Practical guides
The details
make the trip.
Clear answers for the decisions that are easy to underestimate before arriving in Japan.
Best Areas to Stay in Tokyo: A First-Timer's Comparison
A practical comparison of Tokyo's main neighborhoods for first-time visitors, based on transit access, atmosphere, and what's nearby.
Read article ↗Practical guide · 7 min readHokkaido for first-time visitors: the decisions that matter
A practical starting point for planning a Hokkaido trip, including how its size changes your itinerary and how to think about getting between cities.
Read article ↗Practical guide · 7 min readKyoto for first-time visitors: the decisions that matter
A practical starting point for choosing where to stay in Kyoto, how to get around its temples and neighborhoods, and what to expect on a first visit.
Read article ↗Practical guide · 7 min readOkinawa for first-time visitors: the decisions that matter
A practical starting point for planning a first Okinawa trip, including how it differs from mainland Japan and how to think about getting around its islands.
Read article ↗Practical guide · 7 min readTokyo for first-time visitors: the decisions that matter
A practical starting point for choosing where to stay, how to move around, and how to make Tokyo feel less overwhelming.
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