually offers and how to plan accordingl

Standing at a Tokyo ticket machine, confused about passes? A Tokyo 72-hour metro pass might be your answer. For most tourists making multiple subway trips across different neighborhoods, it's cheaper & simpler than buying individual tickets and beats Suica too. We break down the real costs (spoiler: if you're making 4+ trips a day, the pass pays for itself), compare all available passes, and show you exactly where to buy.

Here are our top tips for romantic destinations for your Japan honeymoon trip. Book a few nights in these newly-wed hotspots in addition to your Tokyo-Osaka-Kyoto itinerary to escape the crowds, experience real Japanese history, nature and culture, and unwind together in more peaceful surroundings. Our guide includes the best time of year to visit each destination as well as hotel and ryokan recommendations for the ultimate romantic getaway.

Planning a honeymoon in Japan can be daunting. This trip of a lifetime has to be perfect for you, so the Japan honeymoon itineraries you'll find online aren't gonna work. We've been planning Japan trips for ourselves, friends and tour groups for 30+ years and tell you exactly how, step-by-step, you can plan your own honeymoon in Japan: from booking flights and accommodation, to budgeting and planning the perfect itinerary, with all our insider tips and tricks

Time your Japan honeymoon just right for the perfect trip you'll remember forever for all the right reasons. Get the timing wrong and your romantic getaway as newlyweds will leave you feeling stressed rather than loved-up. Our guide describes the best seasons to visit Japan for a honeymoon and why some times of year are not ideal.

Arriving into Narita and transferring immediately to a domestic flight from Haneda? The two airports are a good 80 kilometres away from each other and you'll need 4-5 hours for the transfer. Here is everything you need to know about transferring between Narita and Haneda, what options are available, what it will costs and how long it will take.

Cheaper airline tickets between Tokyo and Osaka might tempt you into thinking it's better to fly than to take the bullet train. But taking the plane might end up costing you more time and more money. Here's why we think the Shinkansen is a much better choice: more convenient, more comfortable, more flexible and more fun!

Which Tokyo airport is better - Narita or Haneda? Having flown into and out of both countless times over the last 30 years, we do usually prefer Haneda for it's comparative proximity to central Tokyo. But under certain circumstances, Narita wins every time. Read our guide before you book to find out which Tokyo airport is best for your Japan trip.

The Hakone Open-Air Museum is a one-of-a-kind museum with a collection of sculptures and art that will enthrall visitors of all ages. But doing the museum and the entrance fee justice takes an investment of several hours out of your day in Hakone. Is it worth it? Here's our take as repeat visitors, why our kids love it and when to give it a miss.

The Hakone FreePass discount ticket is your gateway to the Hakone National Park, offering discounts on many attractions as well as travel to Hakone from Tokyo and unlimited transport within Hakone. We have the answers to all of your questions about this ticket. Find out if it's worth it for your Hakone trip.

Hakone is one of the most rewarding day trips you can make from Tokyo but it's essential that you do it right and plan your itinerary carefully. As repeat visitors to this beautiful part of Japan, we've put together a (flexible) one-day itinerary to make sure you make the most of your day in Hakone with all the highlights. We've tips on where to eat, how best to get from A to B, where to get the best views and of course the fastest, cheapest and most direct ways from Tokyo to

Hakone is beautiful year-round, but timing matters. Winter brings clear Mount Fuji views and world-class onsen; autumn offers stunning foliage (up to two weeks earlier than Tokyo); summer has fireworks and festivals despite the heat; and spring brings hidden azalea gardens. We break down each season to help you pick the perfect time.

First-time visitors often skip Hakone to chase Fuji views elsewhere. Here's why that's a mistake: Hakone offers authentic onsen culture, mountain trails, lakes, museums, and less tourist crowding than Fujikawaguchiko - all within easy reach of Tokyo. Perfect for second-timers or those seeking an authentic Japan resort experience off the beaten Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka track

As repeat Hakone visitors, we've put together our bucket-list of the top 25 things to see, do and experience in Hakone - from onsen and water parks, gardens and nature trails, to art museums, temples, shrines and natural spectacles. And of course not forgetting those amazing views (also of Mount Fuji and even Tokyo Skytree if the weather is on your side). We've included plenty of kid-friendly activities to keep the little ones busy too.

Wondering if you need a car in Hakone? The answer depends on what you want to see, how much time you have, and your comfort with public transport. Here's how to get around Hakone and why we can recommend hiring a driver over renting a car yourself.

Choosing where to stay in Hakone depends on your priorities: budget, onsen access, proximity to attractions, or peace and quiet. We break down each region and share our family's favorite hotel for families and couples alike.

Planning a trip to Hakone? This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know: where to stay, what to see, how to get around without a car, best time to visit, costs, and insider tips from 30+ years of Japan experience.

Thirty years of regular Japan trips, and we've never booked an Airbnb—not because we're hotel snobs, but because we've learned what actually works for travellers in Japan. Rising regulations, hidden cleaning fees, cancellation risks, and the reality of thin-walled apartments have kept our family in hotels. Here's our honest breakdown of the real trade-offs: when Airbnbs actually make sense, when they don't, and the legal grey areas you need to know.

Both offer stunning views of Tokyo, both are accessible to tourists, and both appear on dozens of Tokyo bucket lists. But they're very different experiences - and for most visitors, one will suit your itinerary far better than the other. After visiting both observation decks multiple times, we have a clear winner. Here's why.

If you’re going to experience an earthquake anywhere, Japan is the safest place to be thanks to its incredibly strict building codes and world-class emergency responses. But having seen firsthand what nature can throw at you (check out our post on Japan's typhoon season, too!), I want to share some practical, stress-free steps to keep you safe and give you total peace of mind.