inspo & info

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

There's no doubt about it: sakura season in Japan is absolutely beautiful, and many tourists plan their Japan trip around it. But we're here to tell you about Japan's other blossoms - ume - and why they beat even the cherry blossoms in many ways! 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) Japan's plum-blossom tradition (2) Why plum-blossom season is a great t

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

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

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

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

An architectural incongruity amongst the modern skyscrapers of the Marunouchi district, Tokyo Station is the transportation heart of the city. The gateway to Japan's intricate railway network, Tokyo Station (東京駅) is an architectural masterpiece located in the heart of the city and blends historical grandeur with the sleek efficiency of a modern metropolis. Originally opened in 1914, the station's iconic red brick facade evokes a sense of European elegance, standing in stark c

Historical Narita-san Temple is often overlooked by tourists but can be a wonderful first or last impression of Japan. Image courtesy of 663highland via Wikimedia Commons Just a few kilometres away from the busy, modern gateway to Japan that is Narita International Airport, a world of spiritual serenity and historic grandeur awaits at Narita-san Shinsho-ji Temple (成田山新勝寺), a magnificent Buddhist temple located in the city of Narita. Narita-san is often overlooked by tourists,

Fresh fish for sale at the Tsukiji fish market Tsukiji Outer Market (築地場外市場, Tsukiji Jōgai Shijō) is a vibrant district adjacent to the...

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....

Most first-time visitors to Japan shell out thousands of yen to queue at Shibuya Sky or Tokyo Skytree, but the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (東京都庁舎, Tōkyō-to Chōsha) in the heart of Shinjuku offers some of the city's most spectacular - and entirely free - panoramic views. This isn't just a tourist platform; it's a bustling, working government office, but the twin observation decks are open to the public for 360-degree vistas of the sprawling metropolis.

The Rainbow Stairs at DiverCity in Odaiba, Tokyo, are infinitely instagrammable Get ready for an exciting and futuristic experience at DiverCity Tokyo Plaza (ダイバーシティ東京 プラザ), a sprawling shopping and entertainment complex located on Tokyo's man-made island of Odaiba. Day or night, it's a vibrant destination that blends high-end fashion with pop culture and technology, all set against a stunning waterfront backdrop. As you approach the entrance, you can't miss the colossal, lif