Where to Stay
Ryokan, business hotel, capsule or apartment — what each is really like, and which city areas are worth paying for.
Shinjuku Area Guide: What to Do in Tokyo's Busiest Hub
Shinjuku packs nightlife, shopping, parks, and the world's busiest station into one district. Here is how to make sense of it, plus where to eat and where to stay.
Shibuya & Harajuku Area Guide
Youthful, fashionable, and endlessly walkable — here is what to do in Tokyo's Shibuya and Harajuku districts, from the famous crossing to Meiji Shrine.
Asakusa & Old Tokyo Area Guide
Asakusa is Tokyo's most traditional district, home to Senso-ji temple and old-town charm. Here is what to see, eat, and why it is worth basing here.
Where to Stay in Tokyo: Best Neighborhoods for First-Timers
Shinjuku, Asakusa, or Shibuya? Here's how Tokyo's best base neighborhoods compare for first-time American visitors, and who each one suits.
Gion & Higashiyama Area Guide (Kyoto)
Gion and Higashiyama are Kyoto's most atmospheric districts — preserved streets, major temples, and the geisha quarter. Here is what to see and eat.
Arashiyama Area Guide (Kyoto)
Kyoto's Arashiyama district offers a famous bamboo grove, riverside scenery, temples, and a monkey park. Here is how to visit and where to eat.
Where to Stay in Kyoto: Best Neighborhoods for First-Timers
Gion, Kyoto Station, or downtown? Here's how Kyoto's best base areas compare for first-time American visitors, and who each one suits.
What Is a Ryokan? A First-Timer's Guide to Japanese Inns
A ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn — tatami, futons, hot-spring baths, and elaborate meals. Here's what to expect and how to enjoy your stay.
Onsen Etiquette: How to Use a Japanese Hot Spring
Japan's hot-spring baths have clear rules — wash first, no swimsuits, no towels in the water. Here's how to enjoy an onsen respectfully as a first-timer.
Best Onsen Towns Near Tokyo and Kyoto
Want a hot-spring getaway without going far? Here are the most accessible onsen towns from Tokyo and Kyoto for a first-timer's soak.
Tattoos and Onsen: What Travelers Need to Know
Tattoos can complicate onsen visits in Japan, but options exist. Here's the situation and how tattooed travelers can still enjoy a hot spring.
Japan Accommodation Types: Ryokan, Hotels, Capsules
Ryokan, business hotels, capsule hotels, minshuku — Japan has lodging styles you won't find at home. Here's what each is and who it suits.
Best Areas to Stay in Japan: A First-Timer's Overview
Where should you base yourself in Japan? A high-level guide to choosing your bases across Tokyo, Kyoto, and beyond for a first trip.
Booking Hotels in Japan: Tips for American Travelers
Small rooms, early booking, and unfamiliar lodging types — here's what American travelers should know before booking accommodation in Japan.
Where to Stay in Osaka: Best Areas for Visitors
Namba, Umeda, or near the castle? Here's how Osaka's main areas compare for first-time visitors looking for a base in Japan's food capital.