Tohoku, the region north of Tokyo has many top-class ski resorts and most are easily accessible by train, making it a great area to head to for winter fun. There are also many other winter activities you can experience in the Tohoku region and many of them, I would argue, is way better than skiing or snowboarding.   Whether it is relaxing sore muscles in […]

July 2020 Beth, Destination, Skiing and Snow Boarding, Things to do, Tohoku, Winter

  I sometimes wish it would snow and although I know I can travel to one of the ski resorts in country Victoria, it just doesn’t quite compare to the amazing range of ski fields in Japan. After a day on the slopes, relaxing in a hot spring or drinking hot sake at a bar with friends are some of the wonderful benefits of skiing in […]

Beth, Destination, Skiing and Snow Boarding, Tohoku, Winter

  Cherry blossom and Autumn leaves are very sought-after times to plan a trip to Japan, but Winter has a few perks that are worth considering. Here is to why I love Japan during the cold months.   Seasonal produce   From left to right: fresh oysters, snow crab, traditional imagawayaki hot cake, fugu sashimi Japan is the place to explore new foods. On the street, […]

Aude, Food, Things to do, Winter

  If you’re a keen skier or snowboarder, chances are you’ve either been to Japan to check out the amazing deep powder, or it’s on your bucket list. Now, Japan certainly is not short of ski resorts, there are over 500 of them throughout the country, and you’re probably well aware of the popular International ski resorts Niseko and Hakuba. While Niseko and Hakuba are amazing […]

Carly, Skiing and Snow Boarding, Winter

  Japan boasts a great snow reputation, and a trip over the winter (December to March) is a perfect occasion to experience white landscapes and trying out snow sports. Winter in Japan also offers unique cultural experiences, and is there a better time to soak in hot springs after a big day out? Skiing, snowboarding, cross-country, snow-shoeing and sledding and amongst the many offerings in most […]

July 2020 Aude, Destination, Hokkaido, Skiing and Snow Boarding, Tohoku, Winter

  A lot of people think that it is easy to find places to buy souvenirs in Tokyo because there are millions of shops there. Fair enough… but it used to be very difficult for me to find the right places to buy souvenirs for my Aussie friends.   Then, one of my friends from Tokyo suggested where to go for great souvenir shopping. Her advice is perfect!  So, let me […]

June 2020 Destination, Shopping, Tak, Tokyo, Travel tips

  Yufuin is located in Oita Prefecture, 10 Kilometres from Beppu, this charming Onsen town is spread across the foot of Mt.Yufu, and the view of this very extinct volcano just takes your breath away. It’s also an amazing place for anyone to visit as there are no tall buildings here, only boutiques, café, and mother nature. To enjoy your trip further, do catch the Yufuin […]

Destination, Kyushu, Michelle, Onsen Hot Spring

  The JR Kyushu Passes are a great way to make your way around some of the must-see spots on Japan’s southernmost island, Kyushu! There are seven prefectures located in Kyushu: Fukuoka, Kagoshima, Kumamoto, Miyazaki, Nagasaki, Oita, and Saga.                                                        […]

May 2020 Carly, Destination, JR Pass, Kyushu

  Weary of the crowds and looking for somewhere off the beaten track to explore? Why not escape from the packed streets of the main cities and discover a region overflowing with stunning natural landscapes, samurai history, festivals, delicious food, and warm-hearted locals! Spreading out just above Tokyo, the Tohoku region features six prefectures all with their own experiences to explore! I fell in love with […]

May 2020 Destination, Emily, JR Pass, Tohoku

Have a day to spare? Sick of the shoulder-to-shoulder crowds of Tokyo? Want to make the most of your Japan Rail Pass? Let me tell you why Enoshima is one of the most underrated day trips from Tokyo and some of the best places to visit to make the most of your adventure. Enoshima Shrines   Enoshima is a small offshore island around an hour from […]

Destination, Enoshima, Near Tokyo

Travel preparations can be stressful and difficult at the best of times but this is exacerbated even further for people traveling to Japan with gluten intolerance or Coeliac Disease. Food is an integral part of a country’s cultural identity and a necessity to experience if you want to fully submerse yourself in local life. Someone with gluten intolerance must contend with unfamiliar ingredients and a language […]

May 2020 Food, Gluten-free, JTB Author

  Japan’s specialty coffee scene has grown a lot over the last 5-10 years, with the country grooming some of the world’s most acclaimed baristas. Fukuoka, in Kyushu prefecture, has been one of the most active cities. Some of its gourmet coffee shops have been open ahead of the wave, in the early 2000s. This makes for a great exploration if you are, like me, very […]

May 2020 Aude, Destination, Food, Fukuoka, Travel tips

Onsen (hot springs) are my favourite places to visit whenever I am in Japan. I make a point of going to one or more and if I can combine this with a stay in a Japanese ryokan then that is even better. Kyushu is known for its volcanoes and with the volcanic activity comes a huge variety of wonderful onsen that you can visit and appreciate. […]

April 2020 Beth, Culture, Destination, Kyushu, Onsen Hot Spring

Japan is known for its traditional arts and crafts, including origami, bonsai, and ikebana flower arranging. While pottery has a shorter history in Japan, its cups, bowls, and other products are renowned worldwide. If you have a particular interest in these products, Saga prefecture in Kyushu, Japan is a must-visit! We will introduce the three main centres of pottery in the prefecture: Arita, Imari, and Karatsu. […]

Culture, Destination, JTB Author, Kyushu, Saga

    Kyushu is famous for being one of the most volcanic areas of Japan. Hot springs, mountains, gorges, breathtaking beaches, Kyushu has it all. Hiring a car is probably the best option, however, some locations are accessible by public transportation. Here is a selection of the best waterfalls Kyushu has to offer and turn your trip to Japan into a real adventure! Find the waterfall […]

April 2020 Aude, Destination, Kyushu, Nature, Waterfalls