Blog

Guides5 min readUmeda and Kita: Osaka's hub for trains and big shopsUmeda and Kita form Osaka's northern hub, with many train lines, department stores and towers. Here is how to use it as a base and plan your trips.Guides5 min readUmeda and Kita at sunset: city views and a calm eveningWatch the sun set over Osaka from a rooftop in Umeda, then walk the calmer streets of Kita for a quiet evening meal and a slow end to the day.Guides5 min readYanagawa from Fukuoka: a boat ride along the canalsA boat ride along the canals of Yanagawa from Fukuoka: the willows, the old houses, the eel dishes and what to check before you go.Seasons5 min readApril: peak blossom and busy streetsApril often brings peak cherry blossom to Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, and the streets are crowded. Learn how to plan around the crowds and still enjoy the flowers.Seasons5 min readJuly heat and fireworks: a hot-season planJuly is hot and humid in most of Japan, with festivals and fireworks at night. Learn how to plan the heat, the evening events and the crowded trains.Festivals5 min readKyushu Grand Sumo in Fukuoka: a November visitThe Kyushu sumo tournament is held in Fukuoka in November. Learn how the day works, how tickets are sold and what to check first.Seasons5 min readMay: mild weather and the spring festival seasonMay brings mild weather, green parks and spring festivals to Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka. Learn what to expect and how to pick the right days for a relaxed trip.Guides5 min readNara from Kyoto: deer, Todai-ji and a short walkA day in Nara from Kyoto: the deer in the park, the great temple, a walk through the woods and tips for dealing with the deer.Seasons4 min readOsaka Castle Park in cherry blossom seasonOsaka Castle Park is a good place to see cherry blossom in spring. Here is how to plan a visit in March or April, with a picnic, a walk and a forecast check.Festivals5 min readSummer fireworks: how to watch themSummer fireworks draw large crowds in Tokyo and Osaka. Learn how to choose a viewing spot, arrive early and get back to your hotel safely.Festivals5 min readTenjin Matsuri in Osaka: boats and drumsTenjin Matsuri is one of Japan's great summer festivals, held in Osaka in July. Learn how the boat procession works, where to watch and how to plan a night out.Festivals5 min readWinter illuminations in Fukuoka and KyushuWinter light shows brighten Fukuoka's stations, canals and parks from autumn into early spring. Learn where to walk and what to check first.

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