inspo & info

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.

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.

Tokyo's most famous temple doesn't have to mean fighting through selfie sticks. Here's how to visit Senso-ji the right way - with tips on timing, what to see, and avoiding the mistakes most visitors make

Docking in Kobe? Here’s everything you need to know — from the terminal and city transport to the best shore excursions and how to squeeze in a Kyoto day trip. Practical, specific, and written by someone who knows the city well.

Himeji Castle recently more than doubled the entry fee. Is it still worth a day trip from Osaka or Kyoto... or even from Tokyo? Here's why we think it is, why the entrance fee is justified, and how to get to Himeji castle.

Tokyo has so many super observation decks - and some of the best ones are completely free. From the record-breaking height of Tokyo Skytree to the budget-friendly Metropolitan Government Building, here's our guide to the 10 best observation decks in Tokyo plus a few extra tips for getting those views in

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.

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

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.

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