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Japan Travel Blog

Japan Travel Pros aims to keep you in the know about Japan travel news, destination spotlights, air & hotel deals, local experiences & much more

Yuichi 雄一 Yuichi 雄一

Hiking Mt. Fuji: Tips, Routes & More

On the horizon, snow-topped and symmetrical, looking almost too perfect to be real, Mt. Fuji (aka “Fuji-san) pulls in hikers from across the globe each summer. We’ve got lots of great tips and advice for your climb of Mount Fuji!

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Jiro 中村次郎 Jiro 中村次郎

Planning a Trip to Japan

In this comprehensive guide to planning your Japan adventure, we’ll give a rundown on everything from must-see destinations to the intricacies of transportation and cultural differences. We'll take a closer look into the nuances of seasonal travel, explore the broad accommodation options available, and discuss why working with travel planning professionals can significantly enhance your Japan trip.

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Ari アリ Ari アリ

Enjoying Japan Without FOMO

When it comes to Japan travel, the FOMO factor is real. It's human nature to feel like we're missing out on something: and that's doubled down when content creators and influencers are fueling the fire. But you don't have to feel that FOMO dread. On the contrary, you're going to be traveling to one of the best destinations in the world: Japan. You can't go wrong here!

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Jiro 中村次郎 Jiro 中村次郎

Japan Travel Tech: SIM, Apps & More

Japan travel has some idiosyncrasies, to be sure, and they can occasionally be frustrating. Add to that the necessity or desire to stay connected these days, and you’re probably wondering what’s the best way to travel in Japan in terms of using the right tech. We’ve got you!

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Yuichi 雄一 Yuichi 雄一

Springtime in Japan: Sakura & More

Spring in Japan brings an annual spectacle that fills social media feeds worldwide: cherry blossoms. Yet spring offers so much more for visitors to Japan than just sakura (though those Japanese cherry blossoms sure are nice). In this edition of the Japan Travel Pros blog, we sort through the buzz and talk about what spring in Japan actually means for travelers.

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Ari アリ Ari アリ

Happy New Year 2025 !!

Happy new year from all of us here at Japan Travel Pros! We hope that 2024 has been a year of joy and success for you, and we wish you and yours all the best of health, happiness, prosperity and great travels ahead in 2025!!!

Just a few thoughts in this edition of the blog, if you’ll indulge us, on the year that was 2024.

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Jiro 中村次郎 Jiro 中村次郎

Food Spotlight: Japan's Regional Cuisine

Each region of Japan proudly maintains its own culinary heritage, specialties and food culture. Japan's food culture runs impossibly deep, with centuries-old recipes and techniques passed down through generations, each area fiercely protecting its local culinary prowess and proud heritage.

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Ari アリ Ari アリ

Japan Travel in 2025: Your New Year's Resolution

What’s the latest on the Japan travel scene? Why should you double down on those Japan travel plans for 2025? And what’s the magic sauce that’s going to make this all happen? There’s no ‘right’ way or ‘wrong’ way, but arming yourself with the best information and making the best plan will help elevate your 2025 Japan trip from ‘how?’ to “Wow!”

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Yuichi 雄一 Yuichi 雄一

Jet Lag: Flying to Japan

If you're planning a trip to Japan from Europe, Africa, the Middle East or the Americas, you'll be crossing a whole bunch of time zones, and your body clockwill notice. While jet lag isn't exactly the most exciting topic when planning your Japan adventure, understanding how to handle it can make a significant difference in your travel experience.

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Jiro 中村次郎 Jiro 中村次郎

Expo 2025’s Effect on Travel in Osaka & Kyoto

Planning to visit Osaka or Kyoto during 2025? So are millions of others — the World Expo is coming to town! We can expect some additional effect on a region that’s already experiencing overtourism. This will be something to watch out for in Kyoto, in particular, though Osaka will certainly see added burden during the six months of Expo 2025.

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Ari アリ Ari アリ

The Best 5, 6, or 7-day Japan Itinerary

Got vacation time coming up? Thinking about visiting Japan for a quick trip… like 5, 6 or 7 days? Wondering where to go, what to do and how to squeeze it all in?

Truth be told, your best itinerary for this upcoming trip might not even be in Japan!

“But wait,” you’re saying, “I want to go to Japan!”

Hear me out.

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Yuichi 雄一 Yuichi 雄一

Souvenirs from Japan

Japan offers a lot of great unique souvenirs for you to take home – far beyond the typical keychain or postcard. We take a look at some of the standards, as well as a quick trip across Japan's regions, to show the most memorable keepsakes and gifts you’ll want to look for.

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Knowing Japan: An Expert or a Guide?

I hope you’ll visit Japan. I hope you’ll give it the time it deserves – balancing that, of course, with the reality of time limitations due to work, school, etc. And I hope you’ll see & experience both the major sights of Japan as well as the hidden gems and off-the-beaten path experiences. If we can help you with that, I’ll consider it an honor and a privilege.

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Accessible Travel in Japan

We discuss the various accessibility challenges and highlights that a traveler to Japan could encounter, showing how preparation and awareness are your best allies in navigating accessibility for travel in Japan.

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Just How Crowded Is Japan?

Japan’s popularity is well-earned. It's a fascinating country with so much to offer. But it can get pretty crowded, especially in the popular tourist spots. Understanding the crowds and knowing what to expect will help you enjoy your trip without feeling overwhelmed or disappointed.

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Tomo 智 Tomo 智

Who Is a Tourist in Japan?

The notion of a "tourist" has become increasingly fluid in our interconnected world. Japan exemplifies this complexity more than most destinations. What might seem like a straightforward travel experience reveals layers of nuance that challenge even the most seasoned global travelers.

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Yuichi 雄一 Yuichi 雄一

Shinkansen Update: New Years Train Travel in Japan

Planning to travel by train in Japan during the New Year period? Reservations may be required! Here are some key things you need to understand about the Shinkansen (bullet train) system during that time.

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Jiro 中村次郎 Jiro 中村次郎

Japan Travel: Managing Baggage

Packing for a trip to Japan requires some strategic thinking. Japan's transportation system, including the famous bullet trains, weren't designed with large luggage in mind. Whether you’re traveling by train, bus and/or air within Japan, managing your luggage is an important factor in planning your trip. We’ve got some tips to make it easier for you.

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Ari アリ Ari アリ

Reviews & Ratings in Japan: How to Decode

Traveling to Japan & using Google or similar review sites to plan meals & attractions? How do you know what’s the real number? We’ll break it all down for you, so that you’ll be able to sort it all out and decipher what’s worth the wait and where to avoid.

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Talk to Us About Your Japan Trip

Want to make the most of your Japan self-guided tour? Let’s have a chat! We’ll answer your questions and let you know how we can help make your Japan travel dreams come true.