inspo & info

Having called Osaka home for several years, we’ve learned one thing: this city doesn't have really have one centre or even two - it has a personality that changes every few subway stops. From the neon-soaked chaos of Dotonbori to the quiet, hidden alleys of Honmachi, choosing where to stay can make or break your trip. We’ve spent countless weekends exploring every corner of this city, and in this guide, we cut through the tourist noise to show you exactly which neighbourhood

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.

With more trips to Japan under our obis than we care to admit, Japansophy knows a thing or a hundred about prepping for that long-awaited Tokyo adventure. We remember way back then writing to the tourist office in Hiroshima or Fukuoka or Sendai (pen and paper, peeps!) and asking for the telephone numbers of local hotels so we could book in advance. These days, of course, the info is all at your fingertips on websites like this one. Still, we know what it feels like to plan th

Are you planning to spend the last week or two of the year in Japan? Whether you’re dreaming of romantic illuminations or wondering if you’ll actually be able to find dinner on 1st January, here is everything you need to know about navigating the holiday season in Japan. Jump to: (1) Christmas in Japan (2) New Year in Japan (3) What to see and do at Christmas and New Year in Japan (4) Travelling in Japan at Christmas and New Year: what to think about (5) Christmas and New Yea

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

Shinto weddings are among the most beautiful and culturally significant ceremonies in Japan. While modern couples often choose hotel or chapel-style weddings, the traditional Shinto ceremony continues to be deeply valued for its symbolism, atmosphere, and connection to Japan’s spiritual heritage. Many couples also opt for a traditional Japanese wedding to avoid the exorbitant costs that a Western-style wedding entails. If you have seen the movie "Lost in Japan", you might rem

Situated on an artificial island just off the coast of Kobe, Kobe Airport opened in 2006 and has since become an efficient and compact alternative to the larger regional hub. The airport lies about 8 km south of central Kobe (Sannomiya), making it a very convenient option for travellers staying in or around Kobe. 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   ♡ . Jump to: (1

I've you've already read our post on KIX and our guide to Kansai's three hubs (if you haven't, you can find them here and here ), you'll already know that Osaka has not one but two airports. This is our guide to Itami Airport (airport code ITM), Osaka's smaller gateway for domestic flights. Find out why Itami might be a good option for you and why it's essential that you check your tickets in good time before you fly! Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you cl

Are you ready to explore cities like Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, and Nara? Then you might well decide to fly into or out of the Kansai region. Unlike many other regions, Kansai is served by three major airports  that operate under a single management group: Kansai International Airport (KIX) , Osaka Itami Airport (ITM) , and Kobe Airport (UKB) . Choosing the right one depends entirely on your itinerary: are you arriving internationally? Traveling domestically? Headed straight to Kyot

Especially with the jump in the price of the Japan Rail Pass in the last years, more and more visitors to Japan are catching on to the idea of flying into Tokyo and leaving again from Osaka, or the other way around, therefore saving one trip between the two regions on the Shinkansen. Many are unfamiliar with Kansai's airports, however, and you might have seen stories of travellers showing up at Osaka Itami to check in for their international flight, only to be told that they

So, you're venturing beyond Tokyo, and heading down to Kansai is the natural choice. But choosing where to base yourself is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when planning a trip to Japan’s cultural heartland. For most travellers, the debate quickly narrows to two cities: Kyoto vs Osaka. Both offer exceptional experiences, but each city offers something completely different in terms of vibe, price, convenience and attractions. If you’re wondering whether to stay

It's basically just a hop, skip and a jump on the train from Kyoto to Osaka but the variety of train lines and routes throws many a traveller into a bit of a tizzy. We break your options down for you and tell you why you shouldn't take the Shinkansen between Osaka and Kyoto! Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission, ♡ at no extra cost to you ♡. It helps cover the costs of keeping this site alive a

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

November is a great time to visit Japan. For many travel experts, it's the best time to visit and it's certainly the time of year that Japansophy recommends to our friends. Why? It's the colour – yellows, reds, and orange everywhere, against clear blue skies – and perfect sightseeing weather. Read on to find out about what you can expect for a November trip to Japan. Jump to: Weather in Japan in November What to pack for Japan in November What to see and do in November in Jap

Everything you need to know about this classic Kanto-Kansai route If you are planning a trip along Japan's iconic Golden Route, the Tōkaidō Shinkansen is your fastest, most comfortable option. The Tōkaidō route runs between Tokyo and Osaka with stops in major cities such as Yokohama, Nagoya and - especially interesting for tourists - Kyoto. Now, we have covered most of the basics in our article on Taking the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto , so click on that link to read all a

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

Matcha has exploded onto the global scene. From classic usucha  (thin tea) served in quiet tea rooms to neon-green lattes and matcha-swirl ice cream, this vibrant powder is everywhere. Tourists are snapping up tin after tin of matcha faster than shelves can be restocked, and news stories abound of shortages in the traditional tea houses of Kyoto, as producers struggle to keep up with demand. But what exactly is matcha, and why does it command such a high price and deep fascin