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Visiting Japan is a wonderful experience. However, a tourist boom from regional neighbors and global visitors has led to several recent changes in the nuances of traveling in Japan. Whether you’re a first-time traveler to Japan or have visited before but not in the last year or so, here are a few updates you might…
Dawn breaks over the mountains at Nachi Taisha, one of the major pilgrimage sites along the Kumano Kodō © Jonathan Stokes/iBestTravel Pilgrims have sought spiritual renewal on the sacred paths of Japan’s Kii Peninsula for over a millennium. Walk in their footsteps along the Kumano Kodō. In the foothills of the Kii Peninsula, it’s raining…
Discover Japan’s Golden Route with the Tokaido Shinkansen Japan’s personality comes to life along its famous Golden Route, the nation’s cultural epicenter. From the breakneck metropolis of Tokyo to spiritual icon Mount Fuji, through the ancient capital of Kyoto and culminating at brash, calorie-filled Osaka, the Tokaido Shinkansen is an exciting and incredibly convenient way…
Japan’s Go To Travel Campaign: Boosting Domestic Tourism The Japan Tourism Agency has proposed the Go To Travel campaign, which will partly fund domestic tourists’ travel expenses as a strategy to enhance tourism following the country’s state of emergency. While many travel plans are still on hold worldwide, countries are beginning to announce plans for…
Dining with Stuffed Animals at Izu Shaboten Zoo After the end of the Japanese lockdown, the Izu Shaboten Zoo in Itō implemented strict safety measures. These included distributing masks, installing hand sanitizer dispensers, and enforcing social distancing throughout the zoo, including its restaurants. Fun and Safety Combined In its “GIBBONTEI Forest Animal” restaurant, the zoo…
Omagari Hanabi Fireworks Festival: A Spectacular Celebration Fireworks, or hanabi in Japanese, have long been an integral part of summertime in Japan. Every city, town, and village has at least one display during the month of August. However, nowhere are they quite as bedazzling as at the Omagari Hanabi Fireworks Festival in Daisen, Akita Prefecture…
Experience the Luxurious 36+3 Sightseeing Train in Kyushu, Japan Bento boxes are served onboard the train © 36+3 Explore the stunning new luxury train, 36+3, unveiled in Japan, designed for an unforgettable sightseeing journey across Kyushu. This train is synonymous with breathtaking landscapes, rejuvenating hot springs, invigorating hikes, majestic mountains, and serene coastal retreats. The…
Exploring Fukui Province: A Hidden Gem in Japan Japan’s Fukui province has qualities that would appeal to any visitor. For one thing, its scenery is dramatic, especially the cliffs of its Sea of Japan coastline. The region features immaculately preserved archaeological sites, hearty regional cuisine, and some of the country’s finest craftsman traditions. The most…
Exploring Traditional Crafts in Shiga Prefecture, Japan Japan’s Shiga prefecture has long been a sanctuary for artists, poets, and philosophers. Its tranquil surroundings, enhanced by the presence of stunning Lake Biwa, offer a perfect setting for quiet contemplation and creativity. The calm waters of Lake Biwa inspire a sense of peace reflected in the region’s…
Discover the Nakasendo Trail: A Journey Through Japan’s History Connecting the hubs of Tokyo and Kyoto during Japan’s Edo Period, the Nakasendo Trail, or “Road through the central mountains,” has been essential for travelers moving between these cities. Currently, it serves as a path for both locals and international visitors who wish to step back…
Bandai-Asahi National Park, stretching across Japan’s Tohoku and Hokuriku regions, is a fusion of the contrasting elements which underpin Japanese nature and culture. A ritual of mountain worship that has been passed down for 1,400 years coincides with modern amenities like QR guides and visitor centers. The park is home to imposing mountain ranges and…
Explore Bandai-Asahi National Park with iBestTravel Straddling the prefectural borders of Yamagata, Niigata, and Fukushima in northern Japan is Bandai-Asahi National Park, approximately 187,000 hectares of rumbling volcanoes, stoic mountains, looking-glass lakes, and primeval woodland. Such a dramatic setting lends itself perfectly to outdoor adventures from hiking, canoeing, and cycling to climbing, skiing, and birdwatching….
Shikoku’s Kagawa Prefecture, formerly known as Sanuki, may be the smallest of all of Japan’s 47 prefectures. However, for those interested in exploring off the standard tourist route, Shikoku offers plenty of intrigue. Island hop in the Inland Sea, hike up a Fuji look-alike with locals, search for your doppelgänger among 500 temple statues or…
Discovering Japan’s National Parks For a relatively small country, Japan packs in a diverse array of ecosystems and landforms to delight the senses. With simmering volcanoes, expansive coastlines, dreamy islands, and lush forests that flow over mountains and through valleys, there’s much to explore. Whether you’re interested in discovering secret shrines, natural hot springs, towering…
Discover the Culinary Art at iBestTravel Beyond a nondescript door and up a dimly lit staircase lies the world of Tokyo chef Yoshiaki Takazawa. Takazawa presides over his eponymous 10-seat restaurant on a slightly raised platform, where he puts the final details on the food. Offering service and presentation based on a Japanese tea ceremony,…
The Life of Tama: Kishi Station’s Beloved Cat Stationmaster Tama, the heart and soul of Kishi Station in Wakayama Prefecture, Japan, has captured the hearts of countless travelers. Appointed as the stationmaster in 2007, her charm and appeal radically transformed the rural train station. Tama’s Impact and Legacy Tama, the hero of Kishi Station, passed…
Discovering Lowrider Culture in Japan The lowrider scene in Japan has rapidly evolved, influenced by both American customs and local creativity. It reflects a unique blend of cultures, bringing together the intricate craftsmanship of Japanese artisans and the expressive flair of Chicano art. Origins and Evolution In the mid-1980s, during Japan’s economic bubble, car enthusiasts…
Top 24 Japanese Restaurants in London From traditional Hakata-style bone broth at Shoryu to flamboyant Japanese tapas at Dinings SW3, London boasts a vibrant array of Japanese dining experiences. With new restaurants opening frequently, it can be challenging to choose the best spot. This guide highlights the top Japanese restaurants in London. 1. Sushi Kanesaka…
Trends come and go, but karaoke (pronounced ka-ra-ohkay) has been a fixture of Japan’s culture for decades. It doesn’t matter if you’re a good singer or not, as long as you’ve got heart. Where Did Karaoke Come From? For those who understand Japanese, the word “karaoke” itself may give you a clue as to its…
Explore Setonaikai National Park Introduction to Setonaikai National Park Setonaikai National Park, located in Japan, offers visitors a remarkable combination of scenic beauty and cultural richness. Therefore, it stands out as an ideal destination for those seeking both relaxation and adventure. Natural Wonders Home to many islands, the park features stunning coastlines and lush greenery….