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Hyakunin Isshu (one Hundred Poets, One Poem Each): Poem 25 (

Hyakunin Isshu, Poem 25na ni shi owabaOsakayama nosanekazurahito ni shiraredekuru yoshi mo gana ????????????????????????????If its name is true,"come ...

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[updated] 2024 Japan Cherry Blossom Forecast

Done with winter" Get ready for the 2024 cherry blossom season with this year’s up-to-date Japan cherry blossom forecast. Japan 2024 cherry bl ...

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Kinki No Nitsuke

Kinki is “rockfish” in English and nitsuke means boiled fish (or vegetables) in soy sauce. Winter is the best season for rockfish, a ...

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Daibutsu

The Great Buddha of Kamakura, better know as the Daibutsu, is a sight to behold and was one of the highlights of my trip to the area. Sitting peacefu ...

Derniers Articles Japan Travel

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Traveler?s Guide to the JR Pass (Is It Worth It")

The Japan Rail Pass (or JR Pass, for short) can be a good way to get around Japan, but many travelers don?t realize that it?s not always your best opt ...

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A Guide to Ekiben: Eating & Drinking on Japan?s Trains

Japan is renowned for its world-class rail and outstanding cuisine, and one of the best ways for travelers to experience both is by sampling ekiben (b ...

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We?re Hiring a Sales Specialist

Boutique Japan is seeking an experienced and ambitious Full-Time Sales Specialist to join our talented remote team. If you have professional travel ...

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Major Holidays and Peak Travel Seasons in Japan

If you?re considering a trip to Japan during one of the country?s peak travel seasons, be aware that things can get crowded. After swaths of springtim ...

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Japan Ends Covid Requirements for Tourists

Japan’s borders reopened to independent travelers in the fall of 2022, and since then visiting Japan has been virtually as easy as it was befor ...

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Hiking the Historic Nakasendo Trail: 3 Days in the Kiso Vall

Winding through Japan?s central mountains, the 17th-century Nakasendo Trail leads travelers along ancient stone forest paths, through preserved Edo-er ...

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Family Travel in Japan: 25 Ideas for Exploring Japan with Ki

Japan is fun, fascinating, and safe, making it one of the world?s best destinations for family travel. Whether you?re traveling with babies, young ...

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Traveling to Japan with Food Allergies and Dietary Restricti

Japanese cuisine is a huge reason so many of our travelers visit Japan, but what about traveling through the country if you have serious dietary restr ...

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Japan’s Reopening & Entry Requirements for Touris

After gradually easing travel restrictions for months, the Japanese government finally reopened Japan’s borders to independent travelers in Oct ...

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Things to Do in Matsumoto: Culture in the Japanese Alps

I arrived in Matsumoto on a cold night, the chill of winter still enveloping the streets, a breath of rain in the air. The mountain cold was disorient ...

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Introduction to Hakone, Japan

Hakone, in the shadow of Mount Fuji, is one of the greater Tokyo area?s most popular countryside escape destinations, thanks to its beautiful scenery, ...

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Japan’s Reopening: The Essential Details

After gradually easing travel restrictions for months, the Japanese government has finally reopened Japan’s borders to tourists. From the ea ...

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We?re Hiring an Operations Specialist

Do you love travel and spreadsheets" Boutique Japan is hiring a Full-Time Operations Specialist to join our globally distributed team. If you are i ...

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Japan’s Reopening to Tourists

Since June, Japan has been gradually easing its travel restrictions, and on September 22, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced that Japanâ ...

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Can You Visit Japan as a Tourist"

Yes, though the current requirements are strict, but on September 7 the restrictions will ease significantly, making it easier for tourists to visit J ...

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Is Japan Open for Tourism"

Technically, Japan is open to tourists, but some key restrictions remain in place, and the truth is that Japan’s border policies can be quite c ...

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Can Tourists Visit Japan"

In June, Japan finally reopened its borders to tourists, yet many temporary restrictions remain in place, and the country’s current border poli ...

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Honeymoon in Japan: Unique Ideas and Experiences

If you love food, culture, and immersive travel experiences, it?s no surprise you?re thinking about a Japan honeymoon. As one of the world?s most f ...

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Guide to Visiting Tokyo’s Tsukiji Market

Even with the opening of Toyosu Market, the classic Tsukiji Market in Tokyo remains one of Japan?s most iconic and historic marketplaces and a must-vi ...

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Can You Visit Japan Right Now"

No, at the moment, Japan is not open to tourists, though despite the travel restrictions many travelers are still planning trips to Japan for later th ...

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Planning Your Visit to Tokyo’s Ghibli Museum

In Tokyo’s western suburbs you?ll find the one-of-a-kind Ghibli Museum ? a fantastic and whimsical museum dedicated to the legendary Studio Ghi ...

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Top 8 Reasons to Visit Japan in Winter

Even if you don?t love cold weather, it?s hard to resist the magic of winter in Japan, the coziest time of year (with delightfully few tourists). J ...

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30 Best Destinations in Japan

If you?re planning a trip to Japan, one of the most important, enjoyable, and challenging steps is deciding where in Japan to go. With so many amaz ...

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30 of the Best Destinations in Japan

If you?re planning a trip to Japan, one of the most important, enjoyable, and challenging steps is deciding where in Japan to go. With so many amaz ...

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When Will Japan Reopen" Planning a Post-Pandemic Trip

One of the most common questions we get from travelers is, Can you visit Japan during Covid-19" While Japan has managed the coronavirus pandemic surpr ...

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Can You Visit Japan During Covid-19"

While Japan has managed the Covid-19 pandemic surprisingly well (especially compared to its G7 peers), the country has not yet reopened to tourists. ...

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30 Japan Experiences to Add to Your Bucket List

At Boutique Japan, our specialty is helping travelers who believe that travel is about unique experiences, not just sightseeing or checking items off ...

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Travel to Japan and Covid-19

Whether it?s your first time visiting, or you can?t wait to return, the moment Japan reopens to travelers we?re anticipating a huge rush of bookings. ...

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Post-Covid Travels to Japan

Whether it?s your first time visiting, or you can?t wait to return, the moment Japan reopens to travelers we?re anticipating a huge rush of bookings. ...

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Covid in Japan & Post-Pandemic Travel

While it may be too soon to visit, for many travelers now is the perfect time to begin planning a post-Covid trip to Japan. Japan is poised to be o ...

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Covid and Japan Travel: Planning Your Post-Pandemic Trip

If you’re dreaming about a post-Covid trip to Japan, or curious what the situation is like in Japan right now, you’re in the right place ...

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Introduction to Shirakawago and Gokayama

While they’ve become increasingly popular since we first fell in love with them years ago, the villages of Shirakawago and Gokayama remain amon ...

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Planning a Post-Covid Trip to Japan

Whether you’re planning a trip, or just daydreaming for the moment, we’ve compiled essential information about traveling to Japan in the ...

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Eating and Drinking at an Izakaya in Japan

Japan offers an amazing variety of culinary experiences, but there?s nothing quite like eating and drinking at an izakaya in Japan. Often translate ...

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Introduction to Onomichi

The town of Onomichi, located in Japan’s charming Setouchi (Inland Sea) region, is a wonderful destination for travelers who love food, design, ...

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Japan’s Best Boutique and Luxury Hotels & Ryokans

The best hotels and ryokans in Japan range from charming traditional inns in the countryside, to stylish design hotels and some of the world’s ...

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Japan’s Best Boutique and Luxury Hotels and Ryokans

The best hotels and ryokans in Japan range from charming traditional inns in the countryside, to stylish design hotels and some of the world’s ...

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Introduction to Osaka, Japan

Located just a half-hour and easy train ride from the ancient capital Kyoto, the lively city of Osaka is best known for its dynamic food and drinking ...

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Where To Go If You Have 5 Days In Japan

If you’re planning a short trip and have 5 days in Japan, here are some travel tips and suggestions to help you get the most out of your visit. ...

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Planning a Trip to Japan in the Time of Covid

We believe planning a trip to Japan should be fun and stress-free, yes, even in the time of coronavirus (Covid-19). For many of us, the act of trip-pl ...

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Sample Trip: 9-Day Japan Itinerary

A unique 9-day Japan itinerary featuring Tokyo, Kyoto, and the beautiful Izu Peninsula in the Japanese countryside. Our sample Japan itineraries are ...

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Japan’s Best Matsuri (Festivals)

Japan has more matsuri (festivals) than almost any other country in the world, and Japanese festivals ? in all their color, tradition, and exuberance ...

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Is Japan a Good Destination for Family Travel"

Japan is fun, fascinating, and safe, making it one of the world’s best destinations for family travel. Whether you’re traveling with you ...

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Japan’s Best Off-The-Beaten-Path Places

If you’re the type of traveler who seeks out unique, non-touristy places, this short list of our favorite off-the-beaten-path Japan destination ...

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Best Japan Travel Guidebooks

To help you in your Japan trip planning, and complement your online research, we’ve compiled a short list of the very best Japan travel guidebo ...

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Guide to Visiting Mount Koya (Koyasan)

The small mountaintop Buddhist community of Mount Koya (Koyasan) is one of Japan’s most magical, if increasingly popular, destinations and the ...

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Should You Get The Japan Rail Pass"

The Japan Rail Pass can be a great way to get around Japan, but most people don?t realize that it?s not always the best option. Depending on your Japa ...

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Is Japan a Good Family Destination"

Japan is fun, fascinating, and safe, making it one of the world’s best destinations for family travel. Whether you’re traveling with you ...

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Japanese Etiquette 101: Essential Tips & Taboos

If you’re traveling to Japan, it can be extremely helpful to learn at least a few key points when it comes to Japanese etiquette (and taboos). ...

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Travel to Japan & Coronavirus (Covid-19)

Let’s face it: travel in the time of coronavirus is a bit different than what we’re all used to, and you’re probably wondering ho ...

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Money in Japan: Cash, Credit Cards, and ATMs

As you prepare for your Japan trip, you’re probably curious about money in Japan, how much yen you might need, and whether or not you’ll ...

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Top 5 Historic Tokyo Ramen Shops

Ramen lovers thrive on seeking out new and obscure ramen shops, but it would be a mistake to overlook the classics, so we’re thrilled to introd ...

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Travel to Japan and the Coronavirus (Covid-19)

If you’re planning a trip to Japan, you’re probably curious about the coronavirus in Japan and how it’s affecting travel. At Bout ...

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Tokyo Olympics: To Go or Not to Go"

The 2020 Summer Olympics, now scheduled for 2021, are poised to be an important event for Tokyo, Japan, and the world following their postponement due ...

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Kyoto: A Comprehensive Guide to Visiting Japan?s Ancient Cap

Kyoto is what most people envision when they think of Japan. The country?s spiritual heart and cultural soul, it’s a stunningly beautiful city ...

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Travel to Japan and the Coronavirus

Questions about the coronavirus, and how Covid-19 is affecting Japan travel" At Boutique Japan, we have been monitoring the situation extremely closel ...

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Ryokans in Japan: Tradition & Luxury

Staying at a ryokan ? an authentic Japanese-style inn ? is a great way to fully immerse yourself in traditional Japanese culture. But for non-Japan ...

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Travel to Japan: Coronavirus (Covid-19) Information

Is Japan safe to visit despite the coronavirus" At Boutique Japan, we have been monitoring the situation extremely closely, and recently have been ans ...

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Japan Coronavirus: Is it Safe to Visit Japan"

Is Japan safe to visit despite the coronavirus" At Boutique Japan, we have been monitoring the situation extremely closely, and recently have been ans ...

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Exploring the City of Peace: 22 of the Best Things to do in

Hiroshima is a vibrant and cosmopolitan metropolis that has risen from the ashes of the tragedy in its past. Today, it projects a message of peace and ...

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Nara, Japan: A Comprehensive Guide for 2020

Nara is a peaceful and welcoming city that boasts an impressive number of historically and culturally significant sites within its picturesque borders ...

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20 Essential Japanese Phrases for Travelers to Japan

If you?re visiting Japan and a little worried about the language barrier, we?ve got you covered with these essential Japanese phrases for travelers. ...

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Honeymoon in Japan: Ideas & Inspiration for Your Specia

If you love food, culture, and immersive travel experiences, it?s no surprise you?re thinking about a honeymoon in Japan. As one of the world?s mos ...

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Japan Travel Tips: Expert Advice for an Amazing Trip

Japan is a destination like no other — the perfect fusion of ancient culture and cutting-edge modernity, against a backdrop of breathtaking sce ...

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Luxury Hotels in Japan: A Curated List of the Best Hotels an

Looking for a carefully curated list of Japan?s best boutique and luxury hotels and ryokans" You?ve found it! Japan is home to some of the world?s ...

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Matsumoto: A Unique Perspective on a Beautiful Destination

I arrived in Matsumoto on a cold night, the chill of winter still enveloping the streets, a breath of rain in the air. The mountain cold was disorient ...

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When Is The Best Time To Visit Japan"

The good news for travelers is that there is no single best time of year to travel to Japan. Yet this makes it difficult to decide when to visit, as e ...

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Japan Packing List: 8 Easy Tips for an Unforgettable Trip

As you prepare for your trip to Japan, you?ve finally turned your attention to your packing list. Fortunately, preparing for Japan can be surprisingly ...

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Nara, Japan: A Comprehensive Guide for 2019

Nara is a peaceful and welcoming city that boasts an impressive number of historically and culturally significant sites within its picturesque borders ...

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Sumo in Japan: When, Where & How To See Sumo

Sumo is one of Japan?s most well-known sports, and a highly authentic Japanese cultural experience in and of itself. But few would-be travelers to Jap ...

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Okinawa Food: 10 Unique Foods You Don’t Want to Miss

It?s often said that Okinawan culture can be summed up by the word chanpuru. In the Okinawan language, it means ?something mixed.? Chanpuru is an etym ...

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Japan Itinerary: The Perfect Two Weeks in Japan

If you’re planning to visit Japan for two weeks, you’re in the right place! Our sample two-week Japan itinerary below includes a unique ...

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After the Cherry Blossom: Flower-Viewing in Japan

Cherry blossom season is a huge draw for tourists in Japan every year, but their sheer popularity and the resulting crowds can be off-putting. Ther ...

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Tokyo 2020: Why We Don’t Recommend Visiting Japan for

Since Japan?s successful bid in 2013 to host the 2020 Summer Olympics, travel to Japan has ramped up ? big time. Even before that, however, Japan was ...

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Why You Shouldn?t Visit Japan for the 2020 Summer Olympics i

Since Japan?s successful bid in 2013 to host the 2020 Olympics, travel to Japan has ramped up ? big time. Even before that, however, Japan was fast be ...

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15 Things to Do in Tokyo: A Curated List for 2019

You could spend a lifetime getting to know a megalopolis like Tokyo, and there are so many things you could do when you?re on holiday here. But you mi ...

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Cherry Blossom Season: Our Guide to Spring Travel in Japan

If you?ve ever thought about visiting Japan, you?re probably familiar with the advice that you should ?go for cherry blossom season.? The annual bloom ...

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Autumn Colors: A Guide to Visiting Japan in Fall

Autumn is a wonderful time to be in Japan. In my book, fall in Japan outshines spring (and cherry blossom season) for its many delights. For one, the ...

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Japan’s Best Gardens: Tokyo, Kyoto & Beyond

Brilliant maple leaves on a blanket of moss, the murmur of a babbling brook, the moon and mountains as seen in an exactingly raked bed of white gravel ...

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25 Amazing Tokyo Sushi Restaurants

For most travelers visiting Japan, a high-end sushi meal is on their culinary bucket list. It?s no surprise?eating sushi in Japan is on an entirely di ...

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Getting Around Japan: A Complete Guide to Train Travel

Japan?s railway system, including its world-renowned shinkansen (bullet train), is famously clean, safe, modern, and efficient. But to a first-time vi ...

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Whisky in Japan: A Comprehensive Guide

Japanese whisky (it’s spelled whisky, not whiskey, in Japan) no longer needs an introduction. While Japan was traditionally best known for its ...

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Shochu 101: An Introduction To Shochu

In today?s Japan Travel Q&A we answer a question about shochu from Annika in Sweden: “Is shochu Japanese vodka"? Don’t feel like watching ...

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You Have To Eat These Dishes in Fukuoka

Though I?ve lived in Japan for several years now, Fukuoka was never very high on my travel radar, nor was it particularly high on my list of culinary ...

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Naoshima: Japan’s Art Island

Naoshima is a tiny island in Japan’s Inland Sea, and one of our absolute favorite places in Japan. Until the early 1990s, Naoshima was a remote ...

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Recommended Reading for Japan: Books to Read Before Your Tri

Reading about Japan is one of the best ways to get excited and prepare for your trip to Japan! Japan guidebooks can be a great resource for research a ...

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Japan Travel Playlist: Music for Your Trip to Japan

When we think about traveling somewhere, certain questions are obvious. Where should I go, and when" Where should I stay" What should I see" To these ...

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The 6 Things We Love Most About Japan

It was an early spring day in Tokyo. The winter chill had just begun to give way to the first tinges of spring warmth, and I got off the train at Shib ...

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Places We Love: Kanazawa

In the heart of the beautiful Hokuriku region, on the coast of the Japan Sea, Kanazawa is one of Japan’s loveliest and best-preserved historica ...

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Japan’s Best Festivals (Matsuri)

Japan has more festivals (matsuri) than almost any other country in the world, and Japanese festivals ? in all their color, tradition, and exuberance ...