The Best Seat on Tohoku Shinkansen Hayabusa

The Best Seats on the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Hokkaido

One of the most common bullet train-related questions we saw in Japan travel forums is: which side of the train offers the best view? While you won’t be able to see the majestic Mt. Fuji when you travel north from Tokyo, the scenery along the train line does not disappoint! In fact, we decided to summarize […]

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Rokumon: The Sightseeing Train Connecting Karuizawa & Nagano

You might already be aware that to the Japanese, trains are sometimes more than just vehicles that carry you from A to B. Unlike most countries in the world, Japan’s Sightseeing Trains don’t just run between the tourist attractions in the rural areas. They operate on normal train tracks between cities and prefectures, and compared

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Hida Furukawa and the Famous Anime Movie, Your Name

Hida Furukawa (飛騨古川), a quaint, unassuming town, has become a lot more lively since Makoto Shinkai’s movie – Your Name (君の名は) hit the theater. The town serves as the inspiration behind many iconic scenes from the film! It can be accessed just two stations away from Hida Takayama City, a popular tourist destination in its

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The Must-Visit Cafes & Shops on Kura no Machi Ichibangai

Kawagoe is Saitama’s most renowned tourist spot. If it is on your itinerary, having Kura no Machi Ichibangai Street (蔵の街一番街) on your itinerary is a must. The main street in the old Kawagoe warehouse district is where you can find the majority of the Kurazukuri townscape from the Edo period. The street isn’t just about

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Essential Japanese Travel Phrases for Vegetarians and Vegans

Navigating the diverse and delicious world of food in Japan as a vegetarian or vegan can be challenging, as meat, fish, and dashi (fish stock) often appear in unexpected dishes. But don’t let language barriers stop you from enjoying your trip! Learning a few essential Japanese phrases for ordering food and clarifying ingredients is the key to a stress-free

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Vegan Root Vegetable Soup Miso Potta Ramen at Dashiro Sendai Miyagi Japan

The Best Guide to Sendai’s Vegan-Friendly Restaurants

Sendai is the biggest city in the Tohoku region. So, if you are planning to be one of the 20 million tourists visiting the city soon, the good news is that there are several vegan or vegetarian-friendly spots where you can enjoy Japan’s delicious food just like everyone else! The vegan/vegetarian food served in the

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Top 12 Okayama Prefecture’s Hidden Fall Foliage Destinations

Okayama Castle, one of Japan’s Top 100 Castles, and its garden Korakuen are the main attractions drawing tourists to visit Okayama. But there are many other sites you should check out. All around the prefecture are natural wonders that offer spectacular autumn foliage displays. Below we have listed 12 stunning, off-the-beaten-trail destinations in Okayama Prefecture

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The Best Guide to Kusatsu Onsen’s Sainokawara Street

What to do in Kusatsu after having your fill at Kusatsu Onsen’s symbol, Yubatake? How about taking a stroll along Sainokawara-dōri Street (西の河原通り) for some snacks, shopping, or even a plate of delicious food? The street that stretches from Yubatake to Sainokawara Park is Kusatsu Onsen’s main street. In addition to the shops and restaurants,

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Meet Tsukishima’s Most Popular Pet, Jiant Tortoise – Bonchan

Tsukishima (月島) is an area in Tokyo that is best known for its Monjayaki (もんじゃ焼き) restaurants. Monjayaki is the Tokyo version of Okonomiyaki. Both Monjayaki and Okonomiyaki are basically savory types of Japanese-style pancakes. If you are thinking of making them at home, you get to mix all the ingredients you like with the batter

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