japan tours
56% Wild About Travel
27% No Work All Travel
17% Other
Japan offers a rich tapestry of experiences, from vibrant cities to serene natural landscapes, ideal for travelers seeking cultural depth and scenic beauty. Wild About Travel +4
Coastal and Cultural Highlights
- Matsushima Bay near Sendai features 260 pine-covered islands, a celebrated “three great views” of Japan, accessible by a 30-minute train ride and perfect for a half-day boat cruise.
- Akiu Onsen and Akiu Great Falls offer a peaceful retreat with hot springs and forested river trails, ideal for a day trip or overnight stay. đź”—
- The Arai Community Coastal Memorial Centre in Sendai provides a poignant look at the 2011 tsunami and recovery efforts, serving as a gateway to the coastal disaster sites.đź”—
Urban and Nature Escapes in Tokyo
- Ueno Park in Tokyo combines culture, history, and nature, with attractions like Ueno Toshogu Shrine, the Tokyo National Museum, and Japan’s oldest zoo.
- Ueno’s Yanaka Ginza Shopping Street and Ameyoko market offer authentic local experiences, from street food to traditional shopping. 🔗
- Cherry blossoms in Yoyogi Park and the immersive digital art at teamLab Planets provide modern cultural thrills.đź”—
Regional Gems Beyond the Main Tourist Trail
- Utsunomiya in Tochigi is the gyoza capital of Japan, with dedicated food streets and a historic Catholic church made from local volcanic stone.
- Matsumoto in Nagano is home to one of Japan’s original castles and nearby Daio Wasabi Farm, the country’s largest. 🔗
- Niigata, known for its sake, seafood, and rice, remains a hidden gem with scenic rail access and weather-sensitive travel plans.đź”—
Cruise and Long-Range Options
- Mitsui Ocean Cruises offers a unique way to explore Japan aboard a refined, Japanese-owned ship, with a five-night round-trip from Kobe.
- United Airlines now offers nonstop flights from San Francisco to Sapporo, making Hokkaido a viable winter destination for skiing, hot springs, and the Sapporo Snow Festival.đź”—
These options provide a balanced mix of culture, nature, and modern experiences across Japan. No Work All Travel +2
Wild About Travel 28%
Sendai: The City of Trees
A 90-minute hop from Tokyo on Japan’s fastest train, the Hayabusa Shinkansen, brings you to Sendai, the city of trees! My critique of many Japanese cities is that they have a lot of concrete and asphalt, and not much green space. In the 19th century, Sendai’s local ruler encouraged tree planting, and in the 1950s, the city doubled down on this. So Sendai appears to have more greenery than places like Kobe, Osaka, Kyoto or Tokyo. Sendai was founded in 1600 by the ruthless one-eyed warlord Date Masamune, the “One-Eyed Dragon”, as a castle town. Today, the street grid
Wild About Travel 22%
Eight Journeys in Tokyo, Part 1
It took me a long time to understand that Tokyo is not one city. Many visitors arrive with a familiar checklist: shopping in Ginza, getting lost in the rush of Shinjuku Station, photographing vending machines, and eating a bowl of ramen in a small local shop. In trying to fit it all in, they zigzag across the city and leave believing they have “seen Tokyo.” But Tokyo does not really work like that. Officially, it is Tokyo Metropolis, encompassing 23 special wards as well as other cities, towns, villages and islands. It is not governed as one conventional Tokyo
Wild About Travel 6%
Twelve Marvellous Days in Japan with Travel Tips and Tasty Things
It is a bit of a grim world right now, so I thought I would share a positive, beautiful, and delicious 1000-mile journey through one of my favourite countries in Sakura (Cherry blossom). Despite it being insanely busy, I enjoyed the landscapes, food, museums, shopping, temples, parks, and, of course, for this train nerd: railways! Tomorrow I will give some tips on travelling in busy Japan, and I have also included some general Japan tips garnered over multiple trips to the country. In the meantime, some adventures… Started in Yokohama, one of Japan’s most underrated cities. This is
No Work All Travel 27%
Trip Report: JR East Pass (new Japanese rail pass)
Disclaimer: I received one JR East Pass in exchange for a review. The aptly named JR East Pass was introduced last month, having combined two smaller regional passes to become one mega all-you-care-to-ride pass. Check out the map below and I will fill in the two major prefectures (roughly Japan’s analog to states) that are now accessible. In alphabetical order, here are all the germane prefectures, with the largest city in each. The two newly accessible prefectures are in bold: – Akita (Akita) – Aomori (Aomori) – Chiba (Chiba) – Fukushima (Iwaki) –
Live and Let's Fly 9%
United Airlines Adds First-Ever Nonstop Flights From Continental U.S. To Sapporo
United Airlines is adding two new Japan routes, including the first nonstop flight from the continental United States to Sapporo and a new daily Chicago – Tokyo Narita flight that restores another important Asia link from O’Hare. United Airlines Adds Nonstop Sapporo Flights, New Tokyo Narita Service United Airlines is expanding its already-large Japan network with two new routes this winter: San Francisco – Sapporo and Chicago – Tokyo Narita. United Adds San Francisco – Sapporo Starting December 11, 2026, United will launch 3x weekly seasonal nonstop service between San
Travel Codex 8%
Mitsui Ocean Cruise Review: 100% Japanese & Absolutely Awesome
Mitsui Ocean Cruises is not a household name in North America, but it should soon be one. Offering amazing trips around Japan for years for Japanese guests, the company is now introducing their iconic brand to the world. Inviting international guests for the first time to sail on their ships, alongside mostly Japanese guests. If you’re looking to travel Japan, but want to cruise it instead then this is the only immersive and authentic option. There is something a little ironic about sailing a very familiar ship in a completely unfamiliar way. I just wrapped up