inspo & info

Planning a trip to teamLab Planets TOKYO in Toyosu? This fully immersive digital art museum is a must-visit, but tickets sell out weeks in advance. From wading through water to exploring the infinite crystal universe, find out everything you need to know before you go. Learn how to get there, the best time to visit, ticket prices, and essential tips for clothing in our ultimate teamLab Planets guide, updated for 2026

Which is better: TeamLab Planets or TeamLab Borderless? This is the question we get asked most whenever we mention TeamLab in our Tokyo content, and, honestly, it's a good one. Both museums are created by the same art collective. Both feature amazing digital installations. Both sell out weeks in advance. And both are genuinely unlike anything else in Tokyo. So how do you choose? We definitely have our favourite. Read on and we'll tell you why

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.

How dangerous is Kabukicho? Can I take my kids there? Should I Kabukicho is officially classified as an entertainment district, with bars, cinemas, restaurants... Kabukicho is also home to host and hostess clubs, love hotels, and establishments offering adult services — the industries that earn it the "red-light district" label. Here's our take on why you should visit Kabukicho but what to avoid while you're there.

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!

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

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.

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

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 ♡ It helps cover the costs of keeping this

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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...

You've likely seen the now-iconic image of Japanese macaques—or "snow monkeys," as they're affectionately called—chilling out in a steaming onsen, looking as serene as a human on vacation. Coming face to face with these furry, red-faced locals is one of those quintessential Japan experiences that’s on just about everyone’s bucket list. But where exactly do you find them? Are they just sitting in hot springs all over Japan? And can you just walk up and say hi? Read on for our

So you're thinking of visiting Japan in October? Perhaps you're envisioning crisp, clear skies, the subtle start of autumn colours, and a break from the sweltering heat of summer. October is a glorious time in Japan, offering a perfect balance of pleasant weather and unique seasonal experiences. While the country is still buzzing with energy, the intensity of summer has given way to a more comfortable and leisurely pace. Read on to find out about what you can expect for an Oc

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...