20 Best Things to Do in Shiga (2026): Lake Biwa, Castles, Shrines and More
Kyoto tends to pull all the attention in this corner of Japan. Then you travel a few minutes east, the city gives way to an enormous sheet of blue, and Shiga quietly asks why everyone has been rushing past it. That blue is Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest lake and the feature around which much of Shiga […]
Where to Eat in Kobe (2026): 21 Best Places for Kobe beef, sushi & local food
Kobe may be famous for one very expensive cow, but there is far more on the menu than Kobe beef. This compact port city is packed with smoky teppanyaki counters, tiny ramen shops, old-school bakeries, Chinatown street food, and cafés that take dessert extremely seriously. In this guide, we share where to eat in Kobe, […]
Japan Solo Travel for Introverts Itinerary: A Calm 10-Day Route Through Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara and Osaka
There is a very specific magic to arriving in Japan alone. You step off the train, everyone seems to know exactly where they are going, the signs are somehow both overwhelming and beautifully organized, and then — miracle of miracles — nobody expects you to make small talk. Not with the cashier. Not with the […]
14 Best Day Trips From Kyoto: Hot Springs, Castles, Lakes and Easy Escapes
Kyoto can keep us busy for days. There are temples hidden behind shopping streets, gardens that demand a slower pace, tiny restaurants with six seats, and enough matcha desserts to turn a casual afternoon into a personal mission. But Kyoto is also one of the best bases for exploring the wider Kansai region. Step onto […]
What to Do in Gion Kyoto in 2026: Beautiful Streets, Shrines and Local Experiences
Gion is the Kyoto many of us picture before we arrive: narrow lanes, wooden machiya houses, glowing lanterns, quiet shrines, and the occasional glimpse of a geiko or maiko hurrying to an evening appointment. But this historic district is not simply somewhere to photograph and leave. There are temples to visit, traditional streets to wander, […]
12 Best Things To Do On Rainy Days In Tokyo (2026): Indoor Activities, Museums & More
Looking for what to do on a rainy day in Tokyo? Here’s your ultimate guide to fun, cozy, and uniquely Japanese things to do on rainy days in Tokyo. Planning more cosy indoor Tokyo days? Read these next When is the best time to go to Tokyo? Before we dive headfirst into rainy-day survival mode […]
20 Best Anime and Manga Stores in Tokyo (2026): Akihabara, Nakano & Ikebukuro Picks + What to Buy
Discover the best anime and manga stores in Tokyo, from must-visit shops in Akihabara and Ikebukuro to rare collector havens and family-friendly favorites. Perfect for fans of all levels! Keep planning your Tokyo otaku shopping spree Once we start hunting anime and manga stores in Tokyo, restraint leaves the building. One figure shop becomes a […]
10 Ridiculous Japanese Stereotypes All Japanese People Hate (But Still Hear All the Time in 2026)
There are stereotypes about every kind of person, and the Japanese are no exception. Like many misconceptions, some are loosely based on truth that’s been wildly exaggerated—others are just completely off the wall. While many people assume there’s some truth to them, getting to know Japan and its culture can quickly prove otherwise. So let’s […]