Where to Stay
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's how to make sense of it.
Shibuya & Harajuku Area Guide
Youthful, fashionable, and endlessly walkable — here's 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's what to see and do.
Gion & Higashiyama Area Guide (Kyoto)
Gion and Higashiyama are Kyoto's most atmospheric districts — preserved streets, major temples, and the geisha quarter. Here's what to see.
Arashiyama Area Guide (Kyoto)
Kyoto's Arashiyama district offers a famous bamboo grove, riverside scenery, temples, and a monkey park. Here's how to visit.
Japan Accommodation Types Explained (Ryokan, Hotels, Capsules & More)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.