If you’re visiting Japan and want to get off the Golden Route (Tokyo/Kyoto/Osaka), Nagasaki is a great place to include in your itinerary. Discover why Nagasaki is about much more than its tragic history, and why you should visit.

You've probably heard some version of this before: "Osaka is Japan's kitchen" or "Osaka is Japan's food capital."  But is this fact or myth? Like many travel narratives, this one misses the mark. Find out why you don’t need to visit touristy Osaka to eat amazing Japanese food!

Your trip to Japan represents a significant investment of time and money. Find out what can go wrong when trusting it to an AI system that can't understand the current reality of travel in Japan or help you when things don't go as planned.

Japan package tours can be either the real deal or a red flag, depending on how well they align with your travel goals & expectations. Whether you choose a package tour, independent travel or happy medium, the most important factor is that it helps create the Japan trip you've been dreaming about.

The endless array of retail options ranges from massive department stores to tiny specialty shops hidden in shopping arcades and neighborhood backstreets. Plus these days the exchange rate makes most shopping in Japan affordable or downright cheap for most visitors. And you can even get a lot of stuff tax-free!

Are you the kind of traveler who craves something different; the adventurer who sees travel as more than checking boxes and collecting likes? Discover three unconventional Japan travel itineraries – each one being a departure from the “Golden Route” of Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka.

2024 was a record year for inbound travel & tourism in Japan, with some 37 million people visiting this amazing destination. By all accounts, 2025 is already off to a hot start (numbers wise, of course, since it’s actually a little chilly here in Japan right now) and promises to be another record-breaking year. What does this mean for you, the traveler planning a trip to Japan in 2025?

A ryokan stay offers insight into Japanese hospitality traditions while providing a relaxing and unique cultural experience. The key to enjoying ryokan life lies in understanding what to expect and embracing the prescribed daily rhythm. While the cost may exceed standard hotels, it’s a stay unlike any other, and one you’re likely to remember fondly for many years to come.

When it comes to learning the language of the country to which you’re traveling, a little bit really does go a long way. In this essential travel Japanese language guide, we focus on what you'll actually use, what you'll actually remember & what will actually help you during your time in Japan.

Some travelers thrive on spontaneity, relishing the excitement of last-minute decisions and unexpected discoveries. Others find peace of mind in having every detail meticulously planned, ensuring a smooth and stress-free journey.

Today's travelers to Japan often find themselves racing from one "iconic" spot to another, more focused on capturing the perfect social media shot than actually experiencing the moment. This approach is all wrong. It’s exhausting. And it's fundamentally flawed. Find out how to experience Japan your way!

Just as Rick Steves transformed how Americans travel in Europe through his philosophy of thoughtful tourism, cultural immersion and authentic experiences, his approach to travel contains valuable wisdom that applies beautifully to exploring Japan. We’ll show you how.

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!

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.

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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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!”