inspo & info

For some of the best views in Kansai, a pleasant hour or two in meticulously maintained gardens, complete with tropical greenhouse, a forest walk to a hidden waterfall and a gondola ride to boot, set aside an afternoon (or morning) to explore Kobe's Nunobiki Herb Gardens and Ropeway. If you do nothing else in Kobe, do this! Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission, ♡   at no extra cost to you   ♡ *

When you think of Japanese temples, your mind probably whisks you off to Kyoto, but Osaka also has its gems and Katsuoji might well be the jewel in the crown. It's a bit of a hassle to get to but set aside 3-4 hours out of your Kansai itinerary and you'll be very glad you made the effort. Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission, ♡   at no extra cost to you   ♡ *All prices below are as of February

It's no secret that Kyoto is severely overcrowded with tourists, and, seeing those videos of jam-packed streets and buses, many visitors to Japan are starting to wonder if putting Kyoto on their itinerary is worth it at all. First it was: walk further into the Arashiyama bamboo forest or the Fushimi Inari torii tunnel to avoid the crowds. But then that didn't work anymore. Then it was: get up at 6am and you'll have the popular spots like the Yasaka Pagoda all to yourself. Now

The city of Nara has a long cultural history and preceded Kyoto as Japan's capital way back in the 8th century in what became known as the Nara period. It is dotted with ancient tombs, temples and shrines, parks and gardens and makes the perfect day trip from Kyoto or Osaka. We've put together a one-day (walking) itinerary, talking in the city's highlights without feeling rushed. Read on for ideas on what to do and see on your Nara day trip. Disclosure: This post contains aff

Just a 16-minute train ride from the shrines, temples and inevitable crowds of Kyoto lies a town where the air smells faintly of toasted grass and the river flows with a thousand years of history. Welcome to Uji , the undisputed "Matcha Capital" of Japan. Most travellers have a bucket-list of attractions that they want to speed through while in Kyoto, but not setting aside time for a day trip – even a half-day trip – to the town of Uji means missing out on UNESCO World Herita

So, you're starting your Japan trip in Haneda and are wondering how to make your way to your accommodation? We've made that journey countless times but every trip, travel group and situation is different. Here's our 2026 guide to taking the train, limousine bus or private transfer from Haneda into Tokyo city centre so you can work out what the best way is for you. Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a small comm

If you're only on a fleeting trip to Japan, nobody's going to blame you for wanting to spend those precious days in a tightly packed itinerary exploring the highlights of Tokyo, the temples of Kyoto, the neon of Osaka. But just 20 minutes from Osaka is a city that is considered in Japan to be one of the country's most beautiful, most cosmopolitan. A popular hotspot for domestic tourism, for gourmets, for romantic dates. Yet most tourists know it only as the home of Kobe beef.

If you've ever more than 2 minutes googling Japan or scrolling through Japan-related social media, you're sure to have come across what must surely be one of the most iconic images of Japan: the "floating" torii gate of Miyajima island, also known as Itsukushima. This little island off Hiroshima is also famous for its serene natural beauty and offers a unique blend of history, culture, and outdoor adventure. This guide will help you plan your trip, explain how to get there, a

Now, Japansophy can't claim to be any sort of anime fan, we'll be honest, but even we couldn't help but be impressed by the giant Gundam in Odaiba. It's a (huuuuge) piece of Japanese pop-culture iconography and, judging by the crowds that gather to watch Gundam "come to life" several times a day, is a place of pilgrimage for the many mecha anime die-hards out there. For anyone passionate about Gunpla—the plastic model kits of Gundam robots—there are two must-visit spots in To

Osaka is famous for its eat-'til-you-fall-down street food and neon-lit nightlife, but it's also the perfect strategic base for unlocking the treasures of the Kansai region. Japan’s highly efficient rail networks mean you can leave Osaka in the morning and be exploring ancient capitals, feeding deer, sampling world-class sake or feeling like John Blackthorne at the feet of a feudal castle before lunch. These eight incredible destinations offer a perfect blend of culture, natu

Tokyo may be famous for iconic religious sites like Sensō-ji in Asakusa or Meiji Jingu in Shibuya, but you'll be fighting for elbow space and fending off selfie-stick attacks. If you're seeking something more intimate—spaces where you can breathe, wander, and soak in centuries of quiet history—Tokyo has plenty of hidden gems. In this article, we'll explore ten lesser-known temples and shrines that offer beauty, cultural depth, and tranquility beyond the well-trodden tourist p

Feel like a break from the relentless energy of Tokyo? Put yourself on a train from Ikebukuro and in just 30 minutes you'll be transported out of the city and back in time (you'll think) into the Edo Period (1603-1868), when the castle town of Kawagoe served as a crucial trading post supplying the capital. Read on to discover why a day trip to Kawagoe should be in your Japan itinerary. Jump to (1) Little Edo (2) What to see in Kawagoe city (3) Link to Kawagoe map (4) What to

Tokyo shines in autumn, but some of the most spectacular colours lie just beyond the city’s bustle. You don’t need to travel for hours: in just a few short train rides, you can reach hidden valleys, elegant temples, riverside walks, and hillside forests awash in red and gold. This guide highlights leaf-viewing spots in or close to Tokyo — perfect for day trips or overnight escapes. Jump to: When can I see autumn colour in the Tokyo area? Nikko Hitachi Seaside Park Kawaguchi

If you've ever dreamt of stepping back in time, wandering through ancient halls where samurai once strode, or gazing upon landscapes that...

Step into another world without leaving Tokyo. Shin-Okubo Korea Town is a whirlwind of K-pop, sizzling street food, and mega-trendy...

It may not boast the spiritual serenity of Tokyo’s temples or the eclectic charm of cat cafes, but the National Diet Building  (国会議事堂...

An island of open space and historical architecture in a city of dazzling high-rise buildings, the Imperial Palace is probably the first...

Tucked away in the quiet, residential Setagaya Ward, Daikeizan Gotokuji temple is a whimsical escape from Tokyo's urban jungle. While it may lack the grand scale of some of the city's more famous shrines, its unique and charming atmosphere more than makes up for it. Jump to: How to get to Gotokuji temple Opening hours and best time to visit Admission What to see & do at Gotokuji temple Top tips for Gotokuji temple Facilities Nearby attractions For some reason, Gotokuji is kno

Bored of Tokyo? Never! It would take a lifetime to experience everything this city – the biggest in the world, don't forget – has to...

Want to get up close and personal with Mt Fuji? A day trip is very doable from Tokyo Planning a day trip to Mount Fuji from Tokyo can be...