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Japan Starts Here - Travel

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Japan Starts Here

11.09.2025

Is Arashiyama or Higashiyama Better?

Traditional wisdom suggests that Higashiyama is the best and most important district of Kyoto. But what about Arashiyama?

Japan Starts Here

11.09.2025

The Truth About Tipping in Japan

In general, you never tip in Japan. There are a few exceptions, however, though even these are not universally agreed-upon.

Japan Starts Here

11.09.2025

Is Takayama or Matsumoto Better for Travelers?

Matsumoto and Takayama are both popular bases for exploring the Japanese Alps. Here's why I give one of these cities the edge.

Japan Starts Here

06.09.2025

Which is the Best Observation Deck in Tokyo?

Wondering where you can find the best observation deck in Tokyo? Spoiler alert: It's not Tokyo Skytree, nor from Tokyo Tower either!

Japan Starts Here

05.09.2025

Can I Stay in a Buddhist Temple in Japan?

Want to stay in a Buddhist temple on your trip to Japan? Read about options for doing so, as well as how much it costs.

Japan Starts Here

05.09.2025

How to See Osaka on a Day Trip from Kyoto

For better or for worse, Osaka is an afterthought for many travelers. Here's how to see Osaka on a day trip from Kyoto.

Japan Starts Here

05.09.2025

Is Matsumoto or Nagano a Better Base for the Japanese Alps?

Matsumoto and Nagano are the two largest cities in the Japanese Alps. Here's to decide which of them is the best place to stay.

Japan Starts Here

05.09.2025

Convenience Stores with View of Mt. Fuji (Besides Lawson)

Bummed out about anti-tourism moves at the Kawaguchiko Lawson store? Don't be. Here are some other options!

Japan Starts Here

05.09.2025

How to Visit Kyoto on a Day Trip From Osaka

Want to visit Kyoto, but don't have time to stay overnight? Here's how to see the best of Kyoto in just one day from Osaka.

Japan Starts Here

02.09.2025

How Many Days Do You Need in Matsumoto?

Searching for a Masumoto itinerary? Let me help you plan it out, including how many days in Matsumoto you need to spend.

Japan Starts Here

02.09.2025

Where to See Koi in Drains in Japan

Are there actually koi in drains in some cities in Japan? Here's the truth about this viral internet rumor.

Japan Starts Here

02.09.2025

An Honest Review of ANA "The Room" Business Class

Curious about ANA The Room business class? Read my review of "The Room," which also includes which routes have the new seats.

Japan Starts Here

02.09.2025

How to Visit Kotohira Shrine on a Day Trip From Takamatsu

Shikoku's Kotohira Shrine is one of the most compelling places in Japan. Even better? You can go there on a day trip from Takamatsu.

Japan Starts Here

27.08.2025

Are Japan's Naruto Whirlpools Worth Visiting?

Before I tell you if Japan's Naruto Whirlpools are worth visiting, I'll answer a more fundamental question: Are they really even "whirlpools"?

Japan Starts Here

25.08.2025

Things to Do on Japan's Rebun Island

Looking for a Rebun itinerary, or just want to know some things to do in Rebun? Discover this far-flung Japanese island today.

Japan Starts Here

25.08.2025

Should You Fly in First Class or Business Class on JAL?

Both first class and business class are absolutely fantastic on JAL. But if you have to choose between them, here's how to decide.

Japan Starts Here

25.08.2025

Does Kenroku-en Garden Live Up to the Hype?

Known as one of Japan's "three great gardens," Kanazawa's Kenroku-en has a reputation that precedes it. Here's the reality of visiting.

Japan Starts Here

25.08.2025

Is ANA's First Class Better Than Its Business Class?

ANA operates some of the best premium cabins in the world. But is first class worth the splurge over business?

Japan Starts Here

25.08.2025

Things to Do in Wakkanai, the Northernmost City in Japan

Headed to Wakkanai in Japan's far north? Use my Wakkanai itinerary to plan your trip, including things to do in Wakkanai.

Japan Starts Here

25.08.2025

Should You Fly ANA or JAL on Your Next Trip to Japan?

Which is the best Japanese airline? Both ANA and JAL have their selling points, but the discussion is nuanced and rich. Here's my take.

Japan Starts Here

25.08.2025

Is Rishiri or Rebun a Better Island?

Located off the northern tip of Hokkaido, Rishiri and Rebun are two of Japan's most remote islands. Here's how to differentiate them.

Japan Starts Here

25.08.2025

Things to Do on Japan's Rishiri Island

Rishiri is one of Japan's most remote islands, but that doesn't mean there's nothing to do. Plan your Rishiri itinerary here!

Japan Starts Here

25.08.2025

Is ANA a Good Airline?

Japan's All Nippon Airways (ANA) consistently ranks as one of the best airlines in the world. But does ANA actually live up to the hype?

Japan Starts Here

08.08.2025

JAL First Class vs ANA First Class: Which is Japan's Best?

ANA's "The Suite" and JAL's new A350-1000 sky apartment are Japan's most exclusive first class products. Both excel, but one clearly wins.

Japan Starts Here

08.08.2025

Is it Worth Flying First Class to Japan?

Thousands of people fly business class to Japan every day. But is the extra extravagance of first class worth the expense?

Japan Starts Here

08.08.2025

A Unique Way to Visit Japan in July

Hot, humid July can be a surprisingly unpleasant month to visit Japan. But I've got a unique way to beat the Japanese heat.

Japan Starts Here

08.08.2025

Does JAL's A350-1000 House the World's Best First Class?

Japan has no shortage of superlative airline cabins. But the experience in first class onboard JAL's new A350-1000 is something else entirely.

Japan Starts Here

08.08.2025

An Honest Review of ANA's "The Suite" 777-300ER First Class

ANA's "The Suite" first class was revolutionary when it debuted in 2019. Here's how it's holding up more than half a decade later.

Japan Starts Here

01.08.2025

Everything You Need to Know About Yatai in Fukuoka

Want to eat a meal (or just a snack) at Fukuoka's yatai food stalls? Read this article to learn more about your options.

Japan Starts Here

30.07.2025

How (and Why) to Travel Between Australia and Japan

It's easy (and, for Americans and Europeans, relatively quick—and jet lag free!) to travel between Australia and Japan. Here's how!

Japan Starts Here

08.07.2025

Can I Visit a Matcha Farm in Japan?

It might surprise you to learn that the best Matcha farms in Japan are located less than an hour from Kyoto. Plan your visit today.

Japan Starts Here

27.06.2025

Where Can I Watch Noh in Japan?

Want to watch Noh in Japan? While Niigata prefecture's Sado Island is the most scenic place to see a performance, there are other options.

Japan Starts Here

27.06.2025

How (and Why) to Visit Sado Island

Is Sado Island worth visiting? Well, I can tell you that this idyll off the coast of Niigata is an absolute gem. Here's why.

Japan Starts Here

27.06.2025

Is Yamagata Worth Visiting on Your Trip to Japan?

Yamagata is overlooked, even within the context of the broader Tohoku region. Here's why you shouldn't miss it.

Japan Starts Here

27.06.2025

Where (and When) to See Irises in Japan in 2026

Ayame, or irises, are one of Japan's most underrated flowers. Here's where (and when) to see amazing irises in Japan.

Japan Starts Here

25.06.2025

How (and Why) to Take a Mt. Nokogiri Day Trip from Tokyo

Want to take a day trip from Tokyo, without the crowds of Nikko or Kamakura? Introducing Chiba prefecture's Mt. Nokogiri.

Japan Starts Here

25.06.2025

Your Search for Things to Do in Shimoda Ends Today

Even if you disregard its place in Japanese history, Shimoda is an amazing modern destination, and is home to some of Japan's best beaches.

Japan Starts Here

24.06.2025

Why to Visit Japan During the Tsuyu, or Plum Rain

Japan's plum rain (tsuyu) has a bad reputation. Read about a recent journey of mine to learn why it can also be magical time to travel.

Japan Starts Here

23.06.2025

My Favorite Things to Do in Aizu-Wakamatsu

The wide array of things to do in Aizu-Wakamatsu disproves so many stereotypes and false ideas about what Japan's Fukushima prefecture.

Japan Starts Here

04.06.2025

Where Does the Shinkansen Go?

Can you take the Shinkansen to Mt. Fuji, or all the way to Sapporo? Read this post to learn where the Shinkansen does—and doesn't—go.

home›Japan Starts Here›Travel

Japan Starts Here - Travel

Is Arashiyama or Higashiyama Better?

The Truth About Tipping in Japan

Is Takayama or Matsumoto Better for Travelers?

Which is the Best Observation Deck in Tokyo?

Can I Stay in a Buddhist Temple in Japan?

How to See Osaka on a Day Trip from Kyoto

Is Matsumoto or Nagano a Better Base for the Japanese Alps?

Convenience Stores with View of Mt. Fuji (Besides Lawson)

How to Visit Kyoto on a Day Trip From Osaka

How Many Days Do You Need in Matsumoto?

Where to See Koi in Drains in Japan

An Honest Review of ANA "The Room" Business Class

How to Visit Kotohira Shrine on a Day Trip From Takamatsu

Are Japan's Naruto Whirlpools Worth Visiting?

Things to Do on Japan's Rebun Island

Should You Fly in First Class or Business Class on JAL?

Does Kenroku-en Garden Live Up to the Hype?

Is ANA's First Class Better Than Its Business Class?

Things to Do in Wakkanai, the Northernmost City in Japan

Should You Fly ANA or JAL on Your Next Trip to Japan?

Is Rishiri or Rebun a Better Island?

Things to Do on Japan's Rishiri Island

Is ANA a Good Airline?

JAL First Class vs ANA First Class: Which is Japan's Best?

Is it Worth Flying First Class to Japan?

A Unique Way to Visit Japan in July

Does JAL's A350-1000 House the World's Best First Class?

An Honest Review of ANA's "The Suite" 777-300ER First Class

Everything You Need to Know About Yatai in Fukuoka

How (and Why) to Travel Between Australia and Japan

Can I Visit a Matcha Farm in Japan?

Where Can I Watch Noh in Japan?

How (and Why) to Visit Sado Island

Is Yamagata Worth Visiting on Your Trip to Japan?

Where (and When) to See Irises in Japan in 2026

How (and Why) to Take a Mt. Nokogiri Day Trip from Tokyo

Your Search for Things to Do in Shimoda Ends Today

Why to Visit Japan During the Tsuyu, or Plum Rain

My Favorite Things to Do in Aizu-Wakamatsu

Where Does the Shinkansen Go?

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