Travel Tips
-
The Ultimate Packing List For 2 Weeks in Japan
After three trips to Japan (and more packing spreadsheets than I’d like to admit) I’ve finally gotten packing down to a science. The first time I went, I overpacked “just in case.” The second time, I still brought too much, but learned what I actually used. By the third trip, I realized the key to
-
Traveling Sober in Japan
Traveling sober in Japan? Learn how to navigate drinking culture, turn down drinks politely, and find things to do that don’t revolve around alcohol.
-
From Home to Hotel: The Travel Experience to Japan from the U.S. East Coast
Traveling to Japan from the East Coast of the United States can feel intimidating the first time you plan it. Long flights, layovers, unfamiliar airports, and the sheer distance make it seem more complicated than it actually is. After multiple trips to Japan from North Carolina, we’ve learned what works, what doesn’t, and where flexibility…
-
What No One Told Me About Eating in Japan
On our first trip to Japan one of our dining experiences involved us staring at a menu for far too long before a kind server rescued us and pointed to a tiny button we were apparently meant to press for service. It felt like unlocking a secret level in a video game, and once I
-
Konbini (コンビニ) Ranking: Which One Comes Out on Top?
Every konbini in Japan has its strengths, and at the end of the day, there’s not a wrong choice. But if I had to pick one?
-
What’s in my bag? Toiletry Bag edition
This is the packing list that works for me after a few trips and a lot of trial and error.
-
From Frustration to Forgiveness: Our Complicated Love Story with Kyoto
Kyoto, the historic capital of Japan, was a spot that my wife and I had planned to visit for a week during our first trip to Japan. We had done research to find what we thought was the best hotel for our needs. Planned a route of all the places we wanted to visit in
-
Big News – Japan Part 4!
We are so excited to announce that we have booked our next trip! We will be traveling back to Japan in May 2026 for 11 days.
-
What to do in Japan Fall 2025
Fall in Japan is a fun time of year to visit. It is not as busy as Spring with the cherry blossoms, the beautiful fall foliage takes over the landscape, and the weather becomes mild and crisp. This time of year people are dressing in warmer clothing, enjoying hot meals with friends and family, and
-
How To Plan A Trip To Japan
So You Want to Go to Japan? Planning a trip to Japan can be as easy or as difficult as you want it to be. After planning three different trips to the Land of the Rising Sun; some with a large group and some with just my wife and I; I’ve gotten pretty comfortable with