Steam rising from Japanese hot springs at Kusatsu Onsen
Culture & Customs, Gunma, Kanto

Kusatsu Onsen Guide: Japan’s #1 Hot Spring Town in Gunma Prefecture

The ultimate guide to Kusatsu Onsen, Japan’s #1-ranked hot spring town for over 20 consecutive years. Located in Gunma Prefecture’s alpine highlands, Kusatsu features the iconic Yubatake plaza, scalding sulphur baths, and the unique Yumomi water-cooling ceremony. This complete guide covers how to reach Kusatsu from Tokyo, where to stay, the three-bath strategy, what to eat, when to visit, and how to combine Kusatsu with Karuizawa, Nikko, or a wider Japan itinerary.

Culture & Customs, Hidden Gems, Hokkaido & Tohoku

Kakunodate Travel Guide: Japan’s Best-Preserved Samurai District in Akita, Tohoku

Kakunodate is one of Japan’s most perfectly preserved samurai towns, tucked into the mountains of Akita Prefecture in the Tohoku region. This complete guide covers how to get there by Shinkansen from Tokyo, the six original Edo-period samurai residences of the bukeyashiki district, the famous spring cherry blossom season, the unique kabazaiku cherry bark craft tradition, Akita regional cuisine including kiritampo and Inaniwa udon, day trips to Lake Tazawa and Nyuto Onsen, where to stay, and practical tips for every season. An unforgettable destination for first-time visitors to Japan seeking authentic history and culture.

Culture & Customs, Kansai, Kyoto

Arashiyama Complete Guide: Bamboo Grove, Temples, River Boat Rides and Everything You Need to Know

Arashiyama is one of Kyoto’s most magical districts, home to the famous Bamboo Grove, Tenryu-ji UNESCO World Heritage Temple, and the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge. This complete guide covers how to get there by train from Kyoto and Osaka, what to see and do across all seasons, where to eat the best yudofu and warabi mochi, the Hozugawa River Boat Cruise, the Sagano Scenic Railway, and expert tips on avoiding the crowds. Whether you have a few hours or a full day, this guide gives you everything you need to experience one of Japan’s most beautiful destinations.

Hidden Gems, Kyushu & Okinawa, Okinawa

Ishigaki Island Guide: Everything You Need to Know About Okinawa’s Remote Paradise

Discover Ishigaki Island in Okinawa Prefecture — Japan’s tropical paradise with crystal-clear coral reefs, manta ray diving, traditional Yaeyama culture, and island-hopping adventures. This complete guide covers how to get there, the best beaches, snorkelling, day trips to Taketomi and Iriomote, where to eat and stay, and everything first-time visitors need to know.

Chugoku & Shikoku, Food & Restaurants, Kagawa (Naoshima)

Kagawa Udon Pilgrimage Guide: Sanuki Noodles, Best Shops, and How to Eat Udon Like a Local in Japan’s Udon Prefecture

Kagawa Prefecture on Shikoku island is Japan’s undisputed udon capital — nicknamed ‘Udon Prefecture’ for its obsession with thick, chewy Sanuki udon noodles. The Kagawa udon pilgrimage, visiting multiple udon shops in a single day, is one of Japan’s greatest food experiences and one of its best-value ones too. This complete guide covers the history of Sanuki udon, how to order, the best shops to visit, how to plan your pilgrimage day, and what else to see in Kagawa including Ritsurin Garden, Naoshima Art Island, and Konpira-san shrine.

Culture & Customs, Hokkaido & Tohoku, Yamagata

Ginzan Onsen Guide: Yamagata’s Fairy-Tale Snow Village and Japan’s Most Photogenic Hot Spring Town

Ginzan Onsen in Yamagata Prefecture is one of Japan’s most beautiful and atmospheric destinations. This fairy-tale village of historic wooden ryokan, gas lanterns, and steaming hot springs is set deep in the mountains of Tohoku and transforms into a magical snow scene in winter. Our complete guide covers how to get there, where to stay, onsen etiquette for first-timers, the best seasons to visit, what to eat, day trip options, and a full budget breakdown for every type of traveller.

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