inspo & info

Do you really need to book shinkansen tickets in advance? Most of the time, no - but there are key situations where skipping a reservation can ruin your day. Here’s exactly when to book ahead, when you can wing it, and how to save up to 25% with early-bird fares.

Tax-free shopping in Japan lets tourists save 10% on fashion, electronics, souvenirs, and more—here’s how it works now, and what’s changing in 2026

Taking the bullet train from Tokyo to Osaka isn't cheap, so you want to get it right. There have been some changes, too, to Shinkansen luggage rules, for example. Here's our essential guide to taking the Shinkansen to Osaka from Tokyo in 2026, from which train to book, bullet train prices, where to get on in Tokyo, connecting in Shin-Osaka Station and including our number one tip specially for the Tokyo to Osaka bullet train that nobody else is telling you!

That giant red Ferris wheel on top of a shopping mall in Osaka? That's Hep Five — one of Umeda's most recognisable landmarks. Whether you're tempted by the 106-metre views, the 100+ shops, or just want a fun photo stop, here's everything you need to know before you visit.

Here are 8 of the best temples and shrines in Kyoto that most tourists completely miss. 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. Here's our list of hidden-gem Kyoto temples and shrines: visit them before they too become popular!

If you're travelling down from Tokyo (or Nagoya, or even Kyoto) to Osaka by bullet train, Shin-Osaka Station is where you'll be getting out. But you might be surprised to learn that Shin-Osaka Station is not in the actual city center of Osaka. And it can take a bit of planning to get you from there to your hotel in Osaka proper. This is our guide to arriving in, getting out of and possibly staying at Shin-Osaka.

Your Suica card works perfectly well in Osaka, on everything from the subway to convenience stores. But there are a couple of things worth knowing before you tap through the gates, and one case where a different card might actually serve you better. (If you’re completely new to Suica, check out our Suica 101 guide for everything you need to know about the card itself. This post is specifically about using it in Osaka.)

Every month in Tokyo has a case to be made for it. We're going to try in this guide to give you an honest account of each one, based on our own experience - the weather, the crowds, the costs, the events, and the things that nobody else tends to mention. If you're used to a warm climate, you'll find January and February uncomfortably cold. On the other hand, if you're from a more temperate climate, the heat and, above all, the humidity of the Tokyo summer will have you exhau

Thinking about visiting Arima Onsen? This historic hot spring town near Kobe and Osaka is one of Japan’s oldest and most beautiful onsen destinations. Discover how to get there, the difference between kinsen and ginsen baths, tattoo-friendly options, the best ryokan with private onsen, prices, day-trip tips, hiking on Mount Rokko, and what makes Arima such an unforgettable overnight stay

With three decades of visiting Tokyo as tourists, we're pretty clued in on our viewing platforms, and our honest answer, for different reasons, is that we don't put either on our itineraries. We'll explain why, but just in case you're set on doing one or the other, let's compare the two.

There are two airports that serve Kyoto: Kansai International Airport (KIX) and Osaka Itami Airport (ITM). And while one of them is geographically closer, that doesn't necessarily make it the right choice. But does it make sense to fly to Kyoto at all? Is it better to fly to Kyoto or take the bullet train?

We find Hozenji Yokocho charming. It has elements of Golden Gai in Tokyo and of Pontocho in Kyoto but unmistakably Osaka at the same time and is one of the few historical streets that the city still has. The moss-covered Buddha statue is much-loved among locals and is certainly one of the more unusual you will see in Japan. Personally, I find it a little creepy but maybe I watched too much Dr Who as a kid.

Usually only three or four typhoons hit Japan every year, but even the ones that don't actually make landfall can cause strong winds and very heavy rain. This can have major repercussions for transport. Japan is a mountainous archipelago and is susceptible to landslides, which can block roads and rail. Islands like Okinawa can be cut off for days.

If you’re wondering whether to stay in Osaka or Kyoto, this guide will help you choose the city that best aligns with your travel style, interests, and itinerary. Now, we have to be completely honest with you here: having lived in Osaka for several years, we're just a wee bit biased. But we love Kyoto too, so we're being as objective as possible. Here are the pros and cons of staying in Kyoto vs Osaka-

While Hiroshima Castle's main keep closed permanently in March 2026 due to seismic safety concerns, the site remains a must-see. You can no longer enter the tower, but the historic grounds, scarred by the 1945 bombing, remain open. Explore the reconstructed gates, the new Sannomaru cultural facility, and stunning cherry blossoms. Whether you're there for the history or the photos, the "Carp Castle" still anchors Hiroshima’s skyline. Here is everything you need to know for you

Planning an Osaka to Hiroshima day trip? Discover the fastest way to travel via the Shinkansen bullet train from Osaka to Hiroshima. This 2026 guide covers journey times for Nozomi and Sakura trains, ticket prices, and how to save money using the JR Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass. Is Hiroshima for the day worth it? Absolutely! You might not see everything but you can still pack a lot in. For those with plenty of sightseeing stamina, the first trains leave Osaka at 6am; the last l

Traveling to Japan has changed a lot in 30 years! Forget paper maps and writing to tourist offices; today, staying connected is essential. For the modern traveler, an eSIM is the smartest, most convenient way to access data. Skip the airport queues and tiny physical SIM cards—learn how to set up your connection before you even board the plane. We share our top recommendations, including why we use Airalo to stay connected from the moment we land.

Deciding between a pocket WiFi or an eSIM for Japan depends on your group size and tech. For solo travelers or couples, a Japan eSIM is the cheapest and simplest option—no extra hardware or airport queues. However, for families or groups of three or more, a pocket WiFi often provides better value by sharing one connection across multiple devices. Use this 2026 guide to compare costs, battery life, and setup effort to ensure you stay connected across the archipelago.

Japan is raising taxes on tourists in 2026, you could be paying an extra ¥10000 a night for your hotel, and tourists will soon be paying "more than twice what locals pay." Yes, Japan is changing several things in 2026. Some of them are significant. Most are not the disaster they're being painted as. Let's take a look together at what's actually happening and how it will affect your Japan trip - if at all.

Rainy season in Japan doesn't have to be a washout. Here's our travel guide to make sure you get the best out of your June trip to Japan: Tsuyu dates by region, honest weather expectations, a packing list, and why Japan's rainy season might actually be the smartest time to visit.