Stories from Japan
Travel stories, practical guides, and food adventures from trips across Japan.
These are my stories — from the places I've been, the food I've eaten, and the moments that keep pulling me back to Japan.
Japan in Summer: Festivals, Humidity, and Escaping to Hokkaido
Summer in Japan means incredible festivals, brutal heat in the cities, and one perfect escape — Hokkaido, where July averages a breezy 22°C while the rest of Japan swelters.
Onsen Etiquette for First-Timers: Tattoos, Rules, and How Not to Embarrass Yourself
Everything you actually need to know before stepping into a Japanese hot spring — the tattoo policy, the washing procedure, towel rules, and why you should go anyway.
Japan Beyond Tokyo and Kyoto: Kanazawa, the Japanese Alps, and Takayama
Skip the crowds on your second Japan trip. Kanazawa, Matsumoto, and Takayama deliver temple districts, mountain villages, and onsen towns with a fraction of the foot traffic.
Global Entry: The Best $120 I've Spent as a Traveler
Why Global Entry is worth it for Japan travelers — how to apply, what to expect at the interview, and how it saves hours at US customs on every return trip.
Best Time to Visit Japan: A Month-by-Month Guide for 2026
When to visit Japan for cherry blossoms, autumn foliage, ski season, and summer festivals. Month-by-month weather, crowds, and pricing breakdown.
How to Travel Japan on ¥10,000 a Day (Yes, Really)
A practical budget guide to Japan — how to eat well, sleep cheap, and see everything for under $67 a day with real prices and specific recommendations.
Japan Rail Pass 2026: Is It Still Worth It? Complete Guide
Everything you need to know about the JR Pass in 2026 — pricing changes, when it's worth buying, alternatives, and how to maximize value on Shinkansen travel.
Japan Packing List 2026: What to Bring and What to Skip
The essential Japan packing list from 15+ trips — clothing, electronics, toiletries, and the items most travelers forget but wish they had.
The Ultimate 2-Week Japan Itinerary: Tokyo to Kyoto and Beyond
A day-by-day 14-day Japan itinerary covering Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Hiroshima, and Miyajima with transportation, costs, and insider tips.
Best eSIM for Japan in 2026: Stay Connected From Tokyo to Okinawa
A practical comparison of eSIM providers for Japan travel — Airalo, Ubigi, Rakuten, and physical SIMs. Coverage, pricing, and activation tips.
Japanese Food for First-Timers: What to Eat, Where to Find It, and How to Order
A first-timer's guide to eating in Japan — ramen, sushi, izakaya, convenience store meals, and the unwritten rules of Japanese dining.