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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

Ari at Japan Travel Pros Ari at Japan Travel Pros

Mt. Fuji Obsession: WTF (Why Travel Fuji)

Mt. Fuji is pretty cool. But it’s also shy… and maybe a little overhyped. So why the obsession? We’ll answer that question – and help you enjoy your trip to Japan!

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Ari at Japan Travel Pros Ari at Japan Travel Pros

Traveling to Japan in Golden Week (& Other Holidays)

What’s it like to travel during Golden Week, Obon or New Year's — the three biggest holiday periods in Japan? Should traveling during a Japanese holiday be a deal-breaker? Click through to find out…

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DC Barrington DC Barrington

Japan Travel First Timer Tip: Read the Room

“There’s one lesson I wish I’d truly understood before I ever set foot in Japan. It’s not about taking your shoes off at the genkan or navigating the train system (though, yes, do those things too). It’s…”

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Yuichi 雄一 Yuichi 雄一

Top 10 Unique Osaka Souvenirs

Forget the mass-produced trinkets you can find anywhere. We're here to guide you to the real gems – the Osaka souvenirs that truly capture the flavor & spirit of this fantastic city.

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Jiro 中村次郎 Jiro 中村次郎

Visit Japan Web – Arrive in Japan Smoothly

Here’s a starter pack about what you need to know when it comes to entering Japan, including how to save time at the airport by using a free tool called Visit Japan Web — and why we recommend it.

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Tomo 智 Tomo 智

Japan Travel Photography Etiquette

In Japan – where respect, privacy, trust and harmony mean a lot – photographing people without their consent can seriously ruffle feathers and even lead to legal problems. Find out how & why.

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Jiro 中村次郎 Jiro 中村次郎

How to Pace Your Japan Travel Itinerary

Planning a trip to Japan can feel like standing at a sushi conveyor belt — everything looks good, and you want to grab it all. But trying to do too much in too little time? This sets up pitfalls that you don’t deserve.

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Yuichi 雄一 Yuichi 雄一

Driving in Japan: Good for Travelers?

The driving experience in Japan can be very different, and requires adapting to a whole new set of rules, infrastructure & cultural norms. If you’re asking the question, “Should I drive in Japan?” We’ve got answers!

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Ari at Japan Travel Pros Ari at Japan Travel Pros

Yen Fluctuations & Japan Travel: Yay or Nay?

With the global markets in a state of turbulence, it's natural to wonder what these shifts might mean for your upcoming travels. Will Japan become more expensive? Will your plans need to change?

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Yuichi 雄一 Yuichi 雄一

First Trip to Japan: What You Really Need to Know

This guide isn’t a "Top 10 Places to Visit in Japan." It’s designed to help you actually do the trip — without the overwhelm, the second-guessing or the common pitfalls that first-time travelers run into.

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Jiro 中村次郎 Jiro 中村次郎

Why Work with a Japan Travel Specialist

Planning a trip to Japan can feel overwhelming. Find out how working with a a Japan travel specialist makes your trip smoother, richer & more personalized.

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Tomo 智 Tomo 智

Etiquette: How to Travel Japan Respectfully

Etiquette in Japan isn't about following a strict set of rules. It's about being aware, being respectful and being open to new experiences... that turn a good trip into an unforgettable one.

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Yuichi 雄一 Yuichi 雄一

Luggage Delivery & Baggage Forwarding in Japan

Travel light! But if you can’t, a useful servicein Japan is luggage delivery, also known as baggage forwarding (takkyubin/対面便). It lets you send bags ahead to the next hotel. Find out more.

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Ari at Japan Travel Pros Ari at Japan Travel Pros

Japan Travel Update - Q2 2025

As we step into the second quarter of 2025, Japan's travel scene continues to evolve, offering both exciting opportunities and new challenges for visitors. Check out our rundown of the latest developments shaping the experience of traveling to Japan.

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Ari at Japan Travel Pros Ari at Japan Travel Pros

Japan Travel as Seen Through Fresh Eyes

When you work in travel and tourism, you get to experience the world through their eyes. It keeps travel fresh for us, even in a country we know deeply. Some might call it “living vicariously” – though we see it as a way to keep our own sense of wonder alive.

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Jiro 中村次郎 Jiro 中村次郎

Japan Travel: Hotel As Base? Or Move Around More?

When planning a trip to Japan, one of the biggest logistical decisions travelers face is whether to stay in one or two hotels as a “home base” or to move around and stay in different locations throughout the trip. 

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Yuichi 雄一 Yuichi 雄一

The Complete Guide to Restaurant Reservations in Japan

Restaurant booking in Japan has become increasingly essential – even for many mid-range and casual dining spots. Get everything you need to know about Japan restaurant reservations, from why it’s necessary to how to book successfully.

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Yuichi 雄一 Yuichi 雄一

Planning Adventure & Outdoor Travel in Japan

With rugged mountain trails, intricate coastal routes, a vast array of topography and climate variation, Japan offers a ton of fun adventures that go far beyond typical tourist experiences

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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.