10 Ways to Get Free Wifi Access in Japan

While Japan is far behind other developed counties in terms of free WiFi/internet access, things have got a lot better over the last few years.  It is now at the point where you really don’t need to take out an expensive roaming wifi plan or rent a Japanese smartphone at the airport.  Here are some placesContinue reading “10 Ways to Get Free Wifi Access in Japan”

The best cherry blossom spots in Tokyo

Here are some of the best places for Sakura in Tokyo: Ueno Park A huge park with seemingly hundreds of cherry blossom trees.  Very, very busy, but great atmosphere. Ueno travel guide. Shinjuku Gyoen Garden A very easy to access park.  Much quieter than the other main parks. Shinjuku Gyoen Garden travel guide Inokashira ParkContinue reading “The best cherry blossom spots in Tokyo”

Quick Japan – Main Tourist Spots in 1 Week

A guide to the main hot spots in Japan, all in just a week! Because of Japan’s excellent transportation, it is possible to see quite a lot in a week.  You could use either the Japan Rail Pass or Japan Bus Pass, but because your time is really tight, the Japan Rail Pass is probably best.  ThisContinue reading “Quick Japan – Main Tourist Spots in 1 Week”

Osaka and Around Kansai in 1-2 Weeks

While Tokyo and the surrounding areas are great, a holiday down south around Kyoto and Osaka has its own charm and delights. This itinerary uses a few bus/train passes for each tourist area, so you probably don’t need a  Japan Rail Pass or  Japan Bus Pass.  For long distances use a night bus. Cost: 120,000 yen – 140,000 yen per person DayContinue reading “Osaka and Around Kansai in 1-2 Weeks”

Tokyo and Kanto in 1-2 Weeks

There is so much to do around Tokyo in a few weeks, it really is a city of cities. There is probably no need to buy a  Japan Rail Pass or Japan Bus Pass, but make use of the special passes for most of the areas.  If you have less than 2 weeks, just cut out the placesContinue reading “Tokyo and Kanto in 1-2 Weeks”

Getting Away From The Big Cities – Japanese Alps in 1-2 Weeks

Want to get away from the big cities like Tokyo and Osaka? Try this itinerary!  It will take 1-2 weeks, depending on how much hiking and/or snowboarding or skiing you want to do.  This guide is therefore showing just our recommended route. As there are so many different bus companies and train companies, you probably don’t need a JapanContinue reading “Getting Away From The Big Cities – Japanese Alps in 1-2 Weeks”

Japan’s Main Spots in 2 Weeks

2 weeks is a good amount of time to see what Japan has to offer in terms of culture, tradition and history. This could be done with either the more expensive but faster Japan Rail Pass or the cheaper Japan Bus Pass.  Go for the Japan Bus Pass if you don’t mind a few night buses and slow trains. IfContinue reading “Japan’s Main Spots in 2 Weeks”

Japan Cherry Blossom Forecasts for 2014 (Updated)

Sakura (Cherry Blossoms) is fast approaching and the Japan Weather Association has just posted their updated forecasts for each area.  They will probably blossom a little earlier than usual this year. The best time for seeing the cherry blossoms are usually about a week after the expected opening.

Top Guesthouses and Hostels in Osaka

Just like Tokyo, Osaka has plenty of cheap and comfortable guesthouses and hostels.  We have chosen the friendliest, and the ones where you can meet people and get travel tips. Shin-Osaka Youth Hostel  A brand new youth hostel, right next to the Shinkansen station for Osaka.  Japanese and western style rooms available. Price: Dorms fromContinue reading “Top Guesthouses and Hostels in Osaka”

Kyoto Internet Cafe Accommodation

A great way to save money.  Starting from an around one thousand yen, internet cafes are a super cheap way to stay in the city.  Probably much more comfortable than what you are used to back home, they are often the best way to stay the night downtown.  They are also great if you haveContinue reading “Kyoto Internet Cafe Accommodation”