Your Gateway to the Best Travel Experiences
1. Overview of Japan’s Island Count 2. The Role of Geospatial Technology 3. Natural Landscape Changes 4. Changing Definitions of Islands 5. Japan’s Major Islands A recent survey uncovered that Japan has more than double the number of islands than previously accounted for. Recently, the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan (GSI) identified 7,273 new islands,…
Discover Japan’s Most Breathtaking Natural Wonders Takachiho Gorge, Miyazaki, Kyushu Iya Valley, Tokushima, Shikoku Yakushima, Kagoshima, Kyushu Tottori Sand Dunes, Tottori Shiretoko National Park, Hokkaido Goshikinuma, Fukushima Ogasawara Islands, Tokyo Gokayama, Toyama Iriomote Island, Okinawa Mount Zaō, Yamagata Northern Alps, Nagano Lake Kawaguchi, Yamanashi Shiroyone Senmaida Rice Terraces, Ishikawa Matsushima, Miyagi Mount Yoshino, Nara Kumano…
Summary of Changes in Japan’s Hospitality Landscape Hotels Want to be More than Just a Place to Stay New Accommodations Spawned by the Olympics Kyushu as a Must-Visit Destination Tokyo’s Expanding Green Spaces Return of Crowds to Japan Currency Catch-22 Prevalence of Masking An expert deep-dives into how the Land of the Rising Sun has…
1. Introduction For many travelers, part of the fun of exploring the world is trying new-to-them foods that are unavailable back home. Sometimes, that means eating parts of an animal they’re not used to or chomping on insects and unfamiliar fruits. In Yamaguchi Prefecture of Japan, that could mean trying a dish that’s potentially life-threatening….
When visiting Japan, there are a few things that absolutely need to be on your list: enjoying some (or a lot) of sake with the locals, ample time to explore all of Tokyo’s nooks and crannies, and—if you’re a lady who’s into anime or manga—a quick visit to the girls-only otaku cafe in Osaka. Oh,…
Get off the tourist track and delve a little deeper into Japan. Japan is a relatively compact country with an excellent transportation system and a little of everything: mountains and oceans, sun and sand, snow and ice, and forests and cities, all within a short flight or a few hours on the Shinkansen train. Japanese…
Japan is truly rich in natural beauty, offering travellers the chance to immerse themselves in serene, ancient landscapes filled with breathtaking views, hikes, forests, and fields. One of the country’s most notable attractions is its mountains, and now, visitors have the incredible opportunity to rent an entire mountain for themselves. Introducing Rental Mountain YAMA, a…
Here’s what I wish I knew before I went and what anyone traveling to Japan during the outbreak should keep in mind. Japan is my favorite country to travel to — I love how different, yet totally modern and comfortable everything is; how everything is tiny and made to resemble an animal; and how there…
Hiking is a popular pastime in the beautiful surrounds of Chichibu © Yoshio Taniguchi / EyeEm / Getty Images If you envision Tokyo as an eye, then Saitama Prefecture acts as the eyebrow curling around the city from the northeast to the northwest. The eastern parts, located near the capital, are bustling with countless train…
Oita, a prefecture on Japan’s southern-most island of Kyūshū, is world-famous for its incredible hot springs. Towns like Beppu host bathers from around the world. Yet there’s so much more than onsen bathing to do here that it’s a bit of a mystery as to why people aren’t flocking to explore the other parts of…
Explore the Wonders of Japan When deciding on the perfect travel destination, consider what captures your interest. Are you drawn to rich history, cultural experiences, delicious cuisine, or unique shopping opportunities? Alternatively, you may simply seek a place boasting breathtaking views that are unmatched anywhere else in the world. Fortunately, Japan offers all of this…
Japan’s northernmost island of Hokkaidō is best known for two things: winter sports and Sapporo beer. However, the lesser-known eastern side of the island is an idyllic escape at any time of year for the adventurous traveler, whether you’re into beer or not. In eastern Hokkaidō, wildlife wonders abound (is that a bear snacking on…
Romantic Escapes in Japan with iBestTravel Manga comics, blazing neon, speeding trains, supersized pedestrian crossings – Japan might not immediately inspire a vision of traditional romance, but don’t be fooled. With subtropical beaches, soothing hot springs, and an array of world-class food, it’s easy for lovers to be seduced by this extraordinary country. Fast Fun…
Exploring the Historic Charm of Takayama, Japan Secluded in the mountainous Hida region of central Japan, Takayama is a place where Japanese history and tradition flourish in the 21st century. Atmospherically preserved neighbourhoods, a festival parade dating from the 1600s, busy morning markets, and a folk village all tell a tale of bygone times. Add…
Mt Fuji is one of Japan’s most incredible natural wonders. Moreover, soon travellers looking for an easy way to get from Tokyo to the country’s highest peak will be able to hop on board the Fuji Excursion. Tourists can take a train to Mt Fuji. Image by POJCHEEWIN YAPRASERT PHOTOGRAPHY/Getty Images The new direct train…
You could cover a lot of ground on a trip to Japan, or very little, and still get to experience the best of what the country has to offer. Centrally located Kansai has it all: not just Kyoto, but also a vibrant city in Osaka, plus fantastic hiking and hot springs. Kyoto’s Temples and Gardens…
Best Summer Experiences in Japan Summer in much of Japan is hot and can be unrelentingly humid; however, it’s also the season for top festivals, mass folk dancing, mountain hikes, and enjoying a cold beer on a city rooftop. If you’re travelling in Japan between June and September, carry a fan and make the most…
In Japan, there’s a drive to create and experience things that are bigger, better, faster, and stronger than anywhere else in the world. Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo is one of the world’s busiest pedestrian crossings; the Shinkansen bullet train is the second-fastest train in the world at 320km per hour, and is set to get…
The mountain-flanked region of Toyama in central Japan is replete with lush natural scenery flaunting both ocean and alpine vistas. This region is also home to a handful of exquisite traditional crafts dating back over 400 years. Conveniently positioned along the Hokuriku Shinkansen train line, Toyama serves as a popular stop for travelers headed to…
One of Japan’s most remote and rewarding journeys, the Kumano Kodō hiking route weaves through the mountainous Kii Peninsula, south of Osaka. Once a sacred pilgrimage trail reserved for emperors and samurai, the ‘Kumano Old Road’ is today open to all seekers and wanderers, with plenty of intensely photogenic shrines and natural beauty along the…