inspo & info

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...

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

The "life-sized" Godzilla statue peers over Kabukicho and shows off its impressive manicure! Get ready to have a monster of a time! Towering above Tokyo’s bustling Kabukicho district in Shinjuku is a jaw-dropping, life-sized Godzilla Head, an iconic and must-see landmark for fans and tourists alike. This quirky statue is a massive, intricately detailed recreation of Japan's most famous movie monster, forever immortalised in a spectacular yet unexpected location. As you emerge

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

Tokyo Tower: Tokyo's iconic landmark is just a few metres taller than the Eiffel Tower Get ready to ascend a piece of Tokyo's heart and soul at Tokyo Tower (東京タワー)! With its instantly recognisable orange-and-white lattice design, this iconic broadcast tower is a nostalgic symbol of Tokyo's post-war resurgence and a beloved spot for truly classic panoramic views. Reminiscent of its Parisian cousin, the Eiffel Tower, Tokyo Tower offers a charmingly retro vibe combined with mode

Get ready to have your breath taken away and maybe your ears popped at Tokyo SkyTree observation deck (東京スカイツリー)! Not to be confused with Tokyo Tower, SkyTree is a colossal broadcast and observation tower that pierces the Tokyo skyline, standing as one of the tallest structures in the entire world and offering unparalleled, breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of the sprawling metropolis, stretching all the way to Mount Fuji on a clear day. Disclosure: This post contains

Nezu Shrine in Tokyo is enchanting at any time of year but is at its best in April, when the azaleas are in bloom Step off the bustling streets of Tokyo and prepare to be enchanted by Nezu Shrine (根津神社)! Nezu is a stunningly beautiful and historically significant Shinto shrine, dating back nearly 2,000 years. It's best known for its vibrant vermilion torii gates that create a tunnel-like path, much like Kyoto's Fushimi Inari Taisha, but on a smaller, more intimate scale. As

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...

Possibly the cutest landmark in Tokyo! Get ready to be captivated by the 3D cat billboard in Shinjuku. Get ready for an adorable dose of unexpected joy right in the heart of Tokyo's Shinjuku district! The Shinjuku 3D Cat (新宿東口の猫) isn't a temple or a garden; it's a giant, incredibly lifelike calico cat that appears on a massive, curved LED billboard. This charming feline meows, stretches, naps, and bats playfully at passersby, creating a captivating 3D illusion that makes it f

The mirrored entrance to Tokyu Plaza Omotesando is a popular photo spot Get ready to discover a true architectural and retail delight at Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku (東急プラザ表参道原宿)! Also known as "Omokado", this isn't just another shopping mall; it's an iconic landmark at the bustling intersection of Omotesando and Meiji-dori, known for its dazzling, kaleidoscope-like entrance and a truly stunning rooftop garden. It's the perfect spot to immerse yourself in Tokyo's cutting-e

Harajuku Takeshita Street Tokyo is not for the faint-hearted Get ready for a dazzling explosion of fashion, pop culture, and sheer...

Leave the urban sprawl behind at Meiji Jingu Prepare to escape the urban hustle and step into a world of profound tranquility at Meiji...

Shibuya Sky isn't the highest observation deck in Tokyo, the tickets are notoriously hard to get and bad weather can be a bummer, but Shibuya Sky has drawn us back every time we've been in Tokyo. We could and do spend hours ups there! Shibuya Sky's unique selling point is that it's open air, at least on the top floor. So it has a totally different atmosphere than all of those behind-glass observation platforms. It feels more like a cool place to hang out.

Shibuya crossing in Tokyo is constantly buzzing with people: thousands cross here every time the lights change. The Shibuya Scramble Crossing (渋谷スクランブル交差点) is arguably the most famous intersection in the world, an iconic symbol of modern Tokyo's energy and dynamism. Located directly outside Shibuya Station, what makes this crossing so mesmerizing is the sheer number of pedestrians—up to 2,500 at a time—who pour into the intersection from all directions simultaneously when the