Japan

Travelogues Japan

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Vacation in Japan : Highlights & Travel Tips

Japan is a destination that blends ancient tradition with cutting-edge modern life in a way few countries can match. Travelers can move from serene temples and bamboo groves in Kyoto to the neon energy of Tokyo, then on to mountain hot spring towns, coastal villages, and world-class ski regions. What makes Japan especially memorable is the care and craftsmanship found in everyday life—whether in seasonal cuisine, beautifully maintained gardens, efficient transportation, or the deep sense of hospitality that shapes the travel experience.

Key highlights include exploring Tokyo’s distinct neighborhoods, visiting Kyoto’s shrines, temples, and geisha districts, seeing Osaka for food and nightlife, and experiencing natural beauty from Mount Fuji views to autumn foliage and spring cherry blossoms. Many travelers also enjoy riding the shinkansen, staying in a ryokan, soaking in an onsen, and sampling regional specialties such as sushi, ramen, kaiseki, and street food. Practical tips: get an IC transit card for easy local travel, reserve popular accommodations and train tickets early during peak seasons, learn a few basic Japanese phrases, carry some cash for smaller shops, and pack according to the season since weather varies widely across the country.

Popular travel destinations Japan

Best time to travel Japan

The best time to visit Japan is generally March to May and October, when popularity peaks and travelers can enjoy mild weather, seasonal scenery, and many of the country’s most iconic experiences. Spring is ideal for cherry blossoms, while October offers comfortable temperatures and beautiful autumn colors with fewer summer weather challenges.

All travel reports from Japan

Kamakura and Sea

Kamakura is located on the coast of Japan, along the Pacific. The beach offered a lovely view and one could dip their feet in the water. From the beach, a beautiful path leads...

Cooking it yourself is also possible

Today, we have something homemade on the table. Spaghetti feels almost like home cooking in Japan. You can definitely tell by the prices that ingredients like tomatoes and peppers...

Good and affordable food

Today I tried a place that offers good and affordable food. At Matsuya near Ueno Park, I treated myself to a small menu for 650¥ (~3.50€). It included a small miso soup and a bowl...

Heute in der Goldfischstadt Yamatokoriyama.

...Und ein bisschen Kirschblüten war natürlich auch am Start 😉

Food Three

14.4 Here was my breakfast bento: The filling was bonito flakes and cheese 173Yen This was a spontaneous thing on the way to university. I can recommend it more than the...

Travel Report: 15 Days in Japan – A Journey through Tradition and Modernity

Discover Japan in 15 Days: A journey through vibrant metropolises, historic temples, and breathtaking landscapes awaits you.

Ishigaki/Japan

March 31, 2024 Ishigaki I had no particular goal in Ishigaki. So I went on a city walk. I bought things at two markets that looked appetizing and that I wanted to try. The...

Okinawa Teil 2 - Nago

When I arrived in Nago, I asked myself whether I was ready for a city again. But Nago turned out to be a really wonderful decision. After I was able to enjoy fish in an Iakaya...

Sleeping in a ryokan - japanese style...

Stunning. Everything is crazy. My first Yukata with Obi. This is the 'summer kimono' and it is made of lightweight cotton, making it easier to wash than a silk garment. Free...

Day 12 (Tokyo)

On the penultimate day in Tokyo, our goal was the largest anime store in the world. We took the not-so-crowded train to Ikebukuro, and upon arrival, we found ourselves in a huge...

The Imperial Palace in Tokyo

We wait for a long time at the gates of the Imperial Palace. With 70 other visitors, we are allowed to enter the outer area of the palace through the gate. We are led past the...

Arriving in Shinjuku

Hello Shinjuku!

Day 9 (Kanazawa-Tokyo)

After another amazing breakfast in Kanazawa, we went straight from the hotel to the train station and then took the Shinkansen to Tokyo. I slept well during the journey and...

Day 9 (Kanazawa)

The breakfast in Kanazawa was the best of the entire trip. The Japanese often eat warm breakfast, so there is usually little that we know from breakfast in Europe, like bread or...

NAKADAKI ART VILLAGE

Our journey takes us to Nakadaki Art Village in Isumi. Unlike Tokyo, it is a vibrant natural environment. We are able to stay in our own hut here and feel protected among the...

Snow Monkeys

Another special feature of the city of Yamanouchi is that there is a group of macaque monkeys living here who have made it a habit to bathe in the hot springs. The monkeys use...

The old Kyoto

A street in Gion - the historic district of Kyoto

In the Japanese Alps

Takayama is located west of the Japanese Alps. About a 90-minute bus ride away is Kamikochi, a valley in the middle of the northern Alps. This area is part of the Chubu Sangaku...

A trip to Yamanaka Onsen

A cute 'teahouse'

Off to Fuji!

Three consecutive days off, so let's go to Fuji. I'm actually not far from Fuji. However, there is a small mountain range between the hostel and the mountain. So, to Fuji, a...

The Silver and Golden Pavilion

In the east of Kyoto is the Ginkaku-ji, the Silver Pavilion or Ginkaku Temple. It is not really silver and it is not known whether there were actually plans to make it silver....

Shrine at Lake Ashi - Gondola Ride to the Volcano

After arriving at Lake Ashi, we visited the nearby Shinto shrine ⛩️ There is a very sought-after Torii in the waters of Lake Ashi, but the line of tourists was unbelievable long....

Bavarian Evening at Ingo Bingo

We took a trip with the entire sharehouse to Ingo Bingo. The owner studied for a year at Lake Ammersee in Germany and brought his knowledge to Japan. Jari works there as a master...

Meiji Shrine (Tokyo)

Today we took a trip to the Meiji Shrine (Shinto) located within Shibuya. The complex is situated in a very large park area and is easily accessible on foot from one of the...

Arrived in Yokohama 🇯🇵

Hello, As some of you know, I am spending this semester in Yokohama, Japan. During this time, I thought it would be nice to post small updates here in the form of blog entries at...

Odawara Castle and Temples

After Kamakura, I went to Odawara, where there's a substantial castle that's beautifully illuminated in the evening. In the evening, I went back to the coast and then to a...

Eel, rain, and more.

I went to Ikebukuro to try the famous eel there. This is a freshwater fish and a popular dish in Japan. The taste is very similar to regular fish. It was served with a delicious...

Mount Takao

Finally arrived at the top of the mountain. At nearly 600m, there is a beautiful view, even though the air is not entirely clear. Unfortunately, the center of Tokyo, which is 50...

Something in the city and festival at Kanda Myoujin Shrine

There was a lot going on in the city when I walked home from bouldering. I stumbled upon a nice summer festival at Kanda Myoujin Shrine. There, I treated myself to a cucumber on a...

Wakayama east coast

 ...After the Storm... Radtour - 3 Tage - 136km - 1190 Höhenmeter