Osaka is one of the most exciting cities in Japan, with a reputation for being unpretentious, a little bit rowdy and completely food-obsessed. Below is my itinerary for 2 days in Osaka, based on our own trip to Osaka at the start of our 10-day trip to Japan. This itinerary includes a half-day trip to the magnificent Himeji Castle, which is an easy day trip … Continue reading 2 Days in Osaka: Itinerary + Himeji Castle Day Trip
Visiting the Kuromon Market (Kuromon Ichiba) is one of the best things to do in Osaka, and one of the oldest markets in Japan. Osaka is renowned for being one of the most food-obsessed cities in Japan, so the Kuromon Market is one of the best places to embrace the city’s dynamic and mouthwatering food scene. The Kuromon Market was truly one of the highlights … Continue reading The Kuromon Market, Osaka : 8 Best Things to Eat & When To Visit (2025)
For an authentic and unforgettable dining experience in Hiroshima, don’t miss visiting Okonomimura. Okonomimura is a multi-story “okonomiyaki village” of more than 25 tiny okonomiyaki restaurants across four floors, squeezed into a mid-century commercial building in downtown Hiroshima. We had so much fun dining at Okonomimura, that we returned two nights in a row! Read on for my guide to visiting & dining at Okonomimura … Continue reading Okonomimura: Hiroshima’s Must-Visit Okonomiyaki Village
Japan is one of the most appealing travel destinations in the world. From the historic streets of Kyoto to the dazzling districts of futuristic Tokyo, to natural wonders like Mt Fuji and the Seto Inland Sea to manmade icons like Himeji Castle and the floating Itsukushima Shrine, the best places to visit in Japan offer a world of awe and wonder within the island nation. … Continue reading 7 of the Best Places in Japan to Visit in 2026
Discover Hiroshima beyond the Peace Memorial Park & A-Bomb Dome with this city guide for first-time visitors Continue reading Hiroshima Travel Guide For First Time Visitors (2025)
Kyoto is one of the most spectacular cities in Japan, and one of the most unique travel destinations in the world. This Kyoto travel guide is based on my own experiences in Kyoto, and is designed as an easy-to-digest introduction and travel guide for first time visitors to Kyoto. I hope this first timer’s guide to Kyoto helps you find your bearings, and find the … Continue reading Kyoto Travel Guide for First Time Visitors (2026)
Kyoto has made headlines in recent years for becoming unbearably overcrowded, with more than 75 million visitors now visiting the Kyoto prefecture every year. Kyoto is a spectacular city, but without some careful planning, the crowds could define your visit. After my own recent trip to Kyoto, I’ve written this guide on how to avoid the crowds in Kyoto, and how to plan your Kyoto … Continue reading How to Avoid the Crowds in Kyoto: 5 tips for beating the crowds & maximising your visit
Tokyo is the biggest city in the world, so it makes sense to break the city into smaller regions to get the most out of your time. Northern Tokyo is a beautiful and historic part of the city, which includes Tokyo’s old town, Yanaka, and is a totally different and more tranquil experience than visiting Shibuya and Shinjuku. I think visiting Northern Tokyo is a … Continue reading Itinerary: One Day in Northern Tokyo
Senso-Ji Temple is one of the most magnificent Buddhist temples in Tokyo. Located in the historic Asakusa district, Senso-Ji is the oldest established temple in Tokyo, originally built in the 7th century. It was destroyed by air raids during WWII and has since been rebuilt faithfully to the original. When visiting Senso-Ji, make time to explore Nakamise Dori, a shopping street lined with small shops … Continue reading Visiting Tokyo’s Senso-Ji Temple
As one of the biggest city parks in Tokyo, Yoyogi Park is a hive of activity. Yoyogi Park is home to the Meiji Shrine, as well as the Tokyo Flea Market. In spring it is a popular spot for enjoying the cherry blossom trees, but when we visited in Autumn, we found the Autumn instalment of the quarterly Earth Garden festival, which was a nice surprise. Japan … Continue reading Exploring Yoyogi Park: Meiji Shrine, Earth Garden & The Tokyo Flea Market