inspo & info

Let's have a minute of silence for all of the TikTok influencers who claim they spent their whole Japan trip constipated or came home with scurvy because they hadn't been able to afford any fresh fruit in Japan. Most fruit in Japan isn't expensive at all. Here's how to make sure you get your vitamins, plus a season-by-season guide so you know exactly what to buy (or pick yourself) on your trip.

Japan in 2026 is not the cheapest country in Asia, but it's possibly the best value — a developed country with world-class food, transport, and safety that costs less than New York, London, or Paris. The yen situation has made it genuinely accessible for travellers who might have assumed it was out of reach. Here's just how cheap Japan is in 2026 and where you can expect to pay more.

Tokyo is a relatively new port on cruises stopping in Japan. Before we get into logistics, though, there is one important thing to flag: many Japan cruise itineraries list "Tokyo" as a port when the ship is actually docking in Yokohama, thirty kilometres to the south. Here's everything you need to know about Tokyo International Cruise Terminal, how to get to/from the city, where to stay and what shore excursions are worth your time.

Kobe Port Tower is back — and better than ever. After a major 2024 renovation, Japan's most recognisable red tower now has an open-air rooftop deck and a 360° rotating café. Here's everything you need to know before you visit, from tickets and opening times to the best time to go for those famous night views.

Meriken Park is Kobe's most famous waterfront spot - home to the iconic red Kobe Port Tower, the Maritime Museum, the Be Kobe sign and more. Here's everything you need to know before you visit.

What makes Ginza a great neighbourhood to stay in Tokyo and which areas are best? Ginza is great for first-timers to Tokyo, for families and for visitors that want laid-back but classy nightlife. Ginza is also superbly connected, so you can get to anywhere in Tokyo quickly. The area has a fantastic range of accommodation but you have to move quickly. Here are our favourite areas, hints and recommendations for booking hotels in Ginza.

Planning a trip to teamLab Planets TOKYO in Toyosu? This fully immersive digital art museum is a must-visit, but tickets sell out weeks in advance. From wading through water to exploring the infinite crystal universe, find out everything you need to know before you go. Learn how to get there, the best time to visit, ticket prices, and essential tips for clothing in our ultimate teamLab Planets guide, updated for 2026

Which is better: TeamLab Planets or TeamLab Borderless? This is the question we get asked most whenever we mention TeamLab in our Tokyo content, and, honestly, it's a good one. Both museums are created by the same art collective. Both feature amazing digital installations. Both sell out weeks in advance. And both are genuinely unlike anything else in Tokyo. So how do you choose? We definitely have our favourite. Read on and we'll tell you why

If you are planning a day out in Odaiba, you are probably already looking at how to get there. There are a couple of ways (including the waterbus from Asakusa) but most guides will point you toward the Yurikamome Line, Tokyo’s fully automated, driverless transit system. But it's more than just a way to get from A to B: the views as you're looping your way through the Tokyo Bay area and crossing Rainbow Bridge are pretty fabulous. Here's the low-down on making the most of thos

Forget about Sky Tree, Shibuya Sky and even the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building: Odaiba Beach and Odaiba Marine Park is where you'll get what we think are the best views of the city... and for free, too! If you haven't seen Rainbow Bridge and the Tokyo skyline from Odaiba Marine Park, you're absolutely missing out. Here's everything you need to know.

How dangerous is Kabukicho? Can I take my kids there? Should I Kabukicho is officially classified as an entertainment district, with bars, cinemas, restaurants... Kabukicho is also home to host and hostess clubs, love hotels, and establishments offering adult services — the industries that earn it the "red-light district" label. Here's our take on why you should visit Kabukicho but what to avoid while you're there.

Kabukicho is where Tokyo lets its hair down completely, and the result is one of the most exhilarating urban spectacles on the planet. But the district has been getting a bad rap of late, so is it still worth visiting? Here's our take: what to see and do, where to stay, best times to visit and how to stay safe - watch out for that giant, smoke-breathing lizard!

LAST CHANCE ALERT: The Unicorn Gundam statue in Odaiba is being retired at the end of August 2026 after nearly nine years. If you want to see it in person, time is running out. Read on for what’s happening, what to expect, and what comes next.

If we haven't convinced you that hotels are the way to go, there are at least a few things that you should look out for when booking an airbnb. Having lived in Japanese apartments for years, we know exactly what might catch you out and what to look out for. Here's our Japan airbnb checklist to make sure you book what you really want and need.

Trying to decide between a hotel and an Airbnb in Japan? Both can work — but which is right for YOUR trip? From hidden fees and minpaku regulations to location headaches and language barriers, here's what 30 years of Japan travel has taught us about choosing accommodation.

The weak yen has made a big difference to the price of a Japan trip for European and American travellers in particular. For us Europeans, our euro is worth 30% more against the yen than it was five years ago. That said, costs have shifted dramatically since Covid, and a few corners of a Japan trip can still surprise you. Here’s our honest, up-to-date breakdown of what a trip to Japan actually costs - and where you can shave a bit off.

Getting from Tokyo Station to Narita Airport sounds straightforward - but get your timing wrong and you'll be sprinting through check-in. Here's everything you need to know: the fast way, the cheap way, the stress-free way, and the one mistake that catches first-time visitors out.

Trade the neon of Dotonbori for a serene forest escape. Located just 25 minutes north of central Osaka, Minoh Park offers a gentle riverside hike leading to the spectacular Minoh Waterfall. Whether you're chasing autumn maple leaves, hunting for unique local snacks like fried momiji, or trying to spot wild monkeys, this guide covers everything you need to know to plan the perfect half-day trip to Osaka’s favorite natural retreat.

But we were all wrong to have ignored Hamarikyu Gardens for so long. In a city that can boast some gorgeous parks, Hamarikyu really is special. This magnificent traditional Edo-era Japanese garden features a truly unique tidal pond, fed by the waters of Tokyo Bay, with meticulously manicured landscapes, quaint teahouses, and the glittering skyscrapers of Shiodome providing a dazzling, modern backdrop. It's easy to lose yourself completely in other Japanese gardens but this on

The Arashiyama bamboo grove is one of Japan's most photographed sights — and one of its most overcrowded. So is it still worth the trip in 2026? Honest answer: yes, but only if you play it right. Here's when to go, what to expect, and how to avoid the worst of the crowds.