If you are planning to visit Japan in late April or early May, you may encounter one of the busiest travel seasons of the year: Golden Week (GW). For international visitors, this period can be exciting—but also challenging. Here’s everything … Read More
When you visit Japan, you’ll quickly notice something:Gyoza here are almost always pan-fried. Crispy on the bottom, juicy inside, and served with dipping sauce — this is yaki-gyoza (焼き餃子), one of Japan’s most loved comfort foods. But interestingly, in China, … Read More
If the sky in Japan looks hazy, slightly yellow, or dusty—especially in spring—you’re probably seeing Kosa (Yellow Dust) or experiencing pollen season. For travelers visiting Japan between February and May, this is something worth understanding. 🌫 What Is Kosa (Yellow … Read More
When visiting a shrine or temple in Japan, you’ll often see a large wooden box in front of the main hall. This is called an offering box, and the money placed inside is known as osaisen (お賽銭). If you’re traveling … Read More
Approximate travel times & typical routesTimes may vary by train type, transfer, and season. 📊 Travel Time & Transport Overview (Bilingual) Destination From Tokyo Station From Osaka Station Main Transport Sapporo（札幌） ✈️ ~1h30m (+ transfer) ✈️ ~2h Flight Asahikawa（旭川） ✈️ … Read More
When travelers visit Japan, many say the same thing:“The seafood tastes unbelievably fresh and clean.”This is not a coincidence. Japanese seafood is exceptional because of a rare combination of natural ocean currents, skilled professionals, and advanced tools and techniques. Let’s … Read More
Hire-zake (ヒレ酒) is a traditional Japanese sake made by adding a grilled pufferfish fin (f concerning fin) to hot sake.The fin is first dried, then lightly charred over an open flame, and finally immersed in warm sake. This process creates … Read More
Planning to shop in Japan? To ensure you get your 10% consumption tax back, here is everything you need to know about the current rules and the big changes happening soon. 1. Current Rules (Valid until October 2026) Until the … Read More
When traveling in Japan, you may come across a small hot spring where people are soaking only their feet. This is called “Ashiyu” (足湯) — a traditional Japanese foot bath that is easy, relaxing, and often free to enjoy. Ashiyu … Read More
Cherry blossoms, known as sakura, are one of the most iconic symbols of spring in Japan. Every year, millions of international travelers plan their trips around the short but breathtaking sakura season. For spring 2026, the first cherry blossom forecasts … Read More