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!”

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Planning a trip to Japan? Wondering How to Make It Better? Japan is a place where small efforts can yield big rewards, especially when it comes to blending into the rhythm of daily life.

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.

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.

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.

“Meiwaku” broadly translates to causing trouble, annoyance or burden to others. This concept shapes social interactions throughout Japan. For international visitors, understanding meiwaku helps navigate social situations and shows respect for local customs.

Sukiyaki and shabu-shabu let you cook food right at your table, combining great ingredients, simplicity and a communal dining experience. But while they might look similar at a glance – thinly sliced beef, veggies, a hot pot of broth – the flavors, preparation & mood of the meals are quite different.

Social media, movies & television often paint an incomplete or inaccurate picture of what visitors actually experience in Japan. We examine ten common misconceptions that frequently surprise first-time visitors to this fascinating country.

For many visitors to Japan, breakfast presents one’s first real encounter with local cuisine. While international hotels reliably serve familiar Western options, experiencing a traditional Japanese breakfast offers unique insights into the country's food culture and daily life.