inspo & info

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.

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

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

With its incredibly scenic setting, beautiful architecture and koi-filled ponds, Katsuoji can hold its own against Kyoto’s popular temples. But what entices visitors to go out of their way to come here and makes social media surfers go weak at the knees are the thousands of daruma dolls, from huge to teeny-tiny, that decorate the gardens, paths, walls and staircases of this temple.

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 Heritag

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

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

If you've ever dreamt of stepping back in time, wandering through ancient halls where samurai once strode, or gazing upon landscapes that have witnessed centuries of dramatic history, then the medieval castles of Japan are calling your name! Forget the image of heavy stone fortresses you might picture from Europe; Japanese castles are a league of their own – elegant, ingenious, and utterly captivating. Read on to discover 12 of the most iconic. Jump to: (1) A glimpse into Jap

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

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 much easier than you might imagine. Mount Fuji is Japan's tallest peak and a significant cultural and spiritual symbol, having been a place of pilgrimage for centuries and an inspiration for countless works of art. Located about 100 kilometers (62 miles) southwest of Tokyo, the Mount Fuji area is a popular destination for both tourists and l

The old castle moat transforms into a wonderful sakura-viewing spot in spring. Chidori-ga-fuchi Moat (千鳥ヶ淵) is a peaceful waterway that...

Although not free of controversy, this shrine continues to be well-attended and hosts numerous popular festivals throughout the year....

Zojoji Temple has a unique backdrop and wonderfully peaceful gardens Prepare for a truly iconic Tokyo photo op, because Zojoji Temple (増上寺) offers a stunning blend of ancient serenity and modern marvels! This historically significant Buddhist temple, standing proudly in Shiba Park, is not only the main temple of the Jodo-shu sect but also boasts the magnificent Tokyo Tower as its dramatic backdrop. Imagine centuries-old temple architecture framed by a dazzling red-and-white t

Yanaka Ginza is known for its laid-back, retro vibes: a world away from Tokyo's other Ginza! Step back in time at Yanaka Ginza Shopping Street ( 谷中銀座) , a charming, traditional shopping street nestled in the heart of Tokyo. a charming, traditional shopping street nestled in the heart of Tokyo. This isn't your flashy Shibuya or Shinjuku; instead, it's a wonderfully preserved slice of "Shitamachi" (old downtown) Tokyo, offering a nostalgic glimpse into local life. It's located

This 400 year-old shrine is dedicated to the memory of Tokugawa Ieyasu, Japan's first Tokugawa shogun Ueno Toshogu Shrine ( 上野東照宮) is a...

Lotus ponds, a boating lake, museums, a zoo: Ueno Park has something for everyone. Get ready to stretch your legs and dive into a world...

This beautiful park is extremely popular during sakura season but is well worth a visit at any time of year Shinjuku Gyoen National...

Just a few minutes away from some of Tokyo's busiest hubs, Yoyogi Park is a green oasis for sports, relaxing... or dog walking Yoyogi...