Things to Do
Best Things to Do in Osaka
Neon-lit Dotonbori, street food, a castle, and big-city energy — here are the best things to do in Osaka for first-time visitors.
teamLab in Tokyo: A Visitor's Guide
teamLab's immersive digital art museums are among Tokyo's most popular experiences. Here's what to expect and how to plan your visit.
Best Free Things to Do in Japan
Japan can be surprisingly affordable. Here are the best experiences — shrines, parks, markets, and views — that cost nothing.
Hakone Day Trip Guide: Hot Springs and Mt Fuji Views
Hakone is the classic mountain escape from Tokyo — onsen, Mt Fuji views, and a scenic loop of railways and boats. Here's how to do it.
Nara Day Trip Guide: Deer and a Giant Buddha
Nara is the easiest, most charming day trip from Kyoto or Osaka — free-roaming deer, a giant bronze Buddha, and ancient temples. Here's how to visit.
Nikko Day Trip Guide: Shrines in the Forest
Nikko offers spectacular UNESCO shrines among cedar forests and mountain scenery, a rewarding day trip north of Tokyo. Here's how to visit.
Senso-ji Temple Guide (Asakusa, Tokyo)
Senso-ji is Tokyo's oldest and most famous temple. Here's what to see, when to go, and how to make the most of your visit.
Fushimi Inari Shrine Guide (Kyoto)
Fushimi Inari's thousands of red torii gates are one of Japan's most iconic sights. Here's how to visit, when to go, and what to expect.
Meiji Shrine Guide (Tokyo)
Meiji Shrine is a tranquil forest sanctuary in the heart of Tokyo, beside busy Harajuku. Here's what to see and how to visit respectfully.
Temple and Shrine Etiquette in Japan
How to behave respectfully at Japan's temples and shrines — purification, prayer customs, photography, and the key dos and don'ts for visitors.
Kamakura Day Trip Guide: The Great Buddha by the Sea
Kamakura is an easy, relaxed coastal day trip from Tokyo, famous for its open-air Great Buddha, temples, and beaches. Here's how to visit.
Himeji Castle Day Trip Guide
Himeji Castle is Japan's finest original castle, an easy Shinkansen trip from Kyoto or Osaka. Here's what to see and how to plan your visit.
Best Things to Do in Japan: Top Experiences for First-Timers
From bullet trains to onsen to temple towns, here are the top experiences every first-time visitor to Japan should have on their list.
Tokyo Travel Guide for First-Timers
Everything a first-time visitor needs to know about Tokyo — where to go, how to get around, where to stay, and how long to spend.
3 Days in Tokyo: The Perfect Itinerary
A day-by-day 3-day Tokyo itinerary for first-timers, balancing the iconic sights, neighborhoods, and a day trip — without rushing.
Tokyo with Kids: A Family Travel Guide
Tokyo is a fantastic family destination. Here are the most kid-friendly sights, practical tips, and how to keep everyone happy.
Tokyo Nightlife: The Best Evening Districts
From neon-lit alleys to skyline bars, here's where to spend an evening out in Tokyo — and what each district is known for.
Kyoto Travel Guide for First-Timers
Everything a first-time visitor needs to know about Kyoto — its temples, neighborhoods, how to get around, and how long to stay.
2 Days in Kyoto: The Perfect Itinerary
A focused 2-day Kyoto itinerary for first-timers — the essential temples, the bamboo grove, and an evening in Gion, grouped to save time.
Kyoto Temples: Which Ones to Prioritize
Kyoto has hundreds of temples and shrines. Here's how to choose the ones worth your limited time on a first visit.
Best Things to Do in Kyoto
Golden temples, thousands of red torii gates, and a bamboo forest — here are the Kyoto experiences first-time American visitors shouldn't miss.
Best Day Trips from Kyoto (Nara, Osaka & Himeji)
Friendly deer, a food-lover's city, and Japan's finest castle are all a short train ride from Kyoto. Here are the best day trips for first-timers.
Best Things to Do in Tokyo
From Senso-ji temple to Shibuya Crossing to teamLab's digital art, here are the Tokyo experiences first-time American visitors shouldn't miss.
Best Day Trips from Tokyo (Hakone, Nikko & Kamakura)
Tokyo's rail network puts mountains, temples, and a giant Buddha within easy reach. Here are the three best day trips for first-time visitors.