Japan Guide, Tips, Accommodations

Planning a trip to Japan? Several recent travel changes could affect your budget, transportation, shopping and even what you pack for your flight. We break down five important updates, including Japan Rail Pass pricing, the new tax-free shopping process, Shinkansen reservations, Kyoto hotel taxes and power bank rules.

After using my Japan purchases for over a year, I'm sharing what was actually worth bringing home, what surprised me, and the items I probably wouldn't buy again.

After nearly two weeks in Japan, it was time to fly home. In this review, I share my experience flying United Airlines Economy Plus from Narita Airport (NRT) to Los Angeles (LAX) aboard a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.

Flying to Japan is a long journey, so is United Airlines Economy Plus worth the extra cost? On my recent flight from Houston to Tokyo Narita, I tested the seat, food, entertainment, Wi-Fi, amenities, and overall comfort to see if the additional legroom makes a difference on a 13-hour flight.

Looking for things to do in Akasaka? After spending three days exploring this Tokyo neighborhood, we found fantastic coffee shops, beautiful shrines, great local restaurants, and one of our favorite cultural experiences in Japan.

Our real Tokyo outfits from a late March trip during cherry blossom season, including rainy-day layers, comfortable walking shoes, outfit mistakes, and what actually worked for exploring Tokyo in cool spring weather.

Packing for a long flight to Japan? Here’s exactly what I pack in my carry-on backpack, from flight essentials and tech gear to medication, camera items, and one backup outfit.

Worried about rain ruining your trip to Tokyo? We experienced multiple rainy days and were surprised by how easy it was to navigate the city.

Planning a trip to Japan and wondering if pocket WiFi is worth it? Here’s my real experience using Sakura Mobile, from airport pickup to navigating trains and streets across Japan.

Wondering what to buy in Japan? These are the items we always bring home, from Japanese snacks and beauty products to practical travel finds you can’t easily get in the U.S.

Planning a Japan trip in spring? See what to pack for Japan in March, including outfit planning tips, layering ideas, and carry-on packing strategies for Tokyo.

Packing for Tokyo in spring can be tricky with changing temperatures and lots of walking. This guide covers what to pack, outfit ideas, and small essentials that make traveling in Japan easier.

A curated list of 15 exciting things to do in Shibuya, featuring timeless classics such as the famous Hachiko statue alongside newer, trendy attractions like the vibrant Sakura Stage.

Discover the best of Shinjuku with our guide for first-time visitors. From vibrant streets to peaceful gardens, find exciting things to do in this iconic Tokyo neighborhood.

A list of exciting things to do in Ikebukuro. From visiting Japan’s historic oldest candy shop, where tradition meets sweetness, to exploring the world’s largest anime store called Animate, offering endless treasures for fans.

My detailed review of flying with Singapore Airlines Economy class on a round-trip journey from LAX to NRT.

A comprehensive guide to setting up and using Japan’s Ninja eSIM, along with an in-depth exploration of its various pros and cons.

A detailed look at what we packed and wore for our trip to Japan in May.

Tokyo is an incredibly vast and humungous metropolis, making it challenging to decide what to do once you finally book your trip. We often have friends ask us for recommendations about the best things to do in this vibrant city, so we have decided to create the ultimate, comprehensive list of all of our favorite things to do in Tokyo.

Planning your first trip to Tokyo? This guide breaks down the best areas to stay, from Shibuya and Shinjuku to Ginza and Odaiba, plus our favorite hotels in each neighborhood.

Here is our list of the top ten exciting things to do in the vibrant city of Osaka. From the lively streets of Shinsekai, filled with unique eateries and retro arcades, to popular anime shops like Jump Store, there is truly an abundance of activities and attractions to experience in Osaka.

See what we actually wore in Narita and Osaka in late September, plus a practical women’s packing list for heat, humidity, rain and long walking days.