inspo & info

If you’re going to experience an earthquake anywhere, Japan is the safest place to be thanks to its incredibly strict building codes and world-class emergency responses. But having seen firsthand what nature can throw at you (check out our post on Japan's typhoon season, too!), I want to share some practical, stress-free steps to keep you safe and give you total peace of mind.

Which apps for Japan travel are really useful? Navigating the Japanese transport system, tourist attractions and food scene has never been easier thanks to Japan travel apps that all of us can download in an instant. But how do you know what apps are REALLY going to be useful and which are just dead data weight on your phone? Here's our guide to the apps that we at Japansophy have on our own phones and have tried and tested on our last few Japan trips.

Three days in Tokyo, done right. This tried-and-tested 3-day Tokyo itinerary covers Shibuya, Harajuku, Shinjuku, Ueno, Asakusa, and Odaiba - with practical transport tips, ideas for arrival day, leaving day and rainy days, plus everything you need to book in advance. Built on 30 years of Tokyo travel, this is the itinerary we actually use.

Kobe is still largely overlooked as a Kansai base, but tourists are slowly getting wise to the city's charms, convenience and (often cheaper) accommodation. It's a great choice - especially if you want to experience a smaller city with a much more local feel. We've lived in several Kobe neighbourhoods and you'll have to trust us on this one: the one you pick can make a huge difference to your stay. Read on for our guide to where to stay in Kobe and what booking mistakes to a

Docking in Kobe? Here’s everything you need to know — from the terminal and city transport to the best shore excursions and how to squeeze in a Kyoto day trip. Practical, specific, and written by someone who knows the city well.

Japan in 2026 is not the cheapest country in Asia, but it's possibly the best value — a developed country with world-class food, transport, and safety that costs less than New York, London, or Paris. The yen situation has made it genuinely accessible for travellers who might have assumed it was out of reach. Here's just how cheap Japan is in 2026 and where you can expect to pay more.

What makes Ginza a great neighbourhood to stay in Tokyo and which areas are best? Ginza is great for first-timers to Tokyo, for families and for visitors that want laid-back but classy nightlife. Ginza is also superbly connected, so you can get to anywhere in Tokyo quickly. The area has a fantastic range of accommodation but you have to move quickly. Here are our favourite areas, hints and recommendations for booking hotels in Ginza.

If we haven't convinced you that hotels are the way to go, there are at least a few things that you should look out for when booking an airbnb. Having lived in Japanese apartments for years, we know exactly what might catch you out and what to look out for. Here's our Japan airbnb checklist to make sure you book what you really want and need.

Trying to decide between a hotel and an Airbnb in Japan? Both can work — but which is right for YOUR trip? From hidden fees and minpaku regulations to location headaches and language barriers, here's what 30 years of Japan travel has taught us about choosing accommodation.

The weak yen has made a big difference to the price of a Japan trip for European and American travellers in particular. For us Europeans, our euro is worth 30% more against the yen than it was five years ago. That said, costs have shifted dramatically since Covid, and a few corners of a Japan trip can still surprise you. Here’s our honest, up-to-date breakdown of what a trip to Japan actually costs - and where you can shave a bit off.

Do you really need to book shinkansen tickets in advance? Most of the time, no - but there are key situations where skipping a reservation can ruin your day. Here’s exactly when to book ahead, when you can wing it, and how to save up to 25% with early-bird fares.

Taking the bullet train from Tokyo to Osaka isn't cheap, so you want to get it right. There have been some changes, too, to Shinkansen luggage rules, for example. Here's our essential guide to taking the Shinkansen to Osaka from Tokyo in 2026, from which train to book, bullet train prices, where to get on in Tokyo, connecting in Shin-Osaka Station and including our number one tip specially for the Tokyo to Osaka bullet train that nobody else is telling you!

Every month in Tokyo has a case to be made for it. We're going to try in this guide to give you an honest account of each one, based on our own experience - the weather, the crowds, the costs, the events, and the things that nobody else tends to mention. If you're used to a warm climate, you'll find January and February uncomfortably cold. On the other hand, if you're from a more temperate climate, the heat and, above all, the humidity of the Tokyo summer will have you exhau

There are two airports that serve Kyoto: Kansai International Airport (KIX) and Osaka Itami Airport (ITM). And while one of them is geographically closer, that doesn't necessarily make it the right choice. But does it make sense to fly to Kyoto at all? Is it better to fly to Kyoto or take the bullet train?

Usually only three or four typhoons hit Japan every year, but even the ones that don't actually make landfall can cause strong winds and very heavy rain. This can have major repercussions for transport. Japan is a mountainous archipelago and is susceptible to landslides, which can block roads and rail. Islands like Okinawa can be cut off for days.

If you’re wondering whether to stay in Osaka or Kyoto, this guide will help you choose the city that best aligns with your travel style, interests, and itinerary. Now, we have to be completely honest with you here: having lived in Osaka for several years, we're just a wee bit biased. But we love Kyoto too, so we're being as objective as possible. Here are the pros and cons of staying in Kyoto vs Osaka-

Planning an Osaka to Hiroshima day trip? Discover the fastest way to travel via the Shinkansen bullet train from Osaka to Hiroshima. This 2026 guide covers journey times for Nozomi and Sakura trains, ticket prices, and how to save money using the JR Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass. Is Hiroshima for the day worth it? Absolutely! You might not see everything but you can still pack a lot in. For those with plenty of sightseeing stamina, the first trains leave Osaka at 6am; the last l

Traveling to Japan has changed a lot in 30 years! Forget paper maps and writing to tourist offices; today, staying connected is essential. For the modern traveler, an eSIM is the smartest, most convenient way to access data. Skip the airport queues and tiny physical SIM cards—learn how to set up your connection before you even board the plane. We share our top recommendations, including why we use Airalo to stay connected from the moment we land.

Deciding between a pocket WiFi or an eSIM for Japan depends on your group size and tech. For solo travelers or couples, a Japan eSIM is the cheapest and simplest option—no extra hardware or airport queues. However, for families or groups of three or more, a pocket WiFi often provides better value by sharing one connection across multiple devices. Use this 2026 guide to compare costs, battery life, and setup effort to ensure you stay connected across the archipelago.

Japan is raising taxes on tourists in 2026, you could be paying an extra ¥10000 a night for your hotel, and tourists will soon be paying "more than twice what locals pay." Yes, Japan is changing several things in 2026. Some of them are significant. Most are not the disaster they're being painted as. Let's take a look together at what's actually happening and how it will affect your Japan trip - if at all.