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Top 10 Winter Illuminations in Kansai (2024-2025): Enjoy A World Where Everything Glitters | LIVE JAPAN travel guide
When visiting Osaka in winter, you can't miss the colorful illuminations that decorate the city! In the cold, clear winter air, sparkling lights shine even more beautifully. And from Osaka to Kyoto and Kobe, Kansai comes alive with dazzling illumination events. Featuring creative blends of light, music, and visuals, often paired with nature’s own beauty, these displays are guaranteed to wow and delight. This page contains promotional content.
23 Astounding Places in Japan: If You Could Visit Just One, Where Would it Be? | LIVE JAPAN travel guide
Possibly one of the most difficult questions to answer, since Japan has so many different and amazing things to see and do, but the question of where to visit in Japan if you could only visit one place was asked to a variety of foreigners from different countries and backgrounds. With hundreds of responses, here are some of the most popular as well as lesser-known places that people said they would visit in Japan if they could only visit one spot. We’ll start with the most common answers and work our way down to some of the most unique and lesser-known areas of Japan.
2022 Ramen Trends in Japan - According to a Ramen Master | LIVE JAPAN travel guide
With tonkotsu, miso, and shoyu ramen enjoyed across almost every corner of the globe, it’s amazing how fast ramen has fast grown into one of Japan’s leading international dishes. We spoke with a Japanese ramen master to see how the world of ramen changed in 2021 and its predicted course for 2022. Read on to discover what bowls you’ll be seeing in the near future!
Sapporo New Chitose Airport (CTS): Complete Guide to Restaurants, Souvenirs, Shopping & More! | LIVE JAPAN travel guide
New Chitose Airport is Hokkaido's aerial gateway through which over 20 million visitors pass each year. It is also the main airport for getting to Sapporo. Since its terminal buildings were renovated in 2011, New Chitose Airport has been transformed into a commercial complex hosting a wide array of new shopping and dining experiences. In addition, entertainment and relaxation facilities have also been added further adding to the attractions offered. Let’s take a closer look at these exciting new facilities in the terminals!
Why 'OMO' Hotels by Hoshino Resorts Are The Ultimate Urban Getaway in Japan | LIVE JAPAN travel guide
Hoshino Resorts offers a range of fun, high-quality stays across Japan, each brand with its own unique vibe. In this article, frequent guest Kiko Matsuda shares why she loves OMO hotels for their vibrant city-center locations and community-based sightseeing experiences. This page includes promotional content.
Day Trip to Mt. Takao: 7 Fun Ways to Enjoy Tokyo's Favorite Mountain | LIVE JAPAN travel guide
Mt. Takao (高尾山) is a beloved destination, especially during cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons. Perfect for a day trip from Tokyo, it offers a refreshing escape into nature just a short distance from the city. In this guide, we’ve gathered recommendations for must-visit spots from the station master of the Takao Tozan Railway, an expert on all things Mt. Takao!
OMO Kansai Airport Review: Great Stay for Food, Fun, and Relaxation | LIVE JAPAN travel guide
When traveling to Kansai International Airport, you may encounter one of its most common challenges: its distance from the city center. After a long day of travel, or even before returning home, the prospect of a long bus or train ride can feel daunting, especially for early morning or late-night flights. That’s why we highly recommend OMO Kansai Airport by Hoshino Resorts. Hoshino Resorts is known for offering high-quality accommodations across Japan, with a mission to “make travel enjoyable.” It is particularly popular with foreign tourists and runs several brands, each with its own unique characteristics. OMO Kansai Airport is the first airport hotel under the OMO brand, which aims to redefine city tourism. Just one train stop from Kansai International Airport, this hotel boasts a diverse array of dining, entertainment, and relaxation options. Keiko Kimura, a writer with Westplan and avid solo traveler, provides an in-depth report on this charming hotel that offers much more than just easy access to the airport! This page contains promotional content.
Only Twice a Year! Catch Rare 'Diamond Fuji' from Tokyo This November - Best Dates & Viewing Spots | LIVE JAPAN travel guide
Did you know you can catch the stunning Diamond Fuji, where the setting sun aligns perfectly with Mt. Fuji, right from the Tokyo area if the weather cooperates? This rare sight happens only twice a year, so don’t miss your chance to experience it! (Main image: PIXTA)
The Ride of Your Life! Experiencing Japan from Above in a Private Helicopter Tour | LIVE JAPAN travel guide
As you fly into Tokyo, seeing the city and mountains expand before you is an exciting experience that is hard to beat...Unless you can do it in a private helicopter ride. (Main image: AriAir) (This article may contain promotions)
3 Hotels & Onsen Ryokan in Nara: Enjoy an Elegant Japan Vibe With Views of Fall Colors From Your Room | LIVE JAPAN travel guide
Easily accessible from Osaka and Kyoto, Nara is an attraction-filled prefecture. Here you can enjoy famous old shrines and temples such as Todaiji Temple, tourist spots that offer the refined elegance of an ancient capital, as well as beautiful views of fall foliage. What’s more, you can also enjoy the unique experience of watching wild deer roam around on a carpet of colorful fall leaves in Nara Park! Here we will introduce three hotels and traditional Japanese inns perfect for sightseeing in Nara during the fall. Each of these facilities keeps you away from crowds and enables you to take in the beauty of fall foliage from the comforts of a private room.
Enjoy the Untouched Beauty of Oirase Keiryu (Aomori): Japan's Hidden Nature Gem | LIVE JAPAN travel guide
Japan's Oirase area in Aomori Prefecture, renowned for its stunning natural beauty, is a must-visit destination recommended by travel expert Miyu Shimada, who shares insights on its seasonal attractions and activities. (*This page includes promotional content.)
2024 Ranking of Top-Rated Onsen Ryokan with Exceptional Baths—Must-Visit Hot Springs in Japan! | LIVE JAPAN travel guide
In Japan, the cool autumn and winter months are perfect not only for savoring seasonal dishes but also for enjoying a warm, relaxing onsen soak! Japanese onsen enthusiasts love to plan weekend and holiday trips to hot springs as a way to unwind and treat themselves. Based on guest ratings, Rakuten Travel has released its “Top-Rated Onsen Ryokan with Exceptional Baths” list. This ranking is a great guide for experiencing onsen baths highly praised by locals—perfect for planning a soothing hot spring trip this season! (Main image source: PR TIMES) (This article contains promotional content)
10 Must-Try Japanese Sweets! The Latest Exclusive Snacks Available at Don Quijote | LIVE JAPAN travel guide
During your trip, don't miss out on Japan's amazing variety of sweets, from KitKat and Hi-Chew to unique chocolates and candies. If you're on the hunt for the perfect souvenir, look no further! Our editors have carefully curated a list of some of the finest confections to consider buying in on your next trip. Join us at MEGA Don Quijote Shibuya—one of the Tokyo area's top stores. There, we've handpicked must-try treats, featuring both Japan-exclusive sweets and unique Don Quijote items, perfect for everyone on your gifting list.
Japan's Best Glamping & Camping Spots for Autumn Colors - #1 Has Unbeatable Views! | LIVE JAPAN travel guide
The intense heat of summer is fading, and the comfortable, refreshing autumn season has arrived! In Japan, fall is often called the season for food, art, and sports—highlighting it as the perfect time for all kinds of activities. This year, NEXER Co., Ltd. and camper van resale company A-Saito conducted a survey asking, “Which area do you want to visit for autumn foliage camping?” If you’re looking to enjoy the autumn leaves in a unique way, check out this ranking to see where Japanese campers love to go! (Main image: PIXTA) (This article contains promotional content)
Curated 2-Day Tokyo Itinerary: Enjoy All Japan's Most Famous City Has to Offer in 48 Hours | LIVE JAPAN travel guide
Maximize your Tokyo experience with our 2-Day Itinerary, featuring must-see spots in Japan's capital. Begin with the vibrant Tsukiji Market and the upscale Ginza district. Explore the bustling Shibuya, marvel at the towering Skytree, and immerse yourself in the historic Asakusa (Senso-ji Temple). Wrap up your adventure with a visit to Ueno, known for its beautiful park and cultural sites. Each location offers a unique glimpse into Tokyo's dynamic blend of tradition and modernity.
Nature with Art: Explore 'teamLab: Hidden Traces of Rice Terraces' in Ibaraki | LIVE JAPAN travel guide
When art meets nature, the result is an unforgettable experience—perfect for those seeking something extraordinary. About two and a half hours northeast of Tokyo is where you’ll find the teamLab experience, Hidden Traces of Rice Terraces, which opened on September 30, 2024. Located in the scenic Izura area of Ibaraki Prefecture, this venue showcases the beauty of Japan's terraced rice fields in an artistic and engaging display. (Main image: teamLab "Path of Water Mirrors in the Hidden Rice Field," "Hidden Rice Field," "Responsive Forest of the Deep Valley" © teamLab) (This article may contain promotions)
Experience the Magic of 'The Nutcracker' in Tokyo This Winter | LIVE JAPAN travel guide
For a truly unforgettable holiday experience, acclaimed First Asian Principal of the Royal Ballet, Tetsuya Kumakawa, invites audiences back to his breathtaking rendition of The Nutcracker—a production that dazzles in originality and grandeur, standing apart from other adaptations of this classic. (Main image: Hidemi Seto) (This piece may contain promotions)
Unforgettable 3-Day Itinerary to Japan's Chubu Heartland: Traditional Towns, World Heritage Sites & More! | LIVE JAPAN travel guide
The Chubu region, which consists of nine prefectures (including Gifu, Nagano, and Ishikawa), is located in the middle of Japan and is popular among foreign visitors. Its appeal lies in its richness of tradition and history, like the World Heritage Site of Shirakawa-go and the National Treasure, Matsumoto Castle. Besides, there are many exciting places, like Shinhodaka, where you can enjoy the beautiful autumn leaves, or Okuhida Onsengo, with its hot springs, and Hida Takayama and its popular old-Japanese-style landscapes. Driving around would be a convenient way to see all these attractions. Still, many people are worried about driving in a foreign country. That's why today we'd like to introduce you to a 3-day and 2-night bus travel route from Tokyo via public busses. This will allow you to see the sights easily and efficiently with little need for reservations. Refer to this guide for information on busses and fares.
Mt. Fuji Visibility: Seasons And The Best Time To See Mount Fuji! | LIVE JAPAN travel guide
Mount Fuji isn’t always visible from Tokyo and even if you stay for a week, weather and season might have it hide behind clouds the entire time. But for most people, seeing Japan's most famous mountain is at the top of the bucket list. So, to help you plan: when are the best chances of seeing Mount Fuji? Which season is the best, when is the best time of the day? And how is the weather at Mt. Fuji connected to how it looks? We’ll tell you when to best see Mount Fuji in all its glory from various angles!
Explore Autumn in Hyogo Prefecture: Two-Day Road Trip to See Stunning Foliage and Top Attractions | LIVE JAPAN travel guide
Enjoy a two-day road trip through the colorful autumn scenery of Hyogo Prefecture, exploring its tourist attractions to the fullest. As a seasoned travel writer, I've driven all around Japan and will guide you through must-see spots, from iconic sites to hidden gems still under the radar for many foreign tourists. This luxurious two-day trip covers Hyogo’s major highlights, blending natural beauty and cultural charm, all during the stunning autumn foliage season.
A Bespoke Kyoto Experience - In the Private Luxury of Hachikan Ohara | LIVE JAPAN travel guide
In the depths of Kyoto’s picturesque Ohara region lies Hachikan Ohara, a luxury accommodation built for those who want to reconnect with themselves and with Japan. Hachikan Ohara is a far cry from your average hotel. Instead, it is a luxury private villa offering authentic Japanese experiences, including a tea ceremony, spa facilities, and a private chef. If you are looking for a bespoke travel experience that offers a retreat to unwind without the worries of other guests, this is the place to go. (Main image courtesy of Hachikan Ohara) (This article may contain promotions)
Visiting Japan in November: The Best Things to Do and Reasons to Visit | LIVE JAPAN travel guide
If you’re trying to decide whether to visit Japan in November, then you really should go ahead and book that trip. November is one of the very best times of the year to visit Japan, thanks in no small part to the gorgeous autumn colors.
8 Mystical Spots For Autumn Leaves Near Hakodate in 2024 (Hokkaido) | LIVE JAPAN travel guide
Some of the best spots for autumn leaves in Hokkaido can be found in its southern area, known as donan. This region is filled with a variety of scenic locations like Hakodate’s famed Goryōkaku Park as well as the Onuma Quasi-National Park. From accessible towns to breathtaking cliffs that you can only reach by boat, there are many places where you can enjoy the picturesque fall scenery. The scenery is even more beautiful when the autumn leaves in Hokkaido begin changing color from mid-October to early November. Read on to find out more about the best fall foliage spots in the area of southern Hokkaido. (This article may contain promotions)
Enjoy a Deeper Connection to Japan With Fascinating Cultural Experiences in Kyoto and Osaka | LIVE JAPAN travel guide
There are many ways in which you can take part in carefully curated Japanese cultural experiences while visiting Kyoto and Osaka. If you’re looking to uncover a more meaningful side to Japan while traveling through Kansai, we’ll tell you how. (This article contains promotional information.)
Step into History at the Ofune World Heritage Site: Explore Hokkaido's Jomon Culture | LIVE JAPAN travel guide
The Donan (Southern Hokkaido) Area is a charming place, appreciated for its mild climate and abundance of seafood that have drawn people in for over 10,000 years. This region is home to a number of Jomon Period archaeological sites, especially in Hakodate’s Minami Kayabe area, where visitors can explore World Heritage Sites and admire artifacts recognized as national treasures. In this article, our Hokkaido-based writer offers a detailed travel plan for Minami Kayabe, drawing on her own extensive experience in the region, where you can learn about the lives of the Jomon people who lived in harmony with nature as you explore this fascinating area.
Autumn in Tokyo 2024: 16 Best Places to See Fall Foliage in Tokyo | LIVE JAPAN travel guide
Autumn in Tokyo is spectacular. Its many different colors are a magnificent sight to behold. Also called 'momiji' or 'koyo' in Japanese, autumn leaf viewing is done since ancient times. This colorful scenery can be seen in Tokyo's surrounding areas and in the urban jungle of the Japanese capital itself. In 2024, the best time for autumn leaves in Tokyo is from the end of November to early December. We will introduce the best viewing spots in and outside the city to make sure your autumn will be a vivid one! (Main image credit: PIXTA) (This article may contain promotions)
Day Trip to Yaizu, Shizuoka: Gorgeous Views of Mt. Fuji & Exquisite Seafood At This Picturesque Town South of Tokyo! | LIVE JAPAN travel guide
Delicious seafood cuisine and the divine majesty of Mt. Fuji are both great reasons to visit Japan. Know of any spots you can enjoy both at the same time? The port town of Yaizu in Shizuoka Prefecture is one such place, and it offers a variety of Mt. Fuji views. Its easy access, only about an hour away from Tokyo, is another useful point. Let's take a look at seven different spots to see Mt. Fuji from Yaizu, the "Town of Fish!"
From Plant-Based and Gluten-Free to Meat and Cheese, bills Omotesando is The Tokyo Hotspot for ALL Diets | LIVE JAPAN travel guide
Finding decent restaurants in Tokyo that cater to vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free diets can be quite a challenge. Sure, there are usually some options, but how many times can you eat a “salad” (read: plain cabbage) before getting tired? Here to solve that problem is bills. (Dish names are shortened for ease of reading, see photo captions for official dish names. All prices are tax-inclusive. Prices may different by restaurant.)
2024 Japan Autumn Color Report | LIVE JAPAN travel guide
Our 2024 Japan Autumn Color Report offers regular updates on fall foliage in the Greater Tokyo and Kansai regions, including Kyoto, Osaka, and Wakayama. Stay informed on the best spots to experience autumn’s vibrant colors, from city parks to scenic temples and mountain landscapes. Check back often as the season progresses to catch the peak of Japan’s autumn beauty, and help decide where to visit next.
Your Guide to Matsumae: Sightseeing, Kimonos, and Food in Hokkaido's Only Castle Town | LIVE JAPAN travel guide
Located at the southern tip of Hokkaido, Matsumae is the region’s only castle town, rich in traditional culture and scenic beauty. In this guide, travel expert Nobuka, with over 15 years of experience, shares the top highlights, local specialties, and must-visit spots of Matsumae.
Enjoy Japanese Culture When Traveling to Tokyo With These Specially Curated Experiences | LIVE JAPAN travel guide
If you’re looking for ways to fully appreciate Japan’s unique culture when visiting Tokyo, then there are plenty of carefully curated cultural experiences that you could enjoy. (This article contains promotional information.)
Enjoy Halloween in Japan 2024: Shibuya & Shinjuku Restrictions and Must-See Events Nationwide | LIVE JAPAN travel guide
Originally a Western tradition, Halloween has become a huge part of Japanese culture in recent years, now a popular autumn festival enjoyed by people of all ages. Halloween events are held all across Japan, and before the pandemic, Shibuya’s Halloween celebration drew crowds of up to a million people. However, as these gatherings grew, problems like public drinking and poor behavior became more common. As a result, cities like Shibuya and Shinjuku are now urging people to avoid visiting during Halloween. In this guide, we’ll cover the current state of Halloween in Japan and how you can still enjoy the festivities while respecting local rules. (Top image credit: PIXTA) (This page contains promotions)
Brand New Baths! Top 4 New Bathhouses in and Around Tokyo 2024 | LIVE JAPAN travel guide
When fall comes around, so does the bath season! Nothing beats the feeling of a warm bath on a cold day, and that’s especially true when you’re in a shiny new onsen. Here we’ll be looking at four new onsen (shared hot spring baths) and sento (shared baths) in and around Tokyo. (Main image: PR Times) (This article may contain promotions)
Japan's Famous Ginzan Onsen to Enforce Visitor Caps and Traffic Controls This Winter | LIVE JAPAN travel guide
Ginzan Onsen in Yamagata Prefecture is a popular hot spring destination year-round, but it sees a surge in visitors from autumn to winter. However, with heavy snowfall during the winter season, travel to the area can become hazardous. To ensure safety, Ginzan Onsen has announced traffic restrictions and limits on day-trip visitors from December 20, 2024, to late March 2025. In this article, we'll explain the reasons behind these measures and provide details on the restrictions. This page contains promotional content
5 Best Value Hotels Near Osaka Station for Every Budget | LIVE JAPAN travel guide
Staying near Osaka Station is ideal for exploring not just the city but the entire Kansai region. The area offers a wide range of hotels, so choosing the right one can greatly enhance your trip. Everyone wants a clean, comfortable stay at a reasonable price, and in this article, we’ll highlight the top hotels near Osaka Station and Umeda that offer great value for every budget.
Salon-Quality Beauty Care at Home! 4 Trending Microneedle Cosmetics You Can Try at Hands Shinjuku Store | LIVE JAPAN travel guide
Have you heard about "needle cosmetics"? Inspired by micro-needle treatments in beauty medicine, this cutting-edge skincare trend has been gaining a lot of buzz on Japanese social media lately. It’s more than just applying beauty ingredients—it's become a hot topic among Japan’s beauty enthusiasts. Here, one of Hands' merchandise buyers shares highly recommended needle cosmetics from the revamped beauty section of Hands Shinjuku Store, which reopened after a major renovation in 2023.